What is the best age for braces?

Whenever the parents are thinking about braces for their child, the biggest question in their mind is usually, ”What is the best age for  braces?’’

Are you also worried about your child’s smile?

Have you noticed that your child’s teeth are crowded?

Should your child’s thumb-sucking habit concern you?

If these are your questions too, let’s talk about the answer that’s the best-recommended age for braces.

Recommended age for braces

Orthodontists recommend that the best age for dental braces should be between 10 to 14 years. For braces to work best, a youngster really needs to have the majority of permanent teeth. The condition of the jawbone is another important issue. At this age, a child’s jawbone is still not entirely grown. The jawbone will continue be developing at this age.

This is the perfect time for braces according to the condition of the jawbone. A jawbone at this age allows teeth to shift more easily, and also makes it much simpler for braces to cure most of the bite problems.

But the child should get the first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7 years. By that age, enough permanent teeth have erupted in your child’s mouth for your dentist to detect potential orthodontic problems. In fact, the first visit of your child should be on his or her first birthday. Want to know how to prepare your child for the first dental visit, then read more-

Different treatment approaches

Your dentist uses different treatment approaches. So, the right age for your child to get braces depends on the treatment approach chosen by the dentist. Some orthodontists recommend a one-phase plan while some recommend a two-phase plan. If it is a one-phase plan, then your child will need braces only after the age of 10. In two-phase plans, the first phase of treatment starts at age of 7 and when it is complete next phase can be started after ten years of age depending upon the case. If orthodontic treatment is started early in life, it may have many advantages. For example, in growing children, expansion devices can be used to widen the palate. This can help teeth come in straighter by providing more space. It also may help in correcting the bite. Such treatment should be done at an early age for the best results.

Today, many patients choose dental braces at an early age. Parents are more than willing to give their kids a beautiful and perfect smile as early as possible. Usually, teenagers opt for orthodontic treatment by thinking that most of the permanent teeth have come in and treatment will be most effective. But orthodontics is not limited only to teenagers.

Braces in adults – It’s never too late

Nowadays many adults also get their orthodontic treatment through dental braces. Today, we have various systems to choose from as per the patient’s demand. For example, we have clear aligners like Invisalign, lingual braces, etc. for adults who wish their braces should not be visible to the world. Of course, your orthodontist can suggest to you the best braces that will suit your age and problems.

But in the case of adults, their jaw growth is already complete so jaw growth can’t be modulated. Hence, most adults are left with the option of dental camouflage or orthognathic surgeries. Mild to moderate jaw discrepancies can be treated by dental camouflage with the help of braces, however, severe jaw discrepancies can be corrected with the help of suitable orthognathic surgeries.  Another limitation of dental braces in adults is that adults are more susceptible to gum diseases. Hence,  extra care for the gums is needed before and during the orthodontic treatment.

The last note

So, what is the best age to get braces? There are many factors that will affect the answer. We can help you in choosing the best treatment option for you and your child. We will help not only in getting dental braces but also guide how to take care of your dental braces.

Call us today or visit Shubham Dental Clinic to learn more about how we can help you.

I personally believe in the philosophy of “Prevention is better than cure” hence, would suggest all parents consider periodic orthodontic visits a must after the age of 7 yrs. Orthodontic treatment not only improves your looks and smile but also improves your self-esteem and confidence level. So get the right smile, and for the right smile, find the right dentist.