Who wears braces?
It is very common to see teenagers having braces these days. But does everyone need them? Why do they have to wear braces?
People wear braces for a variety of reasons. These include:
- Crooked teeth
- Improper bite
- Protruding teeth
- Jaws that do not meet properly
- Problems with tooth eruption
- Missing teeth
Why do we have crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth can be inherited, with large teeth from one parent and small jaws from the other parent. Habits like thumb sucking also cause teeth to be crowded. Premature loss of teeth, either due to tooth decay or accidents, is another reason why teeth end up misaligned.
When is a good time to start braces?
In the majority of people who have crooked teeth but normal jaw growth, treatment can commence when most of the permanent teeth are out. This usually occurs around the age of 11 to 13 years.
However, early intervention is sometimes needed. Some children have developing jaw disharmonies or problems with erupting teeth. Early braces treatment can assist the growth of the jaws or help guide teeth into their proper positions. This can take place anytime from 7 to 11 years of age.
Very often, these problems go unnoticed, which is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should see an orthodontist at no later than age 7.
Braces Trivia!
Ancient Greeks started using base metals to move teeth as early as 1000BC.
Adults consider clear or hidden braces the most attractive option, and regard metal braces as the least attractive. On the other hand, some kids like to think of their braces are accessories that should be enhanced, not hidden.
More than half of Americans think that a nice smile plays the most important part in being attractive. The smile outranked other physical attributes like hair, body figure, and eyes.
86% of mums think that braces are cooler today compared to when they were children. 69% of them said their kids feel cool wearing braces.
Author: Dr. Boey Pui Yunn