Kids need to have regular dental visits and orthodontic evaluations. The latter determines whether they need braces. Traditional braces work best for kids to correct problems with their bite or teeth alignment. Getting braces for kids provides them with several advantages for the rest of their lives, making braces a good investment for those who need them.
Braces for Kids Give Them a Better Smile
One of the primary reasons that people get dental braces for kids is cosmetic. Yes, pediatric braces will improve the appearance of the smile. There are several ways that braces can make the smile look better, including:
- Straightening crooked teeth
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Spacing out crowded teeth
- Correcting overbites or underbites
With straighter teeth, the smile does look better than it did before treatment with braces. However, to keep the smile healthy, kids need to follow their orthodontists’ instructions for wearing retainers or other aftercare. By following these directions, kids will avoid having their teeth move back into their original positions, which might require them to wear braces again as an adult. Parents need to remind their kids about the importance of following the orthodontist’s guidelines to retain their straighter teeth for the rest of their kids’ lives. Plus, professional care, including twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings, will keep the newly straightened teeth healthy.
Braces Improve Speech
The alignment of the jaw or teeth inside the mouth may affect the ability of a kid to speak properly. For example, a kid may whistle when they speak if they have a gap between teeth that allows air to stream through. Another example is a child who may lisp from an overbite. Both of these types of problems and many others that cause speech issues can be resolved through dental braces for kids.
When problems with speaking have structural origins, the child needs orthodontic care, usually with pediatric braces. Once the teeth reach their final alignment, the child can then work with a speech therapist to learn the correct ways to pronounce letters and words.
Kids with speech problems won’t typically grow out of them. Therefore, parents should see if a structural problem causes the issue. To do so, they should schedule a visit for their child with an orthodontist. The orthodontist can determine if the child has teeth or jaw problems that need correction through braces, which could help them improve their speaking.
Braces for Kids Makes Chewing Food Properly Easier
Pediatric braces improve the way the teeth come together in the mouth. Therefore, they make chewing food correctly easier. Consequently, kids who chew their food properly have a reduced likelihood of choking on large food pieces.
Additionally, kids with misaligned jaws might bite the insides of their cheeks when eating, causing pain. These kids may be less likely to want to eat foods that require a lot of chewing, such as fibrous vegetables, because they don’t want to risk biting the insides of their mouths. However, the downside is a less healthy diet that has softer, processed foods as the main components. Getting braces to realign the teeth and prevent cheek biting could make it easier for kids to return to eating vegetables and other healthy options.
Contact Lovett Dental Beaumont for Pediatric Braces and Dental Care for Life
Parents who have questions about their kids’ need for pediatric braces contact us at Lovett Dental Beaumont. Contact us at 409-924-8100 or message us online to schedule an appointment or to ask questions. We provide a full range of dental services for the entire family, including preventative dental care and orthodontic services, such as dental braces for kids. We work hard to help patients of all ages get great smiles.
