The decision to undergo orthodontic treatment, including getting braces, is a significant step towards a straighter and more beautiful smile. If you are worried about your child’s misaligned teeth, you can schedule a visit with an orthodontist to clear up all your doubts about getting braces for your child.
Braces can be effective at any age; getting braces at the right age will help you get the optimal result without many complications and challenges. If you suspect that your child needs braces, read along to find the best age to get braces while considering other factors like dental development. Before learning about the best age, let’s get a quick overview of braces.
What Are Braces?
A dental brace is a device that can fix a wide range of teeth issues including, teeth crowding, tooth spacing, and improper bite. Children and adults wear braces to straighten their teeth. Braces will gradually push the teeth into proper positions while applying constant pressure.
The type of braces will determine the time taken to reposition your teeth. There are various types of braces some of them include:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Clear aligners
Based on the type of brace you use the the way it realigns your crooked teeth will differ. Mostly, orthodontists help to place braces, however, dentists will also offer the same services. Now you know what are braces and how they work to provide the desired results. Let’s move on to the most important question what is the best age to get braces?
When should i get braces?
You are never too old to visit an orthodontist or dentist. However, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should have their first orthodontist visit by the age of 7. When a child reaches 7 most of the teeth will be developed which makes the age the best time to pay a visit to the dentist. This is an early-stage orthodontic intervention.
It is often recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 9. This early stage of treatment is also known as interceptive orthodontics. The treatment aims to improve jaw growth, bite problems, and habits like thumb sucking. Early intervention is the best way to prevent future teeth issues. It can also reduce the need for other treatments in the future.
Adolescence is considered a suitable age to get braces. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 have a combination of adult and baby teeth which makes adolescence the ideal time to address a child’s orthodontic issues.
Getting braces at this stage will be helpful in fixing issues such as crowding, spacing, and misalignment. At this stage, the jaw bones will be growing so it will be easy for a professional to properly position the teeth more effectively.
Although adolescence is the best time to get braces, more adults seek the help of braces to fix their cosmetic concerns. New advancements such as clear aligners give adults the chance to undergo orthodontic treatments discreetly.
Unlike adolescent children, adults can undergo the treatment without severe discomfort. However, compared to teens, the time taken to achieve the results will vary. Braces treatment in adults will take more time to achieve straight teeth.
The best age for getting braces will ultimately depend on the severity of the oral issues, overall oral health, previous oral health history, desired results, and personal preferences. Even though adolescence remains the best time to get braces due to adequate oral development, it is never too late to visit an orthodontist to address your oral health concerns.
An orthodontist will assess your condition and choose the best treatment plan to achieve the results you want. If you are getting braces regular follow-up and maintenance of oral hygiene are quintessential parts of your oral health journey.
If your child is getting braces it is important to help your child to get adjust to the braces. You should teach your child about the importance of keeping oral hygiene after getting braces, prepare them to face pain, and help to boost their confidence.
Read More: How To Make Teeth Strong Naturally? Effective Ways Revealed!
Conclusion
The optimal age to get braces will depend on various factors and it may vary from person to person. According to teeth structure and oral anatomy, 10 to 14-year-old children have the best chance to achieve straight teeth with the help of braces in a limited time period.
However, early intervention, at the age of 7 can reduce the risk of future oral health issues and help to address jaw growth discrepancies, bite problems, and thumb sucking. If you have surpassed the age of 7 or 14, you can still schedule a visit with your orthodontist.
Getting braces at any age will solve teeth problems and help to improve your smile and the position of your teeth. You will be able to regain your healthy and confident smile at any age.
References
- Prabhakar RR, et al. (2014). Prevalence of malocclusion and need for early orthodontic treatment in children. DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2014/8604.4394 - Braces have changed, from metal to tooth-colored to clear. (2017).
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/braces-have-changed-metal-tooth-colored-clear
