At What Age Can Kids Get Braces?
If your child has crooked teeth, they’ll likely need braces to straighten their smile. Even if you know your child needs braces, it’s not always clear what age will be best to start treatment. In general, what age your child gets braces will depend on their dental development, the type of misalignment they have, and personal preference.
It’s recommended that your child starts going to the orthodontist at age 7. This will allow the orthodontist to catch problems early on and come up with an appropriate plan for your child’s orthodontic treatment.
When Should Kids Start Wearing Braces?
In general, orthodontists can offer braces treatment to kids once they have lost most of their baby teeth and the majority of their permanent teeth have grown in. This age will vary between children, but most kids can get braces between 9 and 14.
Are Braces Necessary?
Many people think that braces are only used for cosmetic purposes. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Braces are often a treatment option to protect a child’s dental health. Here are some of the health problems that may indicate a need for braces:
- Early or late tooth loss
- Trouble chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Teeth crowding
- Difficulty speaking
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw problems
If your child has any of the problems listed above, it’s probably time for a trip to the orthodontist. They’ll be able to examine your child’s teeth and figure out whether or not they need braces, and when it will be appropriate to start treatment.
Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment in Staten Island
If your child is 7 or older, or if you have concerns about the alignment of their teeth, now is a great time to schedule their first orthodontic appointment at Brooklyn Orthodontics. We’re the best orthodontists in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the surrounding boroughs.
At Brooklyn Orthodontics, we specialize in braces, Invisalign, and other alignment options. We also offer other types of braces, like Invisalign.
Call today to schedule an appointment.