Do you have concerns about the way your child’s teeth are growing in?
Do they look crooked?
Are there gaps between teeth?
Does your child have a major overbite?
These are all great questions to ask as you start thinking about braces for your child, but the bigger question is usually “what is the best age to get braces?”
This is a question dentists and orthodontists hear all the time. If this is the main question you have, let’s talk about the answer.
The Recommended Age
Age doesn’t completely dictate when a child should get braces but there are certain guidelines that are generally true with most cases.
For one, most orthodontists believe that braces are best for kids when they are between the ages of 10 to 14 years old.
Braces shift teeth and adjust bite which is why it is best to get braces at a young age like this. At this age, a child will generally have all of his or her permanent teeth which is a factor that affects the timing of braces.
A child really needs to have most of their permanent teeth for braces to be the most effective.
Another big factor is the state of the jawbone. A child at this age will not have a fully developed jawbone yet. The jawbone will still be in the process of growing and forming.
A jawbone in this state is ideal for braces. Not only will teeth shift easier when the jawbone is not fully developed, but a jawbone in this state also makes it so much easier for braces to correct most types of bite issues.
Secondly, though, it’s important to know that most orthodontists believe that it is best for a child to receive an orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7.
So, even though your child might not need braces until he or she is 10 to 14, it is best to get an initial evaluation around the age of 7.
Starting at this age will help you learn more about the challenges your child might face with braces and the time-frame to consider.
You might learn that now would be the best time to start, or you could learn that you have a few years before using braces.
How Your Dentist Can Help You Determine the Best Time
A lot of people base the decision of age on what their dentist says. Dentists and orthodontists offer very different services but both are experts with teeth and mouths.
When your child is around the age of 7 or so, your dentist might start talking about the potential need for braces and you are free to ask the dentist questions.
For example, you could ask the dentist if now is a good time for an evaluation or if you should wait.
A dentist can give you a lot of answers simply because he or she knows what factors play a role in the timing of braces. Dentists know what to look for and they understand how braces work.
Your dentist can supply you with a lot of helpful tips, and that is why this is a good place to start as you start developing concerns about your child’s teeth.
There Are Different Treatment Approaches
You might not know that there are a variety of different types of treatment approaches used by orthodontists. So, the age that is right for your child to get braces will depend on the treatment approach the orthodontist uses.
The main thing to understand is that some orthodontists recommend using a two-phase plan while others use just one phase. If the plan your orthodontist uses is just one step, your child probably won’t need braces until at least the age of 10.
If your orthodontist uses a two-phase plan, he or she might recommend starting at a much younger age with the first phase of the plan. This might require starting around the age of 7.
Once the child completes the first phase, he or she could move on the second stage around the age of 10 or so, depending on the case.
In most cases, kids will not need to complete orthodontics in two stages. Extreme cases, though, may require both steps.
Additionally, braces do not come in just one type. There are options, including traditional braces as well as Invisalign. Both are great choices but one might be better than the other for your child.
It’s Never Too Late If You’re Wondering What Is the Best Age to Get Braces
If you’re ready to seek advice and help for your child’s teeth, you might also want to consider orthodontic treatment for yourself.
Have you always felt self-conscious about the way your teeth look? If so, do you feel like this has impacted your life in any negative ways?
It is really important for you to know that it really is never too late to get braces. Orthodontists can assist you and offer options, such as Invisalign, to you no matter how old you are.
Find Out More Through a Consultation Visit
So, what is the best age to get braces? As you can see, there are many factors that affect the answer to this decision but we can help.
We offer a variety of different products and services and can help you choose the right option for you or your children. If you live in the Fort Pierce area, call us today or visit us online to learn more about how we can help you!
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just improve the looks of your teeth but it can also improve your self-esteem and confidence level.