When is the right age to get dental braces for my child? This is a question that has left many at a crossroads, wondering which way to go. Dental health is crucial in our lives as the teeth are involved in essential functions of the body. As such, taking good care of them is ideal and makes life easier. Here, we answer what age is right to get dental braces for your kids and include other practices involved in the process.
What is the Best Age?
Since all children are different, they all develop uniquely, thus making it hard to come up with a specific age when dental braces should be used. However, it is generally recommended between the ages of 9 and 14, since this is when children develop permanent teeth. Usually, you can easily tell if your child is heading for braces as early as seven years. In this case, it is wise to visit a dentist who will be an excellent resource when your child needs to visit an orthodontist.
Factors to Consider
Some of the factors that may require you to visit a dentist include irregular loss of teeth, overcrowding, mouth breathing, challenges in biting and chewing, disorganized teeth, and jaws that are not proportional. In addition, it is essential to note that most of these problems may be inherited. However, some children develop teeth problems when they suck their fingers and have poor dental hygiene.
If you notice some of these problems in your child, it is time to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Due to your child’s age, some orthodontists such as Dr. Meagan Struby may not recommend immediate treatment, but the visit may help prevent further problems in the future. In the first visit, the orthodontist will be able to identify some health concerns and develop a treatment plan. To some extent, an orthodontist may speed up the process of treatment. As such, once you talk to them, you do not have to worry about the age your child should get braces, as they will keep you updated.
Whether you have a preference for the braces that you would want to be fitted, an orthodontist will give you clear guidance. He or she will help you choose the right treatment for your child and the optimal time to get started with treatment. It is important to note that some children begin orthodontic treatment at the age of 6. Therefore, it is vital to address any concerns with an orthodontist before things become complicated.
Schedule a Consultation
Although some children can have their braces fitted at the age of 6, most people agree that ages 9-14 are the best for orthodontic treatment. This is the range of age recommended for teeth straightening and other dental attention. If you have any concerns about overcrowding, overbite, underbite, protruding, or crooked teeth in your child, it’s time you visit an orthodontist. South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics is a good option for you as you will get the utmost attention in addressing dental concerns.
To schedule a consultation at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, call (775) 852-8181 or fill out our contact form.