What Is The Best Age To Get Braces?

Braces are an excellent way to accomplish a more beautiful and straighter smile. Usually, the treatment stays from 12 months – 36 months.

Even if your kid is above 7, you can still fix your appointment with the orthodontist near you.

Although the right age for getting braces might be during childhood, you can still get a straighter set of teeth at any age group.

Why Do Children Require Braces?

The American Academy of Orthodontists advises kids to see an orthodontist for the first time, not above the age of 7.

At this age, the expert checks the oral habits, bites, and airways. Then/ he/she determines if braces or other orthodontic procedures are essential.

Best Age to Get Braces

Did you know around 50 to 70% of children in America will need to wear braces before they turn adults?

Most orthodontists think that kids should get braces when they are between the age of 10-14. At this age, the children get all of the permanent teeth.

A kid needs to get the most permanent teeth for the braces to work. After a young age, it’s hard to adjust the teeth and jaws of a child. This makes it much easier for the braces to address bite issues.

Most Common Types of Braces

Below are the common types of braces for kids available today:

• • Invisalign

Invisalign is the most costly type of braces available today. It is an excellent choice for teenagers and adults that want their teeth straight. Invisalign is a hard plastic see-through aligner customized for the mouth. So, no one will be able to notice it when you are wearing these clear retainer trays.

• • Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces use transparent or tooth-colored brackets. They are a good choice for people that feel self-conscious about wearing braces because they are less noticeable on the teeth. However, ceramic braces shift teeth slowly and can be more costly than metal braces.

• • Fast Braces

Fast braces are a great alternative to conventional braces. They use a simplified system to enhance the teeth alignment and smile appearance. Fast braces usually use triangular brackets linked to square wires. This unique type of brace blends a series of phototherapy and wave therapy sessions along with ceramic or metal braces.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics is the method of fixing orthodontic issues early before it becomes hard to treat.

By offering control to the orthodontist where the permanent teeth develop, the interceptive orthodontic treatment addresses the teeth and jaw structure while primary teeth are present.

Indications That Your Kid Needs Braces or Orthodontic Treatments

Below are the signs your little one needs to fix orthodontic treatment:

• • Teeth Grinding at Night

The grinding of teeth, mainly at night, indicates the aligner of teeth. When ignored, it can move the jaw further and results in other alignment problems.

• • Thumb Sucking

If your child sucks your thumb most often, it can pull the front teeth ahead, leading to overcrowding of the bottom teeth. If this habit lasts 2 – 4, it’s time to consider braces.

• • Irregular Loss of Primary Teeth

Losing baby teeth too early or too late is another sign that your kid needs braces.

• • Clicking or Shifting of Jaw

If your kid experiences a clicking noise in the jaw when they eat food or wakes up, it signifies the need for braces.

• • Malocclusion

Malocclusion can occur when the lower and upper jaw is not properly aligned. It can also happen if your kid’s teeth are crooked or too big for the mouth to fit. So, if your child has underbites, overbites, or crossbites, it indicates the need for braces because it can make speaking and chewing difficult.

• • Breathing Via Mouth

If you find your kid difficult to breathe via the mouth, it means something is wrong. Mouth breathing usually affects the development of the teeth and facial appearance.

• • Blocked, Misplaced, or Crowded Teeth

If your kid has such problems, it can result in further alignment issues.

• • Teeth and Jaws That Are Unproportionate

Another vital sign that your child requires braces or orthodontic treatment includes teeth or jaw disproportionate to the remaining face.

If you notice that your little one’s teeth are out of position or crooked, get them evaluated by the orthodontist at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Jackson today.