Braces seem inevitable for every teenager, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, only about a quarter of children will need orthodontic treatment. Is your child one of them? How old do you have to be to get braces? When should my child see an orthodontist?
Petrous Orthodontics treats patients of all ages, from young children to senior adults. We know the importance of treating your child at an early age as possible because we can stop severe dental problems before they happen. Here’s what you need to know about orthodontic care for your child.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child have their first orthodontist consultation by age 7. By then, the baby teeth are in, and the permanent teeth are about to come in. We can tell if your child’s oral growth and development will be normal or will need some type of braces treatment.
We can see if your child’s jaw growth is wide enough to accommodate the larger and more numerous teeth that will erupt soon. We can see if there are dental issues now, like teeth that aren’t coming in on time or aren’t coming in at all. Teeth that are crowded or crooked could signal problems later.
Does that mean a 7-year-old will get braces? Can a 7 year old get braces? Generally, no, because the baby teeth are still in, and waiting for the permanent teeth is much better.
So when do kids get braces, and do kids get treatment before braces? They do, and it’s called a two-phase treatment plan.
Early orthodontic intervention, also known as interceptive orthodontics, can prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing. By starting treatment early, orthodontists can address issues such as overcrowding, protruding teeth, and jaw misalignment. This can result in shorter treatment times and less discomfort for your child.
Some children have obvious dental issues early as the jaws develop. While it may be too early to treat those children with braces, it’s not too early to treat their dental issues, and it may keep them from needing braces later on or at least needing braces for as long as they would otherwise.
Phase One braces treatment usually happens when your child is 9-11 years old. Many of their permanent teeth are in or about to come in by then. We can treat problems in your child’s mouth that could lead to more serious dental issues.
Phase 1 braces treatment could include appliances such as a palate expander, which widens the jaw and allows space for all the permanent teeth to come in correctly. These are usually worn about 6-9 months.
We may put in a tongue crib to keep your child from thrusting their tongue against the back of their teeth and creating an overbite. A tongue crib may also stop your child from using a pacifier or sucking their thumb.
We also might add separators if your child’s teeth are too close. This could make it easier to put braces on later.
We may need to extract teeth if your child doesn’t have enough room to straighten their teeth, but this is much rarer than it used to be. These other methods will often give your child the space their teeth need to erupt properly.
If your child still has dental issues, we use braces or clear aligners to fix these problems later during Phase 2 braces treatment. When can kids get braces? Usually, we wait until the child is 11 or 12 years old and most permanent teeth are in.
Braces for kids or treatment with Invisalign Teen usually won’t take as long as it would without the first phase. That’s because we’ve lessened or removed the major issues that would have to be fixed otherwise with braces treatment.
There are signs to watch for if your kid needs braces. These symptoms can show up early. If you think your child has these issues, talk with your dentist, then consult with an orthodontist. If you need an orthodontist in Royal Oak, MI, call us at Petrous Orthodontics.
Here are some things to watch for to see if your child needs braces.
Orthodontic issues can come from bad habits such as thumbsucking, but they can also be genetics. Here are some causes of bad teeth in your child.
Whatever the cause, Petrous Orthodontics can help your child get the beautiful, healthy smile they want and need for a lifetime.
It is very rare for your child’s dental issues to work themselves out as they grow, but it is possible. It’s even more possible with Phase 1 treatment. However, your child will likely need orthodontic treatment if they have dental problems when they’re young.
Your first orthodontic consultation will let you know if your child’s dental issues will need treatment now or in the future. Let Petrous Orthodontics ease your mind about your child’s oral health!
You can wait for a referral from your dentist, but it isn’t necessary. If you’re in the Royal Oak, MI, area for orthodontic treatment, you can schedule an appointment at Petrous Orthodontics.
We’ll evaluate your child’s oral health and determine whether they need braces. Rest assured, we’ll never recommend treatment your child doesn’t need! If your child does need treatment, Petrous Orthodontics will treat your child’s orthodontic problems so that they end up with a beautiful smile they can show off for life!
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