Thanks to today’s technology, kids often have the option to get braces at a very young age. While this can be beneficial for many children, some kids need to wait until they are a bit more mature to get brackets and wires. There’s no one right age to get braces — it’s different for everyone and depends both on your physical needs and social and emotional factors in your life. Here are some things to consider to determine if your child is ready for braces.
Do They Have Their Permanent Teeth?
Some orthodontists are now able to start treatment before their patients have their permanent teeth. However, in general, it’s always helpful if the patient’s permanent teeth have grown in, but their head and jaw are still growing and changing. At this point during their lives, their teeth and jaw are still malleable enough that they can be adjusted easily, but it won’t affect growth in a negative way. If you aren’t sure whether or not your child is ready to have their teeth adjusted, you can always ask Dr. Brodie Bowman.
How Responsible Is Your Child?
Braces do require a certain amount of personal responsibility, as they must be kept clean using special tools every day. Patients also need to avoid certain foods that could damage their brackets. For many young children, this is no problem, but for others, it can be very overwhelming. If your child is relatively good at remembering to brush their teeth and take care of other personal necessities, they can probably handle the challenge of undergoing this procedure. If not, they could benefit from waiting a few more years.
Do You Have the Time and Money for Regular Orthodontist Appointments?
Orthodontic treatment is very important, but it can also be expensive and does require regular trips to the orthodontist’s office. It’s crucial that you keep up with your treatment while you are completing it to ensure that it works quickly and effectively. If you know that you are going to have the time and money available to commit to orthodontic treatment, now is the perfect time to start, before your child gets older and busier with school.
Remember, there’s no right age to get braces. If you think your child may need them, it’s always helpful to go in to see an orthodontist. Dr. Bowman, DDS offers great treatment and braces for kids in Pensacola, Florida. Contact Dr. Bowman’s office today to schedule your initial consultation and determine when your child should get braces!