Does your teen have a misaligned bite? If so, something like traditional braces or clear aligner treatment in Franklin, TN may be important. Unfortunately, a lot of teens never make it to see an orthodontist for treatment due to a few common myths some parents believe. Check out a few of the biggest myths associated with smile alignment during the teen years and the facts you should know as a parent.

Myth: Smile alignment issues are not a big deal.

While many parents assume smile alignment problems are only an aesthetic issue, these problems can generate bigger oral health and overall health concerns. A misaligned smile can cause issues with low self-esteem, affect speech patterns, and even alter how an individual chews their food. If chewing is impeded, this could cause issues with uneven tooth wear or pain in the joints in the jaw. Crowded teeth can also mean a heightened chance of gum disease or decay that may lead to tooth loss early in life.

Myth: Most teens grow out of alignment issues.

It may be common for alignment to change slightly between baby teeth and adult teeth, but not once all the adult teeth have grown. Once permanent teeth have all grown, the alignment of the teeth does not change unless there are issues that affect the jaws or teeth are lost. Therefore, smile misalignment during the adolescent years does need to be corrected.

Myth: Only younger teens should have alignment issues corrected.

Orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients as young as seven years old. And, many dentists recommend starting orthodontic treatment early or when all the permanent teeth are in place. However, the treatment is suitable for teens of any age. Even adults are good candidates for smile alignment treatment. There is no age limit on treatments like braces or Invisalign.

Find the Best Orthodontic Treatment in Franklin, TN

Orthodontics can be a critical step on the path to a healthy adult smile for every teen. Therefore, it is important to not delay treatment when there are obvious alignment problems. If you suspect your teen needs orthodontic treatment in Franklin, TN, be sure to reach out to our team to find out about making an appointment.