When Is the Best Time to Get Braces?
Having straight teeth can make a big difference in life, simply by instilling unbridled confidence. That’s why orthodontics such as braces are so popular, especially among parents looking to give their kids an extra sense of self-assurance as their social lives *somewhat sarcastically* take top priority during the latter teenage years.
To get the best results possible from braces, timing is crucial. What is the best age to get braces? The answer will be different for each patient based on their own development. However, there are some general guidelines that help set the schedule of when to visit an orthodontist and when to begin treatment with braces. Here’s what you need to know:
The Difference Between Orthodontics and Braces
First, since you’ll see both words a lot in this blog, it’s helpful to know how orthodontics and braces are intertwined. Orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. It involves the correction of teeth and jaw alignment issues to improve both oral health and aesthetics.
Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments to align and straighten teeth. They consist of brackets, wires, and bands that work together to apply gentle pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the ideal positions. Braces are highly effective in correcting various orthodontic issues such as crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
So, to simplify, orthodontics is a field of dentistry, and braces are one of the tried-and-true treatments used within the field of orthodontics.
When Do Most Kids Get Braces?
At Cuozzo Orthodontics in NJ, the average age for braces ranges from 10 to 12 years old. Roughly 90% of our patients are in that age group when they begin treatment. However, some kids may wait to start until an older age if they need more time for their adult teeth to grow in or to allow their jaw to grow. We want them to have most if not all those adult teeth in before starting treatment because if we begin too soon, the treatment time is lengthened by the amount of time spent waiting for the permanent teeth to take shape. The treatment time with braces is long enough as it is, so we don’t want to add to it and have kids in braces for longer than necessary.
When to Make the First Orthodontist Appointment for Your Child
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents bring their children in for the first orthodontist appointment by age 7. By this age, a child typically has a mix of adult and baby teeth, allowing us to evaluate their dental development in real time. While they generally aren’t ready for braces at age 7, we can identify any bone and/or growth issues that may require early intervention with treatments designed to facilitate bone and/or growth correction. We’re mainly looking for bite issues, teeth misalignment, crowding, or developmental jaw irregularities.
Cuozzo’s One-of-a-Kind Early Observation Program
Understanding the balance between early intervention and treatment timing, Cuozzo offers an early observation program that helps put parents’ minds at ease knowing their children are being closely and regularly monitored for potential treatment with braces. Early observation appointments are every 6 months and there is never any pressure to begin treatment. We’re truly and genuinely looking for the right time to recommend that your child wear braces to aid their dental development. Learn more about our early observation program.
The Best Time to Start Treatment
Once again, orthodontic treatment timelines vary depending on patients’ specific needs, but in general, many patients will be ready to begin treatment during the early teenage years. This timeframe is usually when most of the permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is still growing, making it an ideal time for braces or other orthodontic treatment. It’s a window of opportunity for an orthodontist to guide the teeth into their proper positions and correct any misalignment during the natural growth and development of the jaw. But remember, your child’s first visit to an orthodontist should be much sooner, around age 7.
Is It Too Late for Adult Braces?
Looking to straighten your teeth as an adult? You’re not alone! It’s never too late to explore orthodontics for a straighter smile. Many adults gravitate to Invisalign® since it’s more discrete, but braces are certainly an option too.
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways. It can improve oral health by enhancing the ease of cleaning and reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, teeth straightening can sometimes alleviate issues related to jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on the surface of the teeth.
Learn more about Cuozzo’s many orthodontic treatment options including braces for children and braces for adults. We’re here to help people of all ages achieve that picture-perfect smile. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
