When is the right time to start braces?
Is there a right time to start braces? Is there a best age? It’s almost a rite of passage for teenagers to get braces. But when is the best time to pay the orthodontist a visit? Can you be too young?
Are Braces Needed?
The necessity of braces varies from patient to patient. They are by no means required or mandatory, but recommended for a better overall appearance of your child’s smile.
Braces are suggested in cases where dental issues are present, as in, overbite, under-bite, and/or cross-bite, overcrowding, or any incorrect jaw positions.
When to get an Orthodontic Evaluation
Many orthodontists agree that if your child has misaligned adult teeth, overcrowding in the mouth, or a misaligned jaw, just to name a few, it’s time to get an evaluation.
For children, that right time to start braces is commonly between the ages of 10 and 14. During this time, all baby teeth have been lost and they have started to get (or already have) their 12 year molars. Kids heads and mouths are still growing, as well, and their teeth are more receptive to realignment.
Early Intervention
Dentists design a treatment plan specific for each patient. This could require an early intervention for some children as early as age 6, that show signs of severe dental issues. Early intervention often entails examining for skeletal problems and fitting for a retainer to help the teeth grow in a healthier direction.
There are many benefits to early intervention besides the fact that many conditions are easier to correct if they are corrected early. Other benefits include:
- Ability to correct habits that may be causing the issue.
- Correcting bite problems, such as cross bite.
- A better idea of how the adult teeth will develop.
- Create a more aesthetic appearance of teeth and face.
If you are unsure whether or not your child needs an early intervention, call and/or make an appointment with your pediatric dentist.
So When is the Right Time to Start Braces for Your Child?
The best procedure for determining the right time to start braces would be to start with your pediatric dentist. They will evaluate your child’s need, or lack thereof, an early invention and the urgency of orthodontic treatment.
In the end, be sure to discuss with your child when they feel the right time to start braces is. The teenage years can be a trying time as they are, and facial adjustments may make this time even more sensitive.