What’s The Best Age to Wear Braces?

updated on November 15, 2023

  • If you're considering braces for your child, a common question that arises is: what is the optimal age to start treatment? Getting braces at the right time allows teeth to be guided into proper alignment without interfering with ongoing facial development. This article will provide guidance on determining the best age for your child to begin wearing braces. We'll overview dental indicators that suggest braces may be beneficial, and discuss ideal timing based on childhood growth stages. Understanding the right time to start can help ensure your child experiences the full benefits of braces for proper tooth function and an improved smile.

    Whether for health or cosmetic reasons, braces can be life-changing. If you want to know when your child should begin treatment, read on for advice on identifying need and picking the ideal age to pursue orthodontic care. With the right information, you can make informed decisions about braces for a confident, trouble-free smile.

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  • The Best Age to Wear Braces

    The ideal age range for a child to get braces is between 9-14 years old. This pre-pubescent period prior to full jaw and smile development is often considered the optimal time for treatment. Getting braces before puberty allows for easier tooth movement and alignment, as the jaw and teeth have greater flexibility to adjust before finishing maturation. Once a child goes through puberty, it can be harder for braces to alter alignment since the jaws and teeth have already set into their post-growth positions. However, individual developmental factors must also be evaluated.

    The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children get their first check-up by age 7, or whenever an orthodontic issue is first noticed. Around age 7, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth coming in, allowing the orthodontist to examine dental development and identify any emerging problems early. If an issue is found, the orthodontist can recommend appropriate treatment timing and estimate duration.

    For most children, braces are worn between 18-36 months, equating to 1.5-3 years of treatment. The average brace treatment time for adults is slightly longer at 2-3 years. Orthodontic care requires regular 4-6 week check-up appointments with the orthodontist to monitor progress and make timely adjustments.

  • How Do You Tell If Your Child Needs Braces?

    There are several signs parents can watch for to determine if their child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation for braces or other early treatment:

    • Early or late loss of baby teeth: Losing primary teeth significantly sooner or later than peers can disrupt proper permanent tooth alignment as they come in. This may cause crowding, gaps, or difficulty biting if replacement timing is off.

    • Mouth breathing: Breathing primarily through the mouth can alter facial muscle pressures over years, shifting teeth out of place. It also raises decay risk.

    • Jaw shifts, clicking or pain: Noises when opening/closing the jaw or difficulty moving it smoothly may indicate a developing malocclusion is limiting proper joint mobility. Jaw position shifts could presage future orthodontic or TMJ disorders.

    • Constant cheek biting: Frequent biting of the cheek lining implies the upper teeth aren't optimally positioned to protect cheeks during chewing. This suggests issues like posterior crossbites interfering with natural jaw function.

    • Facial imbalance: Asymmetrical facial development like uneven lips, crooked nose, small chin etc. could arise from underlying dental misalignments affecting facial bone growth patterns. Early orthodontic guidance can help facial bones mature properly.

    Checking for these detailed signs can help parents determine if their child would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation to identify any problems requiring early intervention. The ideal time for this first screening is around age 7, when a mix of baby and permanent teeth allows the orthodontist to best assess dental development.

    Catching orthodontic issues early provides the greatest chance of effective correction. So if any concerning signs are noticed, it’s recommended to schedule an orthodontic appointment right away, regardless of the child’s age. The goal is timely detection and treatment for optimal outcomes.

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