Many people, especially parents, ask the question: what is the best age for braces? The truth is, there’s no universal right answer to this question, but we can draw from our years of experience to provide some advice on factors to consider when deciding the best age for braces.
Ages 7-9
Some parents have children evaluated for braces as early as age 7. This isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Braces may not be applied that early, but it can give you a roadmap of what future treatment might look like.
These are some things to keep in mind for younger children:
· By age 7, most baby teeth have started to come in and we can get a good sense of what the alignment of permanent teeth will look like. In some cases, braces or partial teeth aligners may be applied at this stage if a child is having difficulty talking or eating due to poor teeth alignment.
· A child is also a candidate for early braces if he or she has protruding teeth, a crossbite, or tooth crowding. Catching and treating these symptoms early can prevent them from becoming worse as more permanent teeth arrive.
· If your child needs braces at an early age, be prepared to help him or her take care of them. Wearing braces can provide a valuable lesson in self-care but may require additional intervention until good habits are formed.
Ages 10-14
Most children who receive braces begin treatment between the ages of 10 and 14. At this age, baby teeth have completely fallen out and the jaw is stable enough to support long-term orthodontic treatment.
These are some things to keep in mind for preteens and teens:
· Braces come in several varieties from traditional metal brackets to ceramics and invisible aligners. What used to be a stigma about wearing braces has largely been eliminated due to the prevalence of braces among adolescents, but it is important to talk with your child about the changes to his or her appearance that will come as a result of wearing braces.
· Unlike young children, teens and pre-teens should be mature and responsible enough to manage braces on their own with little parental intervention. The average time for wearing braces at this age is around 2 years.
· Once braces come off, a retainer will likely be needed to keep teeth in their correct alignment and prevent additional treatment in the future.
Ages 14+ and Adults
Contrary to what some people might think, you are never too old for braces! Many adults did not have access to orthodontics as kids or delay getting braces for other reasons.
These are some things to keep in mind for teens and adults:
· Think of teeth the way you would any other bone on your body. They do stop growing at the end of adolescence, but it’s still possible to correct them throughout your life. If your arm breaks, it can heal and be put back into place with a cast. Teeth are no different.
· As an adult, you likely already have an established routine that will need to be modified to account for braces. You may need to alter your diet, your morning and evening schedules, or even some of the activities you do.
· No matter what changes you need to make, keep in mind that they are short-term sacrifices for long-term gains in confidence and dental health. Wearing braces for a few years can save you from more serious dental issues down the road.
Thinking About Braces? Make an Appointment for More Information!
In the end, the best way to know the best age for braces is to receive a professional evaluation from an experienced orthodontist. At our practice, we can help both adult and child patients straighten their teeth with metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. Call us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can determine which treatment plan will best meet your needs.
Special Offer on Traditional Braces: Only $3,699!
For a limited time, Columbia Pike Family Dentistry is offering traditional braces for a special price of $3,699. Contact us today at 571-312-4111 for more information on this amazing offer!