Every parent wants their children to have a beautiful smile and their health to be at its best. However, it is estimated that between 50 and 70 percent of American children will need dental correction before they become adults. Misaligned teeth and poor bites are the most common dental issues that need correction.
Several options are available to correct misaligned teeth. The dentist will often recommend treatment depending on the extent of the misalignment or dental issue. One option that is effective in minor and major dental issues is braces. They are an effective treatment; over the years, they have evolved to become even better.
So, what is the best age for your child to get braces?
WHAT ARE BRACES?
Braces are an orthodontic treatment that helps correct several dental issues. They comprise two main parts: the brackets and the wire. The dentist attaches brackets to the teeth using a special adhesive. They then thread a thin wire through the brackets.
In the beginning, only metallic braces were available, and the design was not so sleek. Patients could get cut inside the mouth, and the experience was unpleasant. Nowadays, there are many types of braces, like clear and ceramic braces. The design is also better, reducing instances of mouth cuts.
HOW DO BRACES WORK?
Braces work by applying pulling pressure on teeth to shift them. They adjust the position and alignment of the teeth through this pressure. Over the treatment period, the dentist will keep tightening the wire in certain places to achieve a specific outcome.
The treatment is not painful but may be uncomfortable in the first few weeks after they are installed. Also, there may be some soreness or pressure every time they are adjusted.
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR YOUR CHILD TO GET BRACES?
It depends on several factors that influence how a child will respond to orthodontic treatment or determine if they are ready for it. Here are some major points to consider:
PERMANENT TEETH
For most children, permanent teeth only start to erupt when they reach six. The first teeth to grow are molars that grow behind baby molars. The first teeth to replace baby teeth are the central incisors. Until a child has more permanent teeth, it is hard to determine whether they need braces.
TRANSITION
The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth takes about five to six years to reach completion. It means a child does not reach dental maturity until six years old. They cannot have braces before they reach this point.
AGE
Sometimes, age is not an accurate measure of a child’s dental maturity. Some children reach full dental maturity when they are much older, and some when younger. Delayed dental development is not uncommon and should not worry you.
GETTING BRACES
The best way to know if your child is ready for braces is to take them to a dentist by the time they turn seven. The dentist can tell how most of their teeth will develop at this age. They will also determine when to start your child on braces and how long they will need to have them on.
For more on the best age to get braces for your child, visit Sand Lake Dental at our office in Orlando, Florida. Call (407) 355-0608 to book an appointment today.
