Types, costs, treatment timelines, and honest answers to every
question — from Dr. Ananthi’s clinic in Adyar, Chennai.
Here’s something most parents don’t realise: orthodontic problems caught early are almost always simpler — and
less expensive — to treat. Yet the majority of children in Chennai who need braces come to us two or three years
after they should have.
Not because their parents didn’t care. Because no one told them what to look for, or when to come in.
Consider this your guide. Written warmly, honestly, and without the jargon — by Dr. Ananthi, right here in Adyar.
Why Braces? What They Actually Fix
Braces are not just about looks — though a straight smile certainly helps confidence. Orthodontic treatment
corrects the alignment of teeth and jaw, which has real, long-term health benefits.
Every child’s smile tells a different story. Here are the most common reasons children come to us for braces in
Chennai — and why each one is worth paying attention to:
⟨⟩ Crowded or Crooked Teeth
When the jaw doesn’t have enough room, teeth push against each other — overlapping, twisting, and making it nearly
impossible to clean properly. Left alone, this becomes a cavity waiting to happen.
Most common reason for braces
↔
Gaps Between Teeth
Extra spacing might seem harmless, but gaps affect how the bite comes together — and can cause food to get trapped in ways
that lead to gum disease over time.
Affects bite & gum health
∩
Overbite
The upper front teeth overlap too far over the lower ones. In moderate cases it’s cosmetic. In severe cases, the lower teeth can
actually bite into the roof of the mouth — causing pain and damage.
ORTHODONTICS · BRACES IN CHENNAI
Your Child Needs Braces?
Here’s Everything Parents Should Know
Types, costs, treatment timelines, and honest answers to every
question — from Dr. Ananthi’s clinic in Adyar, Chennai.
✦ By Dr. Ananthi, BDS✦ 10 min read✦ Updated 2026
Can cause long-term jaw strain
Underbite
The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when biting. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it puts uneven pressure on the jaw
joints and can lead to difficulty chewing and jaw pain as your child grows.
Easier to correct at a younger age
Crossbite
Upper and lower teeth don’t align side to side — some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This can cause
the jaw to shift to one side, leading to uneven facial development if left untreated.
Affects jaw symmetry
The upper and lower front teeth don’t meet at all — even when the mouth is closed. This makes biting into food difficult and can
affect speech clarity. Often linked to habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
Can affect speech development
»
Protruding Teeth
Front teeth that stick out further than they should are more than a cosmetic concern — they are significantly more vulnerable to
injury during falls or contact sports. Children with protruding teeth are twice as likely to chip or fracture a front tooth.
Higher injury risk in active children
⌒ Deep Bite
A deep bite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively — sometimes covering them almost entirely.
Unlike a regular overbite, a deep bite puts severe stress on the jaw joints and can cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of
the mouth over time, leading to gum damage, tooth wear, and chronic jaw pain. It is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions
in children — and one of the most important to catch early.
Often missed · Can cause long-term jaw & gum damage
