Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-image – important qualities at every age.

Kids should have their first orthodontic assessment around age 7. This early check gives the orthodontist a clear view of jaw growth, tooth development, and any bite issues that may need attention later. Some children start treatment young, while others simply get monitored until the right time.

Early treatment provides the opportunity to:

1. guide the growth of the young jaw bones creating a better environment for those new emerging permanent teeth
2. guide incoming teeth into optimal positions
3. regulate the width of the jaws
4. lower the risk of trauma to prominent front teeth
5. correct harmful sucking habits
6. reduce the likelihood of teeth becoming stuck or impacted under the gums
7. preserve or gain space for arriving permanent teeth

That depends a lot on you and how bad your bite is to begin with. Complex/severe bites take longer. The better you are following our doctor’s instructions and taking care of your braces, the sooner your teeth will improve.