Braces are perhaps the most tried-and-true and iconic of all dental treatments, and they’ve assisted generations of young patients with achieving straighter, healthier smiles. But sometimes teeth are stubborn, and even after wearing braces, they shift back into incorrect positions and undo all of that hard work! However, this isn’t always a bad thing—in fact, there are numerous awesome benefits to undergoing orthodontics a second time. Here’s a closer look at a few reasons why your child might need braces again, along with some of the unique advantages offered by the treatment.
Why Would My Child Need to Wear Braces Again?
There are numerous reasons for needing to wear braces a second time, but the most common one has to do with what’s called orthodontic relapse. Often, teeth shift simply as a result of aging, in the same manner as things like children’s weights, heights, etc. changing as they grow older.
In fact, these changes in alignment can also gradually occur over time, even well after the conclusion of orthodontic treatment. This includes bite problems, crowding, and spacing issues. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, also poses a threat, as do bad oral habits including nail biting, thumb sucking, and tongue thrust. In some cases, physical injury might also move teeth out of ideal alignment after wearing braces. But at the end of the day, it’s often due to relapse onset by children not regularly wearing their retainers.
Are There Any Benefits to Children Wearing Braces Twice?
In addition to addressing orthodontic relapse, children gain access to several benefits when they undergo a second round of braces, including:
- Their smile will look better – Straighter teeth do a lot for a smile’s appearance; this can boost a child’s self-esteem and set their smile up for future beauty.
- Their teeth will function properly – Bite issues interfere with a kid’s ability to eat, speak, socialize, laugh, and enjoy life to the fullest. Braces can correct the issues that result from relapse and ensure that the teeth work as intended and fit together correctly.
- They’ll encounter fewer future oral health issues – Better dental alignment contributes to fewer oral health issues in the future; this is incredibly important as a child’s smile develops.
- Braces themselves keep getting better – As dental technology continues to improve, orthodontic solutions like braces benefit. They’re becoming more comfortable to wear and easier to maintain, and with additions such as clear aligners, also incredibly convenient and aesthetically pleasing!
If your child needs to wear braces again, you should be sure that they don’t feel discouraged or like they’ve failed—sometimes teeth simply do as they please, and need a little extra help getting back in line!
About the Practice
Here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re excited to bring families in Clinton, MA an unmatched level of dental care! We’re pleased to offer a wide range of orthodontic services for children of all ages, so if you believe your child might benefit from undergoing another round of braces, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule their next visit! Telephone: (978) 612-6222.