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Why Straight Teeth Matter

Several patients pursue orthodontic treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics so they can have an aesthetic, straight smile, but straight teeth provide more than just a pretty smile. Your teeth are meant to line-up and fit together, so they can properly do their job. When you have crooked teeth or misaligned jaws, your teeth can’t properly do their job. This can lead to a variety of oral health issues.



If you are considering visiting Dr. Ed or Dr. Jess to receive orthodontic treatment, you will be contributing to your oral health, and even to your overall health by straightening your teeth. Here are a few reasons why straight teeth mean more than just a pretty smile.


Crooked teeth are harder to clean

First of all, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean than straight teeth. Misaligned teeth provide plaque with the perfect, almost impossible to reach hiding spots. Almost impossible for even the most thorough oral hygiene routine! Missed plaque can build-up in these hiding spots and can cause cavities, gum inflammation and gum disease.


These oral issues affect more than the mouth. If crooked teeth cause plaque build-up, an increase in bacteria, and gum disease, you could be at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Any bacteria left in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and can cause infection, inflammation and disease in other parts of the body.


When straight teeth are properly aligned, maintaining your oral health is a breeze. You can reduce your risk of long-term oral complications like cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, gingivitis and more. Having properly aligned teeth and good oral hygiene actually improves your overall health.


Misaligned teeth are prone to injury

Our teeth are designed to sit together in a specific way, and when they don’t, it can cause excess wear and tear on our teeth, gums and jaws. When our teeth collide or touch in a way they weren’t meant to, they become brittle and are likely to crack or break.


A misaligned bite can cause unnecessary strain on your jaw muscles that can lead to pain and discomfort. In some cases, jaws that face considerable amounts of pressure from misalignments can result in TMJ.


When teeth are properly aligned, they can work together to help you chew, speak and rest your mouth comfortably. Having straight teeth changes the look of your smile, while also preserving the function of your teeth.


Sleep and breathing issues

Have you ever noticed yourself breathing through your mouth instead of your nose? Has anyone ever told you that you snore in your sleep? Both of these issues can be signs of a misaligned jaw, and can cause serious long-term health issues. Misaligned teeth, narrow jaws and improper tongue placement can all cause breathing problems and even sleep apnea.

“Mouth breathing,” which just means that you breathe with your mouth open rather than breathing through your nose, can cause crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can also cause mouth breathing. It is a cycle that can only be fixed with orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners. The position of your jaw can also affect your breathing. Misaligned jaws can cause the airway to become smaller and can make breathing difficult. This issue is directly tied back to mouth breathing.


While mouth breathing may not seem like that big of a deal, it can cause facial deformities, bad breath, gum disease, sleep disorders, and other issues. The most efficient way to correct mouth breathing is to undergo orthodontic treatment to align your jaws and straighten your teeth.


Everyone wants a straight smile they can feel confident about, but straight teeth go much deeper than the looks of your smile. If you or your child have crooked or misaligned teeth, it is important to get a consultation from an orthodontist so you can avoid the issues listed above.


Are you ready to straighten your teeth so cleaning can be a breeze? Are you worried about injuries to your teeth and gums due to misaligned jaws? Have you struggled with mouth breathing and worried about its long-term effects? Well, if you said yes to any of those questions, call Brown Family Orthodontics today at 1-877-230-7841 to schedule your free consultation appointment. We can create a treatment plan that works for you and get you a straight smile that will last a lifetime!

Ready For Your Beautiful, Confident Smile?

Your first appointment is on us!

