Parents usually ask a lot about the right age for their
children to have braces. When braces are applied too early, the patient may
require additional treatment in the later stage of life. When braces are
applied too late, the patient may need to wear those braces for a longer period
of time. Hence, there are additional chances for some serious dental problems
to occur.
It is worth mentioning here that there is no accurate answer
to the question about right age for children to have braces. It depends more on
the condition and complication. However, there are a few things which we are going
to mention here for you to know about analyzing the situation and making the
correct decision.
Earlier analysis and
preventive treatment (from age 7 – 9)
When it comes to evaluating children teeth for braces, it
should be done as soon as the child gets 7 years old. Now, there is a rare
chance for a 7-year old to get braces but you will get better idea about the
future treatment required.
At the age of 7, most of the children start getting the baby
teeth out. At this stage, dentists can have better idea about alignment of
permanent teeth. There may be the case in which the orthodontist may recommend
application of braces or teeth aligner at this stage if child would have
problem in breathing or eating due to poor teeth alignment.
A child may also need to get the braces if he/she is having
cross bite, teeth crowding or protruding teeth. These problems should be
evaluated and treated as early as possible because the treatment gets difficult
in later years due to worsened condition.
Prime time (age 10 –
14)
The ideal time for braces is usually the child’s age between
10 – 14 years. At this age, baby teeth fall out completely and the jaw is
usually in stable condition to endure the orthodontic treatment of long
duration.
Initially, the braces were used to be consisted only of
metal. Now, there are ceramic braces and invisible braces along with the
conventional ones. Moreover, wearing braces had been considered a stigma a few
years ago. But it’s not the case anymore. Still, you will need to discuss the
change that braces would bring in your child’s appearance after the application
of braces.
After getting the braces off, there may be the need of the
use of retainer in order to make sure that new alignment doesn’t get disturbed.
Getting braces after
the age of 14
You may think that braces are for children and younger
teens. Nevertheless, it’s never too late if you have decided to get your child
above 14 years of age the braces. The treatment may get a little complicated as
the bones start to get mature after the age of 14, but it’s still very much
considerable option if the case of bad teeth alignment is not the ideal.
