Whether you’re considering braces for your young child or your adult self, braces vary from patient to patient and you can’t know what’s best for you or your child until you’ve consulted with an orthodontist.
There are some timelines to consider before having braces and we’ve compiled information's below so that you can learn more about when you should schedule that consultation.
What is the Best Age for My Child to get an Orthodontic treatment?
The right time to have your child's first orthodontic check-up is anytime before he/she turns 7 years old. It is never too early for kids to have their first orthodontic consultation.
There are some indicators that you can observe if your child’s teeth growth needs monitoring and would need orthodontic attention. Among them are early or late loss of baby teeth, teeth that are crowded, misplaced or blocked out, or upper and lower teeth do not meet or meet abnormally.
You may also notice that their jaws are too forward or back, or even have protruding teeth, and may have an unbalance facial appearance. Some habits that you can also observe are breathing through one’s mouth, chewing or biting difficulties, thumb-sucking, biting the cheeks or even the roof of the mouth, and grinding or clenching of the teeth. Should you find that your child has the following symptoms, you may want to seek help to know what to expect and set your worries to rest.
An ideal time for placement of braces is between 9 and 14 years of age, while the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are more conducive to straightening. However, having braces at this age can be a big adjustment and responsibility to your children, parents should discuss the matter with their children before braces are applied.
Braces aren't just for kids, patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment at nearly any age. More and more adults are also wearing braces to correct minor problems and to improve their smiles.
What Kind of Treatment Plan is Best for My Child?
The severity of the case dictates when your child should begin braces, how many phases treatment will have, and how long treatment will take. Your child’s orthodontist will complete a thorough evaluation and recommend a specific treatment plan.
Different orthodontists may have different approaches to treatment. This does not mean that one is “right” and one is “wrong” – rather, there can be a variety of ways to straighten teeth, especially in more complex cases. Some orthodontists recommend a single-phased approach, while others recommend two-phase treatment.
If your child suffers from a significant underbite, overbite, or severe overcrowding, your dentist might decide that your child is a candidate for early intervention. This early intervention is a three-phase treatment which typically consists of Pre-ortho , Phase I and Phase II treatments.
Phase I is generally geared toward children between ages 6 and 10 who don’t yet have all of their adult teeth. At this stage, having full braces aren’t typically involved. Instead, most of the issues that dentists and orthodontists address during Phase I relate to structural and skeletal problems. Phase II then picks up where Phase I left off and usually consists of a full set of braces. Although some patients might have to wear braces for a standard length of time, many who have already undergone Phase I can look forward to a shorter treatment time during Phase II.
Your child’s orthodontic problems can benefit from early treatment. More often than not, earlier treatment is always better as treatment plans can take advantage of your child’s developing jaw and overall growth.
When is the Best Time of the Year to get Braces?
Summer is here and parents are sure to be lining up activities for their growing children. Although it is the best time to enjoy the sun and take vacations with the whole family, it is also the best time to set that dental appointment for your kids. Regular check-ups can definitely help your child develop a good dental habit and at the same time, determine if your child will need additional attention to possible dental problems that may arise
Orthodontic treatment will definitely alter your child's eating and oral hygiene habits. There will be discomfort and adjustments in the first few days, too. It is best that they get to adapt to these changes when they are not preoccupied at school. The summer break will also give them more flexibility to attend to their dental appointments. When they are school-bound in two months, they have already been accustomed to their braces and will not be self-conscious at the start of the new school year.
Ready to schedule an orthodontic consultation? Reach out to our clinic branches today for an appointment: Corinthian Hills Branch; E. Rodriguez Sr. Branch