It’s a question that has crossed the mind of just about every parent at some point – when is the best time to get braces for their children? Orthodontists will tell you that the sooner, the better.
But what if your child is already a teenager or even an adult? Is it too late?
Not at all!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss when is the best time to get braces for kids and adults alike. So whether you’re just starting to think about braces or you’ve been putting it off for years, read on for more information!
Take Your Kids To The Dentist When They’re Young
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday. But even before that, you can start taking steps to ensure your child’s oral health.
You can begin cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they come in with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush. Once they have two teeth next to each other, you can start using fluoride toothpaste. And by the time they’re three years old, you should be taking them to the dentist for regular checkups.
At these early appointments, the dentist will not only clean your child’s teeth and check for cavities but will also look at the overall alignment of their teeth and jaw. If they see any potential problems, they may recommend bringing your child in for a consultation with an orthodontist.
Signs Your Children Need Braces
As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and that includes making sure they have healthy teeth. While it’s normal for baby teeth to be a little out of alignment, there are a few signs that may indicate that your child needs braces, even if they’re still young.
For example, if their baby teeth seem to be coming in significantly out of alignment or if they have difficulty chewing or biting food. Other signs include:
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth that don’t touch when the mouth is closed
- Jaws that pop or make noise when opening and closing
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to bring them to the attention of your orthodontist so they can determine if treatment is necessary.
The Best Age for Braces When They’re Kids
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven.
At this age, many kids still have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which makes it easier for the orthodontist to spot potential problems. For example, if certain baby teeth haven’t fallen out yet or if adult teeth are coming in before others.
It’s important to catch these problems early because they can often be corrected more easily when a child is younger. In some cases, wearing braces at an early age can also prevent the need for them altogether.
If you’re concerned that your child may need braces, contact us at Dream Orthodontics and speak with an Orthodontist in South Surrey today.
Best Time to Get Braces as an Adult
Just because you didn’t get braces as a kid doesn’t mean you’re off the hook! According to the AAO, about one in five orthodontic patients is over age eighteen.
So if you’re considering braces as an adult, know that you’re not alone. In fact, more and more adults are choosing to get braces later in life. There are a number of reasons why adults choose to get braces, including improved self-esteem, better oral health, and increased career opportunities. Whether you’re looking to correct a lifelong problem or simply want to improve your smile, there’s no shame in getting braces as an adult.
Here are some of the benefits of getting braces as an adult:
- A desire to improve their smile
- To correct teeth that were damaged or lost due to injury
- To alleviate pain from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) or other jaw problems
- To improve their bite (how their teeth fit together when they close their mouth)
- To make it easier to keep their teeth clean
If you’re thinking about getting braces as an adult, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. They will be able to assess your individual needs and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
The Best Time To Get Braces as an Adult
There is no definitive answer to this question since every person’s situation is different.
This is because, as we age, our bones become harder and more difficult to move. This means that it may take longer for braces to achieve the desired results in older patients.
If you’re considering braces as an adult, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. They will be able to assess your individual needs and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Schedule An Appointment Today
If you think you or your child may need braces, don’t wait! Contact us for a virtual consultation with an orthodontist today. Early detection and treatment of dental problems can often save time, money, and potential future complications.