When Should My Child Start Orthodontic Treatment?

These days, getting orthodontic treatment seems like a rite of passage for kids! While not every child will actually need braces, a significant percentage of kids will get them at some point. The question is: When exactly is that point? Each patient’s case is unique so the right age for one child may not be the right age for another.

First Orthodontic Evaluation

You may be surprised to hear that the age when a child should get their first orthodontic evaluation is seven years old. This age is when permanent teeth are first starting to come in, which, of course, has a big impact on their teeth alignment. But don’t assume that your seven-year-old child is going to walk out of that appointment with braces! This is more of a foundational appointment so their dentist and/or orthodontist can understand how their teeth and jaws are developing and what problems may need to be addressed in the future.

Best Age for Braces

As we mentioned before, there’s no single best age to get braces. It all depends on that specific child due to how fast they’re growing and what kind of alignment issues need fixing. Some children benefit from early interceptive treatment, while others don’t need treatment for several years. During your child’s consultation, we can give you a better idea of when your child should start their treatment and how many rounds of treatment they may need.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional metal braces are one of the most popular orthodontic treatments but they’re not the only one. Ceramic braces use white or clear brackets so they aren’t as noticeable. Another orthodontic option is Invisalign clear aligner therapy, which is a subtle way to straighten teeth. Our dental team can help you decide which is the right option for your child depending on their smile needs, age, and sense of responsibility.

Ready to discuss your child’s orthodontic needs? Schedule a consultation with us at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics! At our Lytle practice, we provide both braces and clear aligner therapy as part of our orthodontic services.

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Categorised in: Orthodontics