Benefits of braces

Many Benefits of Braces


Self-esteem and confidence that come from looking one’s best are two important reasons to consider braces, but the benefits of braces go well beyond pure aesthetics. Braces ensure correct bite and tooth alignment which has many positive side-effects; including:

Braces can establish the foundation for a lifetime of improved oral health while helping you and your children look their best.

How to Know if Your Child Needs Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening no later than age seven. By this age it will be clear if a child has any malocclusions, or jaw alignment problems in which the upper and lower jaws are not the same size. Some malocclusions are extremely common, like overcrowding of either or both of the jaws. The earlier the orthodontic evaluation, the quicker we can determine if braces are required and what treatment plan is best. With overcrowding, some kids’ teeth will grow into their expanding mouths without problems; others’ will continue to be squeezed, which can pose problems later on if not corrected. Other malocclusions include open bite, in which the upper and lower lines of teeth do not meet each other in the middle of the mouth, crossbite, where the upper and lower teeth do not line up evenly with each other, and overbite and underbite, in which the upper jaw is larger than the lower or vice versa. At an orthodontic evaluation, our team will assess your child’s occlusions and recommend whether braces are needed.

For more information contact the Dr Frans Swanepoel offices