What Age Is Recommended For Braces?

Even though we wish we could answer this question with one definitive age, the truth is that each patient will need to be assessed by orthodontics near you to determine if they are age-appropriate for the procedure. However, if you’re looking for a general rule of thumb of the right age for braces, the answer is that it can be as young as when their baby teeth have fallen completely out.

That’s not to say that you should wait until then to bring your child to Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics since there are planning stages that can take place before then. If you want to ensure that your child has the best chance for a beautiful adult smile, please schedule a visit with our dentists in Del Mar, CA, to determine if your child needs early orthodontic treatment.

Signs Your Kids May Need Braces or Other Orthodontic Treatments

If you observe one or more of the following symptoms in your child, there’s an increased likelihood that early orthodontic treatment will increase their chances of having a beautiful smile with their adult teeth:

• Timing of the loss of their baby teeth
• Signs of difficulty chewing or biting
• Evidence of mouth breathing
• Prolonged thumb-sucking after age five
• Speech impediments
• The appearance of a smile concerns such gaps or crowding
• Misalignment of the jaw

Early treatment, also known as Stage 1 orthodontics, can often prevent conditions that may seem minor at first glance before worsening into advanced stages of orthodontic care. Early diagnosis and treatment are great ways to save time and money since it delivers treatment while the child’s jawbones are still young and growing. An early treatment plan will also allow your child to move seamlessly through Stage 2 (the active phase) and Stage 3 (the retention phase) of their treatment.

Customized Care from our Dentists Near You

When you visit our pediatric and orthodontic dentists near you to help with your child’s smile, you’ll receive a treatment plan designed to be gentle for your child, proven in its performance, and cost-effective for your budget.

Even if your child is showing early signs of dental anxiety at the mention of visiting a dentist, that is not a reason to postpone their treatment. We offer patients sedation dentistry and dental anxiety treatment to reinforce that dentistry can be stress-free and fun. Here are some things you can do to help them gain confidence:

• Avoid using words when describing dentistry that could cause them to become afraid.
• Describe your own experiences with your dental visits in positive language.
• Have them accompany you to your dentist’s waiting room (with an adult to supervise them while in with the dentist) so they become familiar with dental offices.
• Contact our staff ahead of your child’s appointment if you believe they require special attention to promote a stress-free experience.

In addition to providing customized care for your little one, our team has an exceptional talent with children. Plus, we have the following amenities to help your child enjoy their visit while waiting to be seen by our doctors:

• Video games, photo booth, books, and toys
• The prize wheel, goodie bag, and a treasure chest that contains stickers and more

Once your child goes into an exam room, they will also get to pick a program to watch on overhead televisions using headphones, reducing dental noise.

Treatment Times for Kids Wearing Braces Will Vary

Just as providing a definitive age for a child to start wearing braces is challenging, treatment times for various orthodontic corrections will vary based on the type of correction used. Our specialists have a combined 30 years of experience in all types of pediatric and young adult orthodontic treatment, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Clear braces (sometimes called ceramic braces)
• Clear aligners

We also provide these same treatment protocols for adults, making it an ideal way to join your child while you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you’d like to learn more about adult orthodontics from our dentists.

The Takeaway on the Best Age to Get Braces

The takeaway on the best age to get braces or orthodontic treatment is whenever an orthodontist recommends treatment to promote a happy and healthy smile, whether you seek treatment for your child or yourself.