What is the Best Age for Teeth Braces?

Dental

Teeth braces are generally worn by growing children and adults whose teeth and jaws have not stopped changing. Wearing braces while the jaw is still developing ensures that all of your child’s teeth will be able to fit properly inside of your mouth without problems. Find out more about braces here.

For most people who are contemplating getting braces either for themselves or loved ones, a common question that constantly boggles the mind is what’s the best age for teeth braces? Now, the answer to this question should not be determined by yourself or your child. 

There are several factors that can affect the quality of treatment provided, including the patient’s dental development and root length. The best person to determine if your child is ready for braces is an orthodontist.

As a basic rule, though, it is recommended that children wear braces between the ages of 8-14. This is because most children are still growing at this age, and they have not yet reached their peak development. It is important that you consult with an orthodontist for information on when your child should get braces, as well as what to expect from treatment.

This is important because drastic changes in jaw size and tooth growth can cause problems such as overcrowded teeth, protruding front teeth, and gaps between teeth. By using braces to put your child’s teeth into proper alignment, we can ensure that every tooth will fit properly inside of your mouth without any issues or complications. 

And although it is technically possible to straighten a kid’s smile after all permanent first molars have come in, the results are usually best when braces are used during early adolescence when the bones are still growing. As a result, it is best to wait until your child is at least eight years old before considering treatment with braces. 

How do I Know if my Child Needs Braces?

There is a myriad of signs that may be indicative that your child needs braces. Real quick, here are some of the signs to look for if you feel that getting braces may be ideal for your young one:

  • If your child has overcrowded or excessively spaced out teeth: It is possible for some children to have naturally large gaps between their front teeth or for them to have so many teeth crowded inside of their mouth that it practically makes brushing difficult. This is why the earlier these issues are addressed; the easier it will be to fix them.
  • If you notice any underbites or overbites: Underbites and overbites can cause several problems, including misaligned jaw joints or TMJ dislocation, as well as creating difficulties when eating and speaking.
  • If your child complains frequently about headaches or neck pain: These are signs that your kid may be experiencing some problems with the way that their teeth and jaws interact.

Whatever the case, it is important that you remain vigilant about watching for any of these warning signs because they can usually help determine if and when you should start looking into braces for your child. It might be a good idea to consult with a family dentist if you notice any of these issues so we can get started on treatment right away. This will ensure that we can catch possible dental problems early on, so they do not become more serious later on down the road.

Why Should My Child Wear Braces?

There are several benefits associated with straightening your child’s teeth with braces. The most obvious benefit is that straight teeth look better than crooked ones, so it will be easier for you to take pictures of your kids without their gums being visible in every other shot. (Pun intended)

  • Straight teeth are easier to clean. When all of our teeth are lined up correctly inside our mouths, they are much easier to brush and floss effectively because there are no obstructions or other issues preventing us from efficiently cleaning each tooth.
  • Teeth that are properly aligned are also less likely to experience cavities or chips/breaks over time because the way they fit together prevents food particles from becoming trapped between them. This helps reduce cavity formation since less food means fewer places for plaque to build up.
  • Straight teeth look better and can improve your child’s self-confidence by helping them feel more attractive, which in turn also makes them happier, healthier, and smarter!

So as you can see, there are many benefits associated with treating your young one’s dental issues with orthodontic treatments rather than allowing their teeth to remain crooked and out of place. We cannot stress enough how important it is to take the time to get braces for children when they need them because we know that doing so will help ensure the children have a healthy smile for years to come!

When should a Person start wearing their First Set of Brackets or Headgear?

Typically we recommend that patients get started by wearing some sort of appliance when they are around the age of seven. Although we often say this generally, we also need to consider each patient’s particular case and judge it accordingly instead of always relying on a specific timeframe for everyone with similar circumstances. This is why it can be difficult sometimes to answer this question with a one size fits all answer. Here are common considerations that may help:

  • If your child has shown signs of developing early orthodontic problems: If you notice that your young one is having trouble with their dental development, it is important for us to start working on them right away so that we can prevent further complications from occurring. Even if your child is showing some signs of developing an underbite or overbite, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can get started with treatment before any more damage is done.
  • On the other hand, if none of these issues are present in your kid’s mouth yet, there will usually be no reason to approach orthodontic treatments until they turn seven years old since most children begin developing about this age and beyond. This is why we generally recommend that parents wait until then before starting their child down the treatment route.
  • However, if your kid has a very unique case and you feel they might need earlier intervention, please do not hesitate to ask us for advice on when it would be a good idea to get a head start with the treatment process. We will always strive to provide our patients with detailed answers about their personal cases so they can have peace of mind knowing exactly how everything works and what should happen next at every stage of the journey towards better health.

Still Not Sure?

If you are still unsure about this question or whether your child needs orthodontic work done, please contact our office today for more information and assistance! We would love to help you and your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that they will be proud to show off. Call: +65 6438 5622.

 

Dennis Tan Dental Surgery – Veneers, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns
11 Collyer Quay, #03-28, Singapore 049317
+65 6438 5622
https://dennistan.com.sg/