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Teen Braces: Straight Teeth In Progress!

Many pre-teens and young teenagers have colorful smiles -- they wear braces. Today's teen braces bear little resemblance to the "train tracks" that baby boomers may remember from their youth -- they're updated in style and make a colorful fashion statement that's good for their teeth! You can even get invisible braces, which are made by Invisalign.

Why Do Kids Wear Braces?

It's not surprising that many teenagers wear braces. Dental experts estimate that more than two-thirds of the population need braces to correct dental problems that occur, including teeth that protrude or are crooked, teeth that overlap and crowd each other, and teeth that have gaps between them. In addition, some children need braces to align their teeth and correct their bite. Whatever the condition, children recognize that they will enhance their appearance in the long term. Parents know that they are actually making an investment in their child's health and appearance. Now with invisible braces children won't have to be self conscious of their smile when the are wearing orthodontic braces!

What Happens If They Don't Get Orthodontic Braces?

Not everyone who needs orthodontic braces gets them. Children who have problems with their teeth will not outgrow them, nor will their teeth "just take care of themselves." Crooked teeth or overlapping teeth will stay that way, and will be difficult to clean, which can lead to bacteria growth and gum disease. Bites that need correcting will cause difficulty in biting or chewing as time goes on. Teeth that are not aligned correctly may wear the enamel more quickly, which exposes the teeth to more damage.

When Should My Child Visit an Orthodontic Dentist?

It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist when your child's permanent teeth appear, sometime between the ages of five and seven. Your family dentist may recommend an orthodontic dentist in your area if he isn't able to fulfill your needs. You may also ask friends whose children have had orthodontic braces if they have any recommendations.

An early appointment is advised to spot any potential problems that require treatment. Timing is critical since delaying treatment can multiply some dental problems. The orthodontist will be able to tell you how your child's mouth is developing and whether any problems exist. At early ages, children's jaws are still growing; at about age 12, the mouth and jawbones begin to harden. Some children at the earlier ages require a retainer, which sometimes eliminates the need for teen braces at a later age. After this age any structural work may require complex surgery so early treatment is advised.

Smile - Straight Teeth in Progress!

Because so many children have braces these days, much of the stigma of teen braces has disappeared. In fact, teen braces are often viewed as a fashionable rite of passage. While your child may experience some good-natured ribbing at first, chances are that lots of classmates have braces, too. Remind them that their smile -- and their dental health -- is important to you, and that it won't be long before the braces give way to straight, healthy teeth, guaranteed to make them smile! Plus invisible braces by Invisalign could allow your child to repair crooked teeth and have the smile they have always wanted without the teasing from their peers.

By Danine M. Fresch, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Crooked Teeth and a Bad Bite

How's your occlusion today? When your jaws meet nicely and teeth are configured properly in your jaw, that's occlusion. When the fit's awry, it's called a malocclusion .

About 2,000,000 Americans know malocclusion inside and out. So what's wrong with a little overbite? For 20% of us, it's a handicap, for 5%, it's a physical and mental hardship. That's why there's orthodontics.

The gist of jaws

The upper jaw, or maxilla, is part of the skull and it doesn't move. In children, the maxilla is joined at the root of the mouth by soft tissue that grows into one bone mass by about age 17. Our upper teeth are a little bigger than the lowers. We call the lower jaw the mandible. When the maxilla and the mandible work properly, they chew, grind, and tear our food, facilitate normal speech, swallowing, and basic oral health. When your jaws don't align well, you may not be able to eat, breathe or communicate normally.

Getting the bite right

Orthodontic theory, and attempts at bite correction, can be traced to ancient Greek and Roman cultures. But until dentists could agree on the problem, each rigged his own correction device. Some of these 19th century "designer" orthodontic appliances were fanciful, some merely crude.

The early orthodontist Edward Angle classified occlusions into three types. His principles are still the standard today.

• Class I occlusion is a "normal" bite. Since there is argument what "normal" is, Class I could be defined as a jaw/bite relationship that seems to be okay and doesn't cause any problems, although there may be some tooth crowding caused by eruption of extra teeth or missing teeth.
• Class II brings us to true malocclusions, in this case, the buckteeth of Bugs Bunny fame. It's certainly more amusing as a cartoon than reality though. Class II lower jaws are usually small and crowded. Along with a protruding upper jaw, the chin recedes. Children with Class II bites, and adults, for that matter, seem especially subject to social derision. Aside from problems with keeping teeth clean, Class Iis can expect cruel jokes.
• Class III malocclusions are relatively rare (5%)and may include a jutting lower jaw and lower teeth that close in front of the uppers (think Dick Tracy). Treatment is complex, and may require bone surgery.

In any case, seeing your dentist on a regular basis is very important. In the case of Class Iis and IIIs, seeing an orthodontist could make a big difference in your self-esteem and make your life much easier.

With more adults seeking treatment their parents couldn't afford when they were youngsters, this is a very exciting time in orthodontics—we have a world of new orthodontic materials that work better and faster.

Heavy metal bands? Most of us have heard the news about braces. They're lighter, smaller, easier to clean—dare we say it—almost comfortable. Plastics and bonding adhesives mean no more heavy metal bands around teeth. Wire and brackets can be "super-glued" directly onto the teeth (Look, Ma, no bands!).

NASA's missile technology has given us Nitinol, a "memory" metal that retains its shape better than stainless steel. Arch wires made of Nitinol exert a light, steady force that stands up to the push and pull of orthodontic appliances. And lingual braces, glued to the back (tongue side) of the tooth, are proving effective in closing moderate gaps. It's like having invisible braces.

A new breed of patient

The best part of new orthodontics for your orthodontist, though, is a willing, and eager patient. Home care is critical to any orthodontic treatment plan. Careful, constant cleaning, wearing your retainers, and avoiding foods that make a mess of all the handiwork is a must. Most adult patients appreciate the investment of time and energy and tend to go about home care with vigor.

If you're considering adult orthodontic braces, use our search area above to find an orthodontist in your town. Whether nature planned your smile a little off, or a missing tooth changed the geography over the years, you now have the option of a bite made in heaven.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.