HowStuffWorks explains that orthodontists estimate that roughly 45% of children need braces to fix functional problems such as a misaligned bite, but up to 75% of kids could benefit from them to straighten their teeth and improve the shape of their face.
The percentage of people that need braces to treat functional problems is around 45 percent, and even more still may need braces for hidden problems. Figuring out if your kid needs braces can be difficult if their dental issues are more subtle.
Here's what you need to know. Everyone wants a show-stopping smile, but not everyone is blessed with head-turning teeth from the beginning. So, it's no shocker that many people turn to orthodontics for their desired smile. In fact, about 25 to 50 percent of kids require orthodontics.
A 1998 survey concluded that needing braces is more common than not needing them, estimating that only 35 percent of adults have properly aligned teeth. Symptoms that can indicate you need braces include: teeth that are visibly crooked or crowded. difficulty flossing between and brushing around crooked teeth.
Most Common Reasons That Children Need Braces
The effects that habits such as thumb-sucking or thrusting the tongue has on the teeth. Delayed eruption of the upper and lower two front teeth.
Physically, not getting braces can lead to other more complicated dental and orthodontic issues down the road, including potential (costly) surgery to fix more extensive damage.
However, a general rule of thumb is your kids should look at getting braces between the ages of 9 and 14. Usually, this is before they've gone through puberty. If they've already gone through it, this means it'll be harder to adjust their jaw and/or teeth, as they've already settled into their post-puberty positions.
We often see that once a child hears from a specialist, like us, about the benefits of braces, he or she may be more committed to follow through with recommended orthodontic treatment. This may go without saying, but we'll say it just in case: do not try to force your child into getting braces.
Weakened, Worn, or Chipped Teeth
Chewing with overcrowded teeth or bite issues like underbite, overbite, or cross bite isn't just uncomfortable. These all place extra wear and tear on your teeth, which gradually weakens the enamel over time. The longer this goes on, the more likely your teeth are to chip and break.
Some kids DO need braces, but not all kids…
Some kids are better served by other orthodontic treatments instead of braces. It is our job to figure out what is or isn't needed and what options are best (or if there even is a need for your child to have them).
If you're one of the 62% of Australian adults considering orthodontic treatment, you're not alone. Over the last five to ten years, orthodontists from all over Australia are increasingly treating more and more adults for adult braces and other orthodontic treatment.
How many people in Australia have braces? As of now, there are currently over 400,000 people in Australia that use braces, with around a quarter of these people being adults over the aged of 19.
Statistics show that only 35% of Americans are born with straight teeth. And while achieving a perfect smile is the number one reason why people go to an orthodontist, orthodontic treatment can also help you preserve the health of your teeth for longer.
Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for young people under the age of 18 at no cost, if a dentist feels they need it. NHS orthodontic treatment isn't usually available for adults, but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health reasons.
The answer, it's never too late to get braces! Getting braces is usually associated with children and teenagers, but we are here to inform you that there is no age limit on getting braces. Having the perfect smile can be lifetime goal of yours no matter what your age.
There's really no age limit for braces except in a very broad sense. Children shouldn't get braces placed on their baby teeth, for example; they should wait until they have their adult teeth. But once the adult teeth are in, the only contraindications for braces are health-related, not age-related.
Yes, braces can change your jawline, your chin, the shape of your mouth, and even your lips. However, these effects are secondary to the actual reforming of your teeth and bite. Braces can tighten your jawline and your teeth, but this happens over time and imperceptibly.
Many parents begin asking when their children will need braces when their child is still very young. While anyone can benefit from braces at nearly any time in their life, most individuals start braces at about 12 or 13 years old, with the opportunity to start earlier if needed.
Yes, adults get braces
But adults getting braces for cosmetic reasons is becoming more common, and it's something you shouldn't feel bad about jumping into!
Patients tend to find braces annoying, rather than actually painful. During the early days after braces are put on, it can be helpful to eat soft foods in order to help alleviate discomfort.
Many families literally go without needs and many wants to receive orthodontic care, even if money is really tight. Braces are a luxury that many children, teens, and adults alike are eager to have.
A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason. It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peacock's tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.
Having a confident smile isn't dependent on whether you have perfect teeth because oral health should be your top priority! Having perfect teeth is not a requirement to flash the world your beautiful smile.
There are no specific government programs in Australia that subsidise the cost of getting braces. The Australian government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) offers assistance for two-17 year-olds to access a range of dental services and procedures for free.
For parents and guardians
The CDBS covers part, or all, of the costs (up to $1026 over 2 calendar years) for basic dental services for children up to 17 years of age. Learn more about the CDBS, and whether your child is eligible, on Service Australia's website.