While most children are going to need braces at some point in their life, determining the right time to take them to the orthodontist can be hard for most parents. Waiting too long can force your child to wear braces for a longer period of time, but you still have to wait until some of their adult teeth have formed.
It is recommended to take your child to their first orthodontist appointment when their first set of permanent teeth start to come in. While this could be as early as six years old, the average age is usually around seven. Some kids may not get their first permanent teeth until they are at least 10 years old, so there is no set age. Once the permanent teeth have started to develop, the orthodontist will be able to diagnose any potential problems. They will be able to immediately see if your child is going to need braces, and what other potential problems they may have with their teeth.
While your child’s first orthodontist visit can occur as early as six years old, that does not mean they will be getting braces at this time. The early visits are designed to give the orthodontist some time to analyze the problems and come up with the best treatment plan in the future. They will do this by examining your child’s teeth, mouth and jaw. They will also take impressions of the teeth, and they may even have to take a few x-rays.
Once the orthodontist has thoroughly examined your child’s teeth, they will know the exact treatment for their needs. The braces can go on once your child has gotten all of their permanent teeth.
While it is impossible to set an exact age, you should consider braces for your children as soon as possible. Their bite problems and crooked teeth are only going to get worse the longer they are left untreated. Most braces need to be worn for at least two years, so you do not want to make the process any longer for your children by procrastinating.
You should start considering braces as soon as your child gets their first permanent teeth. You will be doing the best thing for your child because they will not be forced to wear braces for several years. No kid wants to spend most of their childhood with braces, so start the process early and let them get rid of their braces as quick as possible. Contact Grace and Bowman Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. Our staff can answer any questions you may have and get you on the way to your child’s best smile ever.