If you, your spouse, or both had braces as teenagers, there is a good chance your children will need them, too. The alignment of our teeth is affected by our genetics, after all.

The good news is that you have your option of visiting of our Indiana locations to help your family create straight, healthy smiles. Today, we’ll discuss the benefits of braces for creating better smiles.

To find out how our team at Orthodontic Alliances can help your family, start by scheduling an exam with one of our doctors. Call 219-809-6584 (Michigan City) 219-841-7795 (Portage) 219-440-6512 (St. John)  today!

Straight Smiles Are Healthier Smiles

This may be something you already know, but it’s worth reiterating. Many people think about the cosmetic benefits of having straight teeth when deciding to get orthodontic treatment for their children.

We all understand that people will unfairly judge someone based on the condition of their teeth. You don’t want your kids assessed that way. We get that.

At the same time, you want your kids to be as healthy as they can be, too. That includes their oral health (which affect their overall health). It’s also a great reason to take the time to fix a misaligned smile.

When teeth are crooked or crowded, they can trap bacteria in places that can’t be reached with a toothbrush or dental floss. That can leave them more prone to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss as they get older. (We think you would agree that’s bad for the appearance of their smile.)

When teeth are straight, cleaning them is more effective. A toothbrush and dental floss can get into the spaces they need to clean. This also makes it easier for your family dentist to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teens’ teeth during their regular dental appointments.

By talking to our doctors, we can help you find the right orthodontic option for your loved ones.

Schedule An Appointment Early

We recommend scheduling an orthodontic evaluation for your kids around their 7th birthday. That might sound early since most kids don’t start wearing braces or aligners until they are a little older. Yet, we often can identify potential problems at this age. In some cases, it’s possible to begin treatments that will make their orthodontic care much simpler when they are ready for them.

Dentofacial orthopedics is a way of guiding the growth of your children’s bones. That can make a big difference in how their teeth erupt and how severe their alignment issues may be. In some cases (not all), this can even eliminate the need for braces when they are teens.

When your child is old enough for braces, we can reevaluate their situation. At that time, we can help you decide which treatment is best for their needs. For some, this will mean traditional braces. Other patients may get comparable benefits from ceramic braces or Invisalign aligners.

Do What’s Best For Your Kids’ Oral Health

Visiting Orthodontic Alliances is one of the things you can do if you have any concerns about your child’s smile. We will be happy to take a look at their teeth, answer any questions you have, and help you find the right solution for any alignment issues.

To get started, contact us to request an evaluation. You can reach us online or call 219-809-6584 (Michigan City) 219-841-7795 (Portage) 219-440-6512 (St. John) .