Most people think of teens with braces, but orthodontic treatment can start long before those teen years hit. In fact, it’s best to start the process as early as possible. Let’s explore when a child should get braces and steps you can take right now.
Best Age for Braces Prep (Right Now!)
The steps leading up to braces can start at any time. If your child’s teeth are still developing, we can observe bite alignment and create a personalized plan for orthodontic treatment. Depending on the issues at hand, we may be able to take steps now that reduce the timeframe for braces or eliminate them altogether.
At minimum, an early orthodontics evaluation can help your child feel more comfortable when it’s time for braces. This is the same reason why we recommend dentist appointments as early as age one. We want your child to get used to seeing the dentist so he or she can approach oral hygiene with confidence.
Average Age for Braces (8-14 Years Old)
On average, children get braces between 8 and 14 years of age. This is around the time that the majority of adult teeth have emerged, and it’s when we can clearly see the alignment issues at hand. With that said, there are plenty of children who start orthodontics treatment before 8 or after 14. Every child has unique needs, and we tailor our services to accommodate them.
Braces for Baby Teeth – Should We Wait for Adult Teeth to Come in?
Your child could start orthodontic treatment before all of their adult teeth come in. Some smile concerns are best addressed in the developmental stages, before those permanent teeth emerge. Your orthodontist will keep track of your child’s teeth, jaws and gums to determine how quickly he or she should get braces.
What to Expect for Early Orthodontist Appointments
At Clinton Dental Center, we provide family dentistry, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics services through one dentist office. Your early orthodontist appointment may actually be a routine teeth cleaning where Dr. Sadikoff notices potential issues to address. If you contact our office specifically for a braces consultation, you and your child will meet with Dr. Sadikoff to review your options. We’ll discuss treatments now and in the future, along with insurance coverage, payment plans, and various paths to achieve your goals. You’ll receive positive support every step of the way.
