Both braces and aligners play crucial roles in developing a person’s dental health. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, are more than just cosmetic solutions. They are essential in correcting bite issues, aligning teeth properly, and ensuring a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile. The timing of these treatments is critical, especially in children.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Braces?
The average age for braces is roughly 12 years old. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, most children in the US will get braces between the ages of 9 and 14 years. Typically all of your child’s teeth have permanently grown in, which is the perfect time to have them evaluated by an orthodontist.
This is a crucial phase in dental development because it is also an optimal time for orthodontists to correct moderately to severely misaligned teeth. Addressing these issues during childhood can prevent more complex dental problems in the future.
Why Does Age Make A Difference For When You Get Braces?
There are several reasons why dentists recommend that kids get braces no sooner than 8 or 9 years old. These minimum age requirements are standard practice for many dentists and orthodontists due to a child’s:
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Permanent Teeth Development: It’s essential to wait until most permanent teeth have emerged to ensure that braces or aligners can do their job effectively.
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Oral Hygiene Habits and Responsibility: Older children are more likely to have developed good oral hygiene habits, which are crucial for the success of orthodontic treatment.
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Experience With Growing Pains: As children grow, their jaws and teeth change, which can affect the alignment of their teeth and the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.
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Diet Considerations: A healthier and better-maintained diet is typically easier to manage in older children, which is important for dental health during orthodontic treatment.
Benefits Of Getting Braces As A Child Vs. Adulthood
As a parent, if you’re unsure about when you should pursue braces for your children’s teeth, you’re not alone. The cost upfront can be jarring, and it can be difficult to tell how their teeth might grow in over time.
If a child needs braces, there are plenty of benefits they can experience now. Some of these benefits include:
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Less Stigma Surrounding Braces In Childhood: Children are more accepting of braces, and many of their peers will also be undergoing orthodontic treatment. Adults, on the other hand, won’t see as many of their colleagues, friends, and neighbors wearing braces. This can cause a person to feel self-conscious, embarrassed, and possibly socially isolated.
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Cost Differences With Age: Often, treating dental issues early can be more cost-effective than correcting more severe problems in adulthood. Not only that braces are much cheaper to fit and adjust on children due to the simple fact that less material is used.
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Better Long-Term Dental Outcomes: Early intervention can lead to better dental health and fewer complications in adulthood. Crooked teeth can lead to hard-to-reach spots in the mouth, which can create the perfect environment for plaque buildup and decay. An early orthodontic treatment can preserve a child’s oral health well into adulthood.
Set your child up for easier dental care as they age. If your child needs braces, then you should have a dentist examine their smile.
To ensure they have a positive experience with an orthodontist, it’s important to seek out one who is empathetic and experienced in pediatric dentistry. Fortunately, for those who live around Dallas, Texas, there is one practice that fits into this category. Rio Dental & Orthodontics is a family dental practice that specializes in orthodontics and several other pediatric dental services.
Schedule Your Family’s Consultation For Braces
Ready to explore orthodontic options? Schedule a consultation with Rio Dental & Orthodontics in Dallas, Texas. Our team specializes in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, which means we will carefully guide your child through the process of getting braces. Our team will help determine the best time for your child to begin their treatment plan.
Don’t let the cost of orthodontics stop you from pursuing treatment for your family either. We take several dental insurance plans, Medicaid, and offer financing solutions to help with the cost of braces.
Call (972) 885-8089 to schedule your child’s appointment for braces now.
