According to the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists, children should see an orthodontist around 7 years old. While this does not mean they will get braces at such a young age, it will help the orthodontist to get a clearer picture of whether braces may be needed - and when.
Keep in mind that orthodontic treatment among kids is very prevalent because, at any given time, more than half of those in the U.S. will need braces before adulthood. So there is a good chance your child may be one of them.
So, how do you know? How old does your child have to be to get braces?
There are some very visible signs that orthodontic treatment may be necessary, such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, or severely misaligned bites. Other times, your child’s dentist may make the suggestion that it is time to see an orthodontist.
Starting Early
As mentioned above, your child should see an orthodontist at the age of 7 years old as this is when adult teeth start coming in. This visit will allow the orthodontist to see if the teeth - and the jaw - are growing correctly.
Starting at this early age allows their growth and development to be monitored by an oral health expert so that anything that needs to be addressed can be taken care of before it gets out of hand, including:
- Making adjustments for newly erupted teeth in a crowded mouth
- Reducing the need for extraction
- Minimizing the need for further orthodontic treatment
At What Age Do Kids Get Braces?
There is no set age for a kid to get braces as it depends greatly on their rate of growth. Most orthodontists do not want to start too early as the jaw is still growing and forming, yet they don’t want to wait too long because then the jaw and teeth have settled into their new position.
The most common age to get braces ranges between the ages of 9 and 14 years. Your orthodontist will be able to break down the perfect time as it fits your child specifically.
What Happens if My Child Doesn’t Get Braces?
If your orthodontist determines that your child’s growth and development do not warrant any orthodontic treatment at this time, then wonderful. They may suggest that you make a future appointment to ensure that the situation is still the same.
However, if your orthodontist recommends treatment for your child and you choose not to proceed with it, then it could lead to unwanted jaw pain, teeth pain, widening gaps, shifting of teeth, overcrowding, and more. Tooth decay and lack of self-esteem can result.
Braces can be a very important step in maintaining oral health and overall health.
Is It Time for Braces?
Does your child need braces? Whether you have been referred by a dentist or you just want to have an examination for early orthodontic treatment, a consultation with our skilled orthodontic team at Las Cruces Orthodontics can help. We will determine whether or not it is the right time for braces - and what options are the best fit for treatment.
Your consultation is a great time to ask questions, address concerns, and get an overall understanding of your child’s timeline for braces.
Contact us today at 575-640-3367. Or, request a consultation online.