Introduction
The blog post “What Is the Best Age for Braces?” by Dream Orthodontics explores the ideal timing for orthodontic treatment with braces, emphasizing that the optimal age range is typically between 10 to 14 years. This period is when children have most or all of their permanent teeth and their jawbone is still malleable, making it easier to reposition teeth. The article also highlights the importance of early orthodontic evaluation by age seven to identify potential issues and plan appropriate interventions. These early steps can significantly streamline and shorten the duration of later brace treatments. The post further emphasizes that while braces are most effective during adolescence, adults can also greatly benefit from them!
What Is The Best Age for Braces?
Braces typically work best on adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. Children have all their permanent teeth in place at this age, and their jawbone is softer. As a result, the jawbone tissue responds to repositioning better, making it the best time to get braces.
However, if you think your child needs braces, the age at which they can get them depends on two factors:
– The scope of their treatment needs
– Whether they already have most or all their permanent teeth
As a parent, you’ll want to ensure your child gets braces when they are most likely to help them get a perfectly aligned set of teeth as they grow into adulthood.
Can Children Under 10 Years Get Braces?
Even if they have misalignment or other orthodontic problems that require braces to fix, children under 10 are not ideal candidates for braces. However, that doesn’t mean they have to wait until they’re in their teens to get their smile fixed.
In fact, the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that kids see a orthodontic specialist before their seventh birthday, which is well before they hit the recommended age for braces.
At this point, the orthodontist will be able to spot any bite misalignments and jaw problems early and develop an early orthodontic treatment. The goal of early intervention is to set the stage for easier and faster brace treatment once the child hits a brace-ready age.
In the long run, an early intervention plan can not only save you money but may also reduce how much time your child needs to wear braces once they get them.
Typical interventions that often form part of an early orthodontic intervention regimen may include one or a combination of the following:
– Wearing a retainer
– Wearing an appliance that modifies teeth and jawbone growth
– Wearing a palatal extender, which creates more room in the child’s mouth for misaligned teeth to fit better
– Wearing partial braces for a short period to correct minor crooked teeth earlier in the child’s life
When the fundamental underlying structural orthodontic issues are corrected between ages 7 to 10, often, braces will straighten and fix teeth alignment issues faster later on in life.
It’s Never Too Late to Get Braces
While we’ve established the best age to get braces, it doesn’t mean that if you’re past the ages above, you can’t get braces. There are plenty of reasons you may not have gotten braces earlier in life, but now that you can, it’s not too late.
Besides, out of all orthodontic patients, adults account for approximately 20%, so you’re not alone. Additionally, the benefits of getting braces, even in adulthood, are nothing to scoff at. Not only do they give you a smile you’re proud of, but they also boost your self-esteem.
The only downside to getting braces in adulthood is that your jawbone is harder and grows less as you age. As a result, adults typically need to wear braces longer than kids for them to be effective.
Fortunately, if you’re self-conscious about how metal braces may make you look, there are plenty of inconspicuous options thanks to technology. Today, you can get clear braces that blend in with your teeth seamlessly – without attracting any attention.
While clear braces will cost more than metal braces, they’re a better option for those who want a subtle but effective solution.
The Most Common Types of Orthodontic Treatment
There are three most common types of orthodontic treatment. They include:
– Metal braces – these are the traditional type and were the first type of braces to be used for orthodontic corrections. While they used to be bulky and highly noticeable back in the day, today’s metal braces are smaller and less noticeable.
– Ceramic braces – these types of braces look like the traditional metallic ones although they don’t stand out as much. Ceramic braces are manufactured as clear or tooth-colored orthodontic correction tools, which makes them more salient than their metallic counterparts. This makes them an excellent option for self-conscious children and adults who don’t want to draw attention to their teeth while getting them aligned.
– Invisalign – these are not your typical braces. Instead, they’re clear retainer trays that are custom-made to fit a specific individual’s needs. The biggest advantage of Invisalign is they’re fully clear and conform to your teeth structure perfectly. Even people who look closely will have a hard time noticing them!
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
Now that you know when and who can get braces, it’s essential that you know what to look for to determine if you or your child needs to consult an orthodontist to find out if and what type of braces you need.
Below are some signs to look out for:
– Crowded teeth
– Crossbite, overbite, or underbite
– Speech problems
– Misaligned teeth and unproportional jaws
– Difficulty eating or breathing (breathing through the mouth)
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment with braces can be highly effective at any age, though it generally achieves the best results during the adolescent years when the jaw and teeth are more responsive to realignment. Early evaluations play a crucial role in identifying and correcting issues before they become more complex, setting the stage for a smoother treatment process later on. However, it’s never too late to seek orthodontic care; adults too can achieve significant improvements in their dental alignment and overall oral health. If you or your child may need braces, consider scheduling a consultation with Dream Orthodontics to explore the best options tailored to your unique needs and start your journey towards a healthier, more confident smile.