The info in this post was provided by TendlerOrthodontics.com
I remember in highschool my dentist telling my mom that I should have braces. My teeth were crowded, some overlapped others. He told her that crowded and overlapping teeth make it more difficult for me to clean my teeth and can lead to other dental problems in the future. My parents didn’t have a lot of money and had to put it off for a few years but I finally got braces when I was about 16. I was so nervous they wouldn’t be off in time for senior pictures. I had to have mine on for 2 years because my teeth really needed some work. When they came off though I had so much more confidence in my smile.
I’ve heard a lot of studies and surveys where people were polled and asked what the first physical thing they noticed about a person and many said “their smile” Having orthodontic work early can help with a child’s self esteem as well as possibly prevent future dental issues. To come full circle, my oldest son is 11. His dentist told me he would need braces. I asked him when. He said after he loses a few more baby teeth. I’m already planning for the expense but I know it will be expense that will be worth it 10x over from my own experience.
You don’t have to take my word for it though. Learn more about early diagnosis and when you might want to consult an orthodontist. I’m so glad my boys’ dentist gave me a heads up because it gives me plenty of time to look into options, plan for expenses, and research orthodontists. I also know that it could end up saving my son and I money in the long run in terms of dental and medical issues in the future. Not just financially but physically.
I knew very early on with my son (at like 7-8) that he would need braces and he started visiting an orthodontist at around age 10 for checkups every 6 months or so to check on his progress and he got his braces on at age 12 after he lost all his baby teeth and had a supernumerary tooth fixed. He has had them on for around 21 months now. They initially said he would need them for 26 months but recently said things are looking good and he could be close to getting them off. He’s really hoping so because he doesn’t want to go another football season wearing them, LOL.