You can make sure that your kid has healthy teeth by taking them for a visit to the orthodontist. However, some parents may wonder, “At what age do kids get braces?”
There are several factors to consider when determining the age for a child to get braces. Many parents are worried about their child's overbite, or the way their teeth are growing.
Because permanent teeth begin to fully emerge between the ages of 9 and 13, this is the best time for your child to start wearing braces. It's a good idea to take your child to their first orthodontist appointment when they're between the ages of 7 and 12. When a child of this age goes to the dentist, they may be checked for a few things. The orthodontist may examine the jaw to see whether there is a misalignment that can be corrected with braces. They may also look for overcrowding, which may necessitate tooth removal to have braces to rectify the alignment.
The orthodontist may also ask if their child is a thumb sucker or a mouth breather. Both of these things can affect a child's teeth. X-rays may be taken by the orthodontist to ensure that the teeth are aligned properly. X-rays can also be used to determine how the permanent tooth will emerge and whether braces are needed. By the time your child is seven years old, the most common orthodontic problems will become visible. These can include:
- Overcrowding
- Uneven bite
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Protruding teeth
Why do Kids Need Braces?
Many people mistakenly believe that braces are only for cosmetic purposes or that they can only correct crooked teeth. Braces are helpful not only to one's dental health but also to one's general well-being. Apart from crooked teeth or gaps, your child may need braces if they exhibit or suffers any of the following:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Trouble chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking or other poor oral habits
- Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that make sounds, shift, protrude, or are recessed
- Difficulty speaking
- Cheek biting or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that fail to meet normally or at all
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Teeth grinding or clenching
This list, however, is not exhaustive. If you have doubts about your bite or your child’s potential need for braces, contact us today for a free consultation at any of our locations.
How to Tell if a Child Needs Braces?
Keep in mind that as teeth fall out and adult teeth erupt, those new teeth don't always grow into their assigned positions. They frequently come in at an angle and then straighten out as your child (and their mouth) grows. So please don’t worry or presume your child will need braces based on the early appearance of adult teeth.
However, if you find that your child's teeth are still crooked or out of position, or if your child shows any of the other indicators listed above, it's a good idea to have him or her checked by an orthodontist sooner rather than later.
What Happens If My Kids Don’t Get
Braces?
Now that you know why braces are important and when you should get them, you should also know what happens if your child doesn't receive braces although they need them. Some of the consequences of opting out of braces involve jaw or teeth pain when your child chews their food. This can last till adulthood, and surgery may be needed in severe cases. Avoiding braces can also result in widening gaps in your teeth. These gaps can make you more self-aware of your smile. Another negative outcome of not using braces is that your teeth may shift permanently. For instance, if you need to remove certain teeth to wear braces and choose not to do so, your teeth may shift and cause pain in your jaw. This shift can result in the lower or upper jaw protruding. It can result in pain.
From eating to having better teeth, braces can change a child's life. When you learn what age children get braces, you'll have a better idea of what to expect when you take your child to the orthodontist. You can also explain to your child what to expect from the orthodontist so that they are not afraid of braces or the prospect of braces.
Some of the advantages of getting braces are chewing food is easier, it’s easier to brush and floss teeth, less grinding of teeth, and reducing cavities. By the time their braces are removed, your child will enjoy these benefits and have a healthier-looking smile.
Overall, having braces fitted for your child between the ages of 9 and 13 can help your child avoid future pain and suffering. This can make them feel more confident in their smile and their teeth. It may also help in the prevention of gum disease and plaque buildup.