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What Age Do Kids Need Braces?

By Smile Studio Dental / September 29, 2022

Age does not entirely dictate when a child should get braces, but specific guidelines are usually valid in most cases. According to the majority of orthodontists, children should wear braces when they are between the ages of 10 and 14 years.

It is better to receive braces at a young age since they can easily move teeth and adjust the bite. A child’s age and if he/she has all of his/her permanent teeth determines the timing of getting braces. The orthodontic treatment works most effectively if they have most of their permanent teeth. The condition of the jawbone is another important factor. A kid’s jawbone is not completely grown at this age. The jawbone will, in fact, continue to grow and mature. Going for the braces treatment during this phase can turn out to be the best decision. A jawbone that is not fully grown allows teeth to shift more easily and makes it much simpler for braces to correct most bite problems.

Secondly, it’s crucial to understand that most orthodontists believe a child should have an orthodontic evaluation around seven. Therefore, even though your child may not require braces until the age of ten to fourteen, it is better to have a preliminary assessment done while they are approximately seven years old.

How Can A Dentist Determine The Best Time To Get Braces?

A lot of individuals rely on their dentist when it comes to determining when to get braces. As mentioned before, your dentist may begin discussing your child’s potential need for braces when they are around seven years old. You should not hesitate to ask questions related to this topic. For instance, you can ask the dentist whether it would be best to wait or schedule an evaluation immediately.

Dentists can provide detailed information simply because they know the factors that play a role in determining the time of getting braces. Dental professionals know what to look for and understand how the treatment works.

Your dentist can also supply you with practical tips. That is why it is a great place to start as you begin to develop concerns about your kid’s teeth.

There Are Different Approaches To The Treatment

You might not know that orthodontists use a range of treatment procedures to meet the specific requirements of the patients. Therefore, the appropriate age for your child to wear braces will depend on the orthodontist’s selected course of treatment.

The most important thing to realize is that while some orthodontists advise adopting a two-phase approach, others can only employ one. Your child probably won’t require braces until they are at least ten years old if your orthodontist’s plan involves just one step.

If your orthodontist uses a two-phase plan, he or she might suggest beginning the first phase of the treatment at a much earlier age (around the age of seven). Once the first step of the treatment is completed, the kid might go for the second stage around the age of ten.

Most of the time, children don’t require two levels of orthodontic treatment. However, extreme situations can necessitate both steps.

You can get different types of braces in today’s time. There are orthodontic treatment options such as Invisalign and traditional braces. Both are excellent options, but one might be a better fit for your child than the other. Talking to a dentist can help resolve the confusion regarding choosing a particular orthodontic treatment.

Final Words

We hope you now understand when is the best time to get braces for your child. Always remember that fixing orthodontic problems at an early age can be a wise decision to make. Get in touch with your dentist if you have any further questions about this topic.

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