Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Many parents wonder what the best age is for kids to get braces. There is no one-size fits all answer, but early evaluation and treatment can make a big difference in your child’s dental health.
In this blog, we will discuss why regular visits to the dentist are important for monitoring your child’s tooth development. These visits will help you determine if and when your child will need braces.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Regular visits to the dentist as your child grows is the best way to know if or when they should get braces. As their permanent teeth come in, your dentist will be able to tell if they need orthodontic treatment. Early orthodontic treatment will prevent serious issues like misaligned teeth, jaw problems, and complex procedures down the road, setting the stage for a healthy, beautiful smile.
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, often referred to as interceptive treatment, is an evaluation process that typically begins around the age of 7. This is the stage when your child’s permanent teeth start to emerge. The mix of baby and permanent (adult) teeth, known as the mixed dentition stage, can reveal potential orthodontic issues.
Goals of Early Evaluation
The primary goals of early orthodontic evaluation include:
- Identifying any existing orthodontic concerns such as crowded teeth, uneven bite, facial imbalance, gaps between teeth, or bite issues.
- Monitoring the loss of baby teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Developing a treatment plan that may involve simple appliances to guide jaw growth and tooth alignment.
Benefits of Regular Visits to the Dentist
Your child experiences a lot of changes in their body as they grow, and their teeth and jaw are no exception! Regular visits to the dentist as they age will allow your dentist to monitor their tooth and jaw development as well as their oral health. They can determine early on if orthodontic treatment will be necessary. Here are a few reasons why you should prioritize these visits:
- Early detection of issues: Catching potential concerns such as crowded teeth or bad bites can lead to more effective treatment down the line.
- Prevention of severe problems: Addressing dental issues early can prevent more significant complications later, which might require complex treatments or even oral surgery.
- Guidance of jaw growth: Your child’s jaws grow rapidly during their development, so guiding this growth can result in better alignment.
- Shorter treatment duration: By intervening early, your child may experience a shorter, less invasive treatment phase than if they waited until all their permanent teeth came in.
- Boosted confidence: A healthy, straight smile can greatly improve your child’s self-esteem, helping them face the world with pride.
Signs That Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Here are some red flags to watch for:
🚩 Crowded or crooked teeth: If you notice your child’s teeth are overlapping or misaligned, it is time for an orthodontic evaluation.
🚩 Difficulty biting or chewing: Trouble eating can be a sign of malocclusion or other bite issues.
🚩 Mouth breathing or snoring: These can be indicators of a narrow jaw or other airway issues that might benefit from orthodontic intervention.
🚩 Thumb sucking and other bad dental habits: Persistent thumb-sucking after the age of 5 can lead to misaligned teeth and other orthodontic concerns.
🚩 Protruding teeth: Teeth that stick out can be more prone to injury and may require early treatment to correct.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
There are various treatment options available for your child, including:
- Palatal expanders: Used to widen the upper jaw, addressing issues like posterior crossbites.
- Space maintainers: Keep space available for permanent teeth after premature loss of baby teeth.
- Braces: In some cases, braces or Invisalign may be recommended even if your child’s permanent teeth have not fully erupted.
Debunking Myths
It’s time to clear the air on some common misconceptions:
- “It’s only for cosmetic purposes.”: Aesthetics are important, but early orthodontic treatment primarily focuses on dental health.
- “It’s too expensive.”: Early treatment can save money in the long run by preventing more complicated and expensive procedures.
- “It’s painful for children.”: Modern orthodontic options prioritize comfort, making the process far less painful than older generations might remember.
Denver Youth Dentistry: Your Orthodontist in Denver, CO
If you’ve been on the fence about scheduling an orthodontic evaluation for your child, now’s the time to act. While there is no specific age for braces, early intervention can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, straight teeth and a beautiful smile.
At Denver Youth Dentistry we offer personalized orthodontic care for children of all ages, using the latest technology and techniques to ensure a comfortable and efficient treatment process. Our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Bobak, is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for your child’s dental health.
If you are searching for an ‘orthodontist near me’ or ‘a dentist near me that accepts Medicaid,’ we can help! To book an appointment call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online inquiry form.
