Braces and Better Oral Health: More than Just a Smile
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A straight smile can do more than boost your child's confidence. It can also support long-term oral health for kids. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, our team of pediatric dentists in Lancaster, PA provides orthodontic treatments that go beyond appearances to help kids and teens achieve healthier teeth, stronger bites, and easier dental care. While clear orthodontic aligners like Spark™ can play a role for some teens, traditional braces remain one of the most effective and reliable solutions for younger patients and those with more complex orthodontic needs. Take a closer look here at the oral health benefits of braces — like reducing the risk of cavities and more — as well as when braces are recommended for kids and why.
How do braces for kids and teens do more than straighten teeth?
Traditional metal braces are designed to gently and gradually guide teeth into better alignment using brackets and wires. When you straighten crooked teeth with braces, it not only improves how a smile looks but also helps correct problems that can affect long-term oral health, including:
- Crowded teeth that make brushing and flossing difficult
- Bite misalignment that strains the jaw or causes uneven wear on teeth
- Gaps that can trap food and bacteria
- Overlapping teeth that increase the risk of cavities and gum problems
By addressing these issues early, braces help kids and teens maintain healthier teeth and gums now while lowering their risk of dental concerns in the future.
What oral health problems can braces help prevent in the future?
Having straight teeth is certainly a confidence booster, but by correcting the problems listed above — such as gaps between teeth, dental overcrowding, and others — patients are actually reducing their risk of future dental and oral health problems. In other words, braces during childhood can set kids and teens up for a lifetime of healthier mouths by making daily oral hygiene easier. Some of the specific problems that can be better avoided with corrections made during orthodontic treatment with braces may include:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- TMJ problems
- Abnormal tooth wear
- Speech difficulties
Are braces the best choice for kids' orthodontic treatment?
This is a common question we receive from parents considering braces vs. clear aligners. For younger patients, traditional braces are often more effective than clear aligners. Braces remain fixed in place, so parents don't have to worry about whether their child is wearing them enough. Traditional metal braces can also treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including more significant bite problems and severe crowding that aligners may not fully correct. Many kids even enjoy choosing colorful bands to personalize their braces, turning treatment into something fun instead of stressful.
Still, there are some cases when clear aligners for kids or teens may be appropriate — like for a second round of braces or in adolescents who are concerned about the appearance of braces. Following a thorough consultation and exam, our Lancaster, PA pediatric dentists will discuss your child's available orthodontic treatment options and help you choose a solution that is right for your family's needs and goals.
Give your kids the gift of a beautiful smile and long-term oral health with pediatric dentistry in Lancaster, PA
With every child having a unique smile, our team at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates carefully evaluates each case before making a recommendation for braces vs. aligners or another treatment option. For many children, braces are the most effective way to create a healthier, more functional smile. For teens who are good candidates, Spark clear aligners may be an option for later stages of care. No matter the decision for treatment, our goal is to help your child achieve both a confident smile and lasting oral health. To learn more about the benefits of pediatric dental braces, contact us today to schedule a pediatric dental appointment in Lancaster, PA.