Is straightening teeth with braces really important? our daughter doesn't want braces, and we don't have a lot of money to pay for them, though her dentist says she should see an orthodontist. is there anything that could actually happen if we choose not

Dr : Dr mcleod makes some very valid points. Did you dentist explain to you why the referral? Is her growth pattern out of the ordinary? Would performing minor orthodontics now help prevent major problems in the future? So hard to advise you sight unseen. The dentist who examined her is the best person to answer these questions.

Straightening : Straightening teeth with braces have health and emotional benefits. Crowded teeth attract more plaque and tarter which can cause cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease if left untreated. In addition, orthodontics can help correct bite and jaw problems she may currently have or get worse in the future. Finally, even though your daughter doesn't want them she may be very self consciencious and affraid to really want them because of your financial situation. I would recommend just getting a consult from an orthodontist. Most of the time consultations are complimentary. Have the orthodontist discuss the pros and cons of your daughters situation. Orthodontists usually include a financial breakdown and payment plans. Braces are a great investment and in the long run a great health benefit. Good luck dr. Lynann mastaj.

The : The only real downside to not having her teeth straightened is that her smile will not look so pretty. The real problem is that home care for the teeth is a little more challenging. Orthodontia can be performed at any time in life so long as the bone is adequate supporting the teeth. Now with out seeing the lateral cephalograms and being able to evaluate the need it is difficult to give a definitive answer. But i would suggest revisiting the need a little later when funds become available. Dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

Totally elective: All of the doctors who have commented here have provided true and valuable information. I tell every new patient exam that no treatment is a viable choice. Life will go on. It is not that there won't be negative dental factors that arise, but families must prioritize. I wish all could access orthodontic care, but if it is between treatment and college tuition: get educated, then revisit the idea.

Perhaps: Your daughter's desires at this point are irrelevant. You are the parent. If you can afford it, i strongly recommend it. However if not, she can always get it done as an adult when she will care more.

Depends: Depends on what you value as a parent and what the dental issue is. If your daughter's smile is unaesthetic and may affect her socially then it is totally worth having orthodontics especially in the teenager years. Furthermore, if there is severe crowding or a malocclusion present then orthodontics will help solve these issues. Yes orthodontics is not cheap but it is worth the investment.

See an orthodontist : You know your daughter better than anyone else. If she is not ready to commit to cooperating with her orthodontist and following instructions i would not have treatment at this point. Some problems are better treated while patients are younger and it is certainly more socially acceptable as an adolescent. However, cooperation is of utmost importance. Discuss this with an orthodontist.

Cost effective: An important consideration is overall cost. An orthodontist can point out to you exactly the extent of your daughter's malocclusion beside what is visibly apparent to you. Know that when teeth and jaws are properly aligned they work better, don't wear down or fracture, help bone & gum health, look better, & protect jaw joints. So pay now or pay much more later for repairs.

Commitment needed: All of the doctors are right about the value of braces. It would be a great thing to do for your daughter when you can afford to. But you also need to have your daughter buy into getting braces and be committed to doing all of the work cleaning her teeth during braces or she will end up with straight teeth full of white spots or decay. Without commitment, braces will not be good her.

No Braces Wanted: No one has ever died of crooked teeth. If your daughter keeps her crooked teeth and gums clean and healthy she can have a disease free mouth even with crooked teeth for her life time. It is easier to clean aligned teeth. If it is only the cosmetics and no other factors are not involved in seeing an ortho no need to push daughter. Later in life daughter may feel cosmetics are important.

Depends: on her condition. A poor bite can impact her health long term. Separately, there can be a psychological impact on having really bad teeth and smile not mention impact on social and professional life. If you have medicaid, it can cover the costs if her teeth are in severe enough condition. Also, most orthodontists will provide interest free financing to help. I would go to a free consult.