What is the Best Age for Your Child to Get Orthodontic Braces?

by | Jan 26, 2018

Many parents start planning for their children before they are even born. Preparations like the best pre-schools, college savings funds and life insurance policies are in place when the child arrives. This is also a great time to start thinking about orthodontics for your child.

Today, most orthodontists agree that earlier is better when considering orthodontic treatment. At age 7 most children are starting to lose their baby teeth. Permanent teeth are erupting. An orthodontist can start guiding these teeth into the proper position. This does not necessarily mean that braces will be placed on these brand-new permanent teeth. It simply means an orthodontist will start making a plan for these teeth to ensure they are correctly positioned in the long run.

There are still plenty of orthodontists who want to wait until age 10-14 to get started on positioning teeth. They feel that 7 is too young to start treatments. Common concerns include the child needing further treatments later on or feeling traumatized. The child will probably not be able to properly care for orthodontia on their own at the earlier ages. The jaw may not be ready to support braces at this early age. These are all reasons to argue for waiting.

Waiting until a kid ages 10-14 has its drawbacks, too. The children are entering the ‘teenage’ years when hormones dictate appearance, confidence and identity. Wearing orthodontia at this age could result in the feelings of insecurity and ugliness due to a mouth full of braces. They may fear being teased by the other children.

So, what is the best age for a child to get braces?

Well, that depends on the individual child, the parents, and the orthodontist. If the child has teeth protruding or a noticeable crossbite, early intervention is necessary to help fix the problems before it become worse. Maybe the child is having speech problems due to crowded teeth. Partial teeth aligners could help at an early age.

A great orthodontist and team can help with the feelings of insecurity in older children and teens. Band colors to match up with favorite sports teams, school colors or even clear bands can perk up the braces. Seeing pictures of other client results may also help the teens to focus on the end results. Braces are usually off by the time the teen reaches high school. Prom pictures will only show great smiles.

Children and teens are not the only ones who seek orthodontia for a fantastic smile. Adults who may not have had the opportunity to fix their teeth as children can still get wonderful results. What is the age limit for wearing braces? Great news! There is no age limit for straightening your teeth. Healthy gums and teeth are candidates for braces at any age. The common thought that only young adults can get braces is wrong. Many people in their 40’s and 50’s are taking advantage of orthodontic fixes.

Choices like Invisalign, ceramic braces that match the color of your teeth and even lingual braces, which are applied to the backside of the teeth, can all be great options. These braces are nearly invisible – perfect for adults who want to inconspicuously straighten their teeth. Like other cosmetic procedures, the world does not need to know how you achieved that great look (unless you want them to know!)

When to get braces will depend on multiple factors:

Ability to care for braces
Jaw strength
Overall oral health

Orthodontist’s advice

Always listen to and follow the path planned by your orthodontist. These professionals know the projected path your teeth are taking and how to correct them. They will know when a child needs to have braces applied, when they can tolerate them, and when to wait. A child with poor oral hygiene techniques may be asked to wait a few months or years until they can properly care for their braces. An adult with cracked or broken teeth will need to get them fixed before orthodontia can be applied. Good orthodontists know how to deal with any problems that may arise.

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces – Team Demas Orthodontics

What is the best age for a child to get braces?

Optimally, it is best to start as early as possible for great intervention. At 10, most of the baby teeth are gone and aligners, spacers and braces can be placed. At 12, a young pre-teen is well able to perform the necessary brushing, flossing and care required to wear braces. With an early start, the high school years should be free of orthodontia. Only a great smile will remain as a reminder.

What is the age limit for wearing braces?

The only limit for wearing braces is tooth and jaw health. As long as the teeth and jaw are strong, braces can be worn. Senior adults are not limited to crooked or crowded teeth. An orthodontist can help with choices including invisible versus traditional braces. Many seniors today choose to pair up their braces with great glasses and embrace the look. They are proud to finally be able to attain a fantastic smile. They want the world to know they are wearing braces.

When to get braces is a personal and professional choice that only you and your orthodontist can make. It may be that for the first time, you are able to financially afford braces. It could be a ‘gift’ for retirement. Maybe your young child is having trouble with pronunciation due to protruding teeth. Whatever the reason – orthodontists can give patients young and older a wonderful smile, more confidence and better speech with orthodontic treatments.

Today, with the options available, it is easier than ever to have a healthy, strong and beautiful smile. Age is not a limitation – only a stereotype. Begin your journey today.
The first step is to contact your orthodontist. Set up an initial consultation. During your visit, the team will discuss the plan, the costs, the time line, and the expected outcome of your treatments. You can ask any questions you may have, discuss financial options and even schedule your next visit.