How Old Should Your Kid Be Before Getting Braces?

If you look at photographs of high schoolers from the 50s and 60s you'll see that many of the teenagers have smiles that are framed with braces. This sight is much less common these days. This is because these days kids tend to get their braces at an early age, with some beginning treatment at the age of just 6 or 7.

So is there a best age for your kid to get braces? To answer that question we need to look at the two approaches used when it comes to orthodontic treatment for children.

Interceptive Orthodontics 

The interceptive approach treats children at younger ages, typically between 7 and 10. It is argued that interceptive orthodontics results in fewer teeth being extracted and leads to a better end result. The interceptive approach is split into two phases. Phase one begins with treatment to extract teeth and the use of braces for one or two years. This is followed by a retention phase, in which the child wears a retainer for up to two years, while the rest of the baby teeth fall out. 

Phase two begins around the age of 11 onwards. One drawback of the interceptive approach is that, with treatment lasting for up to five or six years in total, it can be expensive and can mean your child has to deal with wearing braces for a longer time.

Orthodontic Screening

The American Association of Orthodontics has published a recommendation that children are screened to see if they require orthodontic treatment between the age of 8 and 10, as this is when permanent teeth begin to arrive in the mouth and any problems with crooked teeth become apparent. 

At the same time, your dentist will also assess your child for any problems with the jaw bones, crossbones and overcrowding. If the problem is severe, it is likely that it will be recommended that treatment be started sooner rather than later. With less acute problems, it is often down to the parent to decide when to begin treatment, taking into account the individual needs of the child.

Traditional Orthodontics

The traditional approach to orthodontics is to wait until all the adult teeth have arrived. This process begins at the age of 6 and is normally complete by the age of 12. One of the benefits of this approach is the dentist knows exactly what they are dealing with, and doesn't have to attempt to predict how teeth will arrive and develop. The traditional approach also means your child spends less time in braces, normally around 2 years.

In truth, the best age at which your child should be treated with braces will depend on the type and severity of the dental problem. You should also seek the advice of at least one dental professional if you suspect your child needs braces. It isn't unusual for different orthodontist and dentist who specialise in paediatric treatments to disagree because they have different philosophies about when it is best to commence treatment. You shouldn't be surprised if you ask for a second opinion and receive a slightly different answer.

For more information, talk to a dental clinic like Absolute Smiles.