A young boy is smiling while sitting at a desk in a classroom.
March 17, 2025
Why the AAO Recommends Your Child's First Visit by Age 7 Table of Contents Introduction What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation? Why Age 7? Understanding the AAO Guidelines Signs Your Child May Need an Early Orthodontic Visit Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit? Brown Family Orthodontics: Trusted Care for Over 50 Years Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit Today! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Conclusion Introduction As parents, we all want the best for our children—including a beautiful, healthy smile. But did you know your child's first orthodontic visit should happen much earlier than the teenage years? According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early checkup ensures proper jaw growth, identifies potential alignment issues, and sets the foundation for a lifetime of straight, healthy teeth. At Brown Family Orthodontics, led by Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess , we specialize in providing early smile care for children across Mississippi and Louisiana. With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned orthodontic care, our team is dedicated to offering preventive orthodontic solutions, including braces , Invisalign® and Spark Aligners to create confident smiles that last a lifetime. What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation? An early orthodontic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your child's dental and jaw development. At this visit, our experienced orthodontists will: Examine how your child's teeth are growing. Check for any signs of misalignment or crowding. Assess the growth of the jaw and bite alignment. Identify potential orthodontic issues before they become serious. This evaluation allows us to detect problems early and, if necessary, plan a preventive orthodontic treatment to guide jaw growth and create space for incoming teeth. Why Age 7? Understanding the AAO Guidelines The AAO recommends an orthodontic checkup by age seven because this is when children's permanent teeth begin to come in. By this age, an orthodontist can spot subtle issues that may not be visible to parents or even general dentists. Key Reasons for an Age 7 Checkup: ✔ Jaw Growth Monitoring – Early detection of an overbite, underbite, or crossbite can help prevent more complex issues later. ✔ Identifying Crowding or Spacing Issues – Some children may have too much or too little room for incoming permanent teeth. ✔ Preventing Future Dental Complications – Addressing orthodontic problems early can minimize the need for later extractions or extensive treatment. ✔ Guiding Teeth into Proper Alignment – If needed, early appliances or braces can help ensure teeth grow in the right direction. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we follow the AAO guidelines to ensure your child receives the best preventive orthodontic care possible. Signs Your Child May Need an Early Orthodontic Visit While every child's development is different, there are common signs that indicate a need for an early orthodontic checkup: 🔹 Early or late loss of baby teeth 🔹 Difficulty chewing or biting 🔹 Mouth breathing 🔹 Thumb-sucking beyond age 4 🔹 Crowded, misplaced, or protruding teeth 🔹 Jaw shifting, clicking, or asymmetry 🔹 Speech difficulties If you notice these signs, don't wait—schedule an orthodontic evaluation with Brown Family Orthodontics today! Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment Some children may not need immediate treatment, but early intervention can significantly improve the lives of those who do. Advantages of Early Treatment: ✅ Creates Space for Permanent Teeth – Helps prevent crowding or impactions. ✅ Guides Jaw Growth – Improves facial structure and prevents jaw misalignment. ✅ Reduces the Risk of Tooth Damage – Protruding front teeth are more prone to injury. ✅ Minimizes the Need for Future Extractions – Aids in natural tooth alignment. ✅ Boosts Confidence – A beautiful smile can improve a child's self-esteem and social interactions. Early treatment can often reduce the length and complexity of orthodontic care needed in the teen years. What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit? A child's first orthodontic consultation at Brown Family Orthodontics is simple, comfortable, and informative. 🔹 Step 1: Initial Examination - Dr. Ed or Dr. Jess will carefully evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and jaw growth. 🔹 Step 2: Digital X-Rays & Imaging - We'll take X-rays or 3D scans to assess any hidden issues. 🔹 Step 3: Treatment Recommendations - We'll monitor growth if no immediate treatment is needed. If intervention is required, we'll discuss the best treatment options. 🔹 Step 4: Q&A Session – We'll answer all your questions and explain the next steps in your child's orthodontic journey. The goal is to make the visit educational, stress-free, and reassuring for both kids and parents. Brown Family Orthodontics: Trusted Care for Over 50 Years With a 5-star rating and over 150+ reviews, Brown Family Orthodontics has built a reputation for exceptional orthodontic care. We have seven convenient locations across Mississippi and Louisiana, making it easy for families to access top-tier orthodontic services. 📍 Our Locations: ✔ Chalmette – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Mandeville – 📞 985-626-8297 ✔ Metairie – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Marrero – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Madisonville – 📞 985-893-1044 ✔ Ocean Springs – 📞 228-872-8153 ✔ Pascagoula – 📞 228-762-4403 We offer braces, Invisalign®, Spark Aligners and personalized orthodontic care to ensure beautiful, healthy smiles for all ages. Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit Today! If your child is around age 7, now is the perfect time to schedule their first orthodontic evaluation. Early care can improve their dental health and confidence. 📞 Call your nearest Brown Family Orthodontics location or click HERE to schedule a consultation today! A lifetime of healthy, confident smiles starts early—let's take the first step together! Conclusion Your child's smile is a vital part of their health and confidence, and early orthodontic evaluations play a key role in ensuring proper jaw growth, alignment, and long-term dental health. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a checkup by age 7, and at Brown Family Orthodontics, we are committed to providing expert care tailored to each child's needs. With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned experience, Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess offer high-quality orthodontic treatments, including braces and Invisalign®, across seven convenient locations in Mississippi and Louisiana. Whether your child needs early intervention or just monitoring, our goal is to help them achieve a healthy, confident smile for life. Don't wait—schedule your child's first orthodontic visit today! Call your nearest Brown Family Orthodontics location or click HERE to get started. A brighter, healthier smile begins with early care—let's take the first step together! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Will my child need braces after their first visit? Not necessarily! The first visit is primarily an evaluation to monitor growth. If treatment is needed, we'll discuss the best approach. What is the best age for braces? While braces are often placed between ages 10 and 14, early intervention (if needed) can make later treatment shorter and more effective. How long does an early orthodontic consultation take? A typical consultation lasts about 30-45 minutes and includes an exam, imaging, and discussion of treatment options. Does my child need a referral from a dentist? No referral is required! Parents can schedule an appointment directly with us. Does insurance cover early orthodontic evaluations? Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic evaluations. We can help check your benefits and discuss flexible payment options.
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