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As parents, when we think of our children’s future, we often think of saving for college, but did you know there’s another way you can also help their future that’s right under their noses? By providing your children and teenagers braces at the proper time in their lives, you are giving them more than just a nice smile and straighter teeth. You’re instilling greater self-confidence that can only benefit them later in life.

A study performed by Manchester University found that one of the important benefits from wearing braces is that “it can boost children’s confidence.” The trial, including children as young as eight, showed that they “became happier, were less anxious and had more self- esteem.” One of the main purposes of braces, of course, is to correct the bite and straighten crooked teeth, making them look and function better and reduce the risk of them being damaged. However, a major advantage concluded from the study was that having achieved the benefits of wearing braces “has changed children’s perception of themselves.” The study also found it beneficial to include the children in the discussions about the choice of  treatments they receive, making them more a part of the process.

“Orthodontists and researchers have done a good job of modernizing the orthodontic process to avoid many of the things our generation remembers about braces, like headgear, metal bands and extraction of teeth,” says Dr. John Hanson, of Chermak and Hanson Orthodontics. Dr. Chermak adds, “Braces have changed technologically like everything else. The advantages for the patient today are decreased time in treatment, very little discomfort, quicker appointments and less extraction of permanent teeth.”

Read more on page 26 in the October Issue of FF magazine