Anyone with an orthodontic problem will experience benefits from treatment, regardless of their age. If there is such a thing as a perfect time for braces, it’s probably when a child is 10 to 14 years old. At that point in their life, they’re still growing and it’s easier to straighten their teeth.
Of course, this is a sensitive time in a child’s life. Braces can mean teasing from their peers and changes in their appearance, which may seem traumatic to them. You should talk about braces with your child to find out their concerns so they can be addressed.
The benefits from braces don’t have an age limit. So if you didn’t get them as a child and still need them as an adult, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist for your own evaluation. Many adults wear braces today, some to correct the problem and others just to improve their smile.
Best Age for a First Orthodontic Evaluation
There is general agreement between the Canadian Association of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists that the first orthodontic evaluation is best done when your child is around seven years old.
There are a number of reasons that age seems to be perfect. For one thing, the first permanent molars come in when a child is around six or seven years old. These teeth begin establishing the posterior occlusion(the way the back teeth come together). This allows the orthodontist to see the relationship between your child’s teeth and the jaw. Dental or skeletal problems can be detected at this point.
By age six or seven, the adult incisors (front teeth) have started coming in, and the orthodontist will be able to detect other issues like crowding, bite issues and dental rotations. Sometimes the orthodontist is able to detect subtle problems while there are still some baby teeth in the mouth.
Other reasons 6 or 7 is a good age for an evaluation include:
- Even though the teeth may look straight, and orthodontist is able to detect the start of a problem before it gets worse.
- An evaluation may give you peace of mind, learning your child’s teeth are coming in as they should and their bite is normal.
- Early evaluation may reveal a problem that needs to be monitored or one that may be corrected with early treatment. This can prevent a more serious problem from developing, and if treatment is required later, it may be shorter treatment time or less complicated.
- Sometimes the orthodontist is able to catch something early and get results that would not be possible after the face and the jaws have stopped growing.
Seven Great Reasons for Early Treatment
If your orthodontist recommends early treatment for your child, there is no need for excessive worrying. There are many good reasons for suggesting early treatment, including giving your orthodontist the opportunity to:
- Guide and direct the growth of the jaw
- Lower the trauma risk of protruding front teeth
- Correct oral habits such as digit sucking or tongue thrusting that may be harmful
- Improve the appearance
- Guide and direct permanent teeth to a better position in the mouth
- Improve how the lips meet
- Early orthodontic treatment gives your child the best chance for a lifetime of good oral health and a beautiful smile
Do I Need a Referral to See an Orthodontist?
It’s not necessary to have a referral in order to see an orthodontist. Many times your general dentist will refer you to an orthodontist if they have discovered problems that are beyond the scope of their practice. But a referral is not a requirement. You can certainly contact an orthodontist directly and make an appointment for consultation or evaluation.
