Most parents are excited to see their child’s permanent teeth replacing the baby teeth, but they grow concerned when those teeth don’t come in straight. How do you know if you need braces? When is the best age for braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. The doctors at Woodhill Dental Specialties know what to look for to decide whether your child needs braces. We can also tell you the best age for braces to give your child the smile they deserve.
If you want to know how to know if your child needs braces in Dallas, Texas, Woodhill Dental Specialties can help! Let’s look at some of the symptoms of needing braces and when the best time is for children’s dental braces treatment.
What are the signs you need braces? Some signs are more subtle than others. It’s easy to see your child may need braces if their teeth are crooked or have gapped teeth. You may even be able to notice an overbite or underbite.
Some symptoms indicate you need braces. They can be prominent or mild. However, mild issues often worsen over time, so the sooner they’re addressed, the better it is for your child.
Signs your kid needs braces include:
While some orthodontic issues are easy for you to see, other dental problems, such as a misaligned jaw or a crossbite, are more challenging. This is why consulting with an orthodontist by age 7 is essential. We will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and jaws visually and through digital imaging. We can evaluate whether your child will need braces and when.
What is the best age to get braces? Do children get braces on their first visit to the orthodontist? Once most of the permanent teeth are in, most children who need braces get them around ages 11-13.
Some children need treatment to prepare their teeth for braces or to prevent the need for braces. Those children are candidates for two-phase braces treatment.
Those who need early orthodontic treatment and braces later usually undergo a two-phase treatment plan. The first phase occurs when the child is younger, and their permanent teeth are still coming in, usually around ages 7-9. The second phase is getting the braces, usually around ages 11-13.
Braces treatment can fix these orthodontic problems:
Phase One orthodontic treatment involves using orthodontic appliances to correct teeth and jaw problems before they get worse.
Children who continue to suck their thumb or use a pacifier may need a tongue crib to stop the habit and reposition the tongue. A tongue crib can also pull the tongue back from the back of the upper teeth and prevent tongue thrust, another bad habit.
Children with crowded teeth may have small dental arches or small jaws. We can use a palate expander to widen the jaw and make room for teeth. Other treatments may be necessary to make braces treatment easier later.
Phase 1 braces treatment usually lasts 6-12 months, but it can shorten the time your child is in braces later. It can also improve the results of braces treatment, assuming your child even needs braces.
A few children who undergo Phase 1 treatment don’t need braces later because we intervened before their dental problems became more noticeable. Most children, though, will need to undergo Phase 2 braces treatment.
Phase Two braces treatment usually starts a few years after Phase I treatment ends. This gives most of the permanent teeth time to erupt and replace all the baby teeth.
Phase II braces treatment involves putting braces or clear aligners on your teeth. Children who go through Phase I treatment often have shorter treatment times than they would have if they hadn’t had the early intervention. On average, children wear their braces for 12-24 months or less. We offer clear and metal braces and lingual braces, which fit inside the teeth but are not recommended for all patients.
In addition to the different types of braces, we also offer clear aligners in Phase 2 braces treatment. Rather than Invisalign clear aligners, we offer SureSmile aligners, which have yielded excellent results while being comfortable and nearly invisible to the patient.
The cost of braces or clear aligners can vary depending on several factors, including whether your child needs two-phase treatment, braces treatment, or prefers clear aligners.
During your first visit, we will present you with an orthodontic treatment plan that includes the cost of the treatment. We will also introduce you to our financing options to help you pay for the treatment. We don’t want finances to get in the way of your child’s healthy smile!
Dental problems worsen over time and can affect other aspects of your child’s health besides their teeth. These dental issues can cause speech impediments, headaches, jaw fatigue, digestive problems, snoring, sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Early braces treatment can help your child get a strong, healthy, beautiful smile that can last throughout their lives. If your child is ready for braces treatment in Dallas, TX, or Rockwall, TX, schedule an appointment with Woodhill Dental Specialties. Let us help your child get a healthy smile they will love!
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