When Should I Get Braces?
Braces are commonly used to correct a variety of common orthodontic problems, from crowded or misaligned teeth to severe underbites or overbites.
Whether a child has recently been diagnosed with one of these issues, or an adult is seeking to fix an issue that has been present for a long time, many people wonder, when should I get braces? The Sooner, The Better? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation or screening at the first sign of orthodontic problems, or no later than age 7.
By starting early, irreversible damage to adult teeth can be prevented.
If immediate action is not required, your orthodontist can monitor the growth and development of the child's teeth and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Starting treatment early is often referred to as interceptive orthodontic treatment, and has been recently adopted by many orthodontists.
By starting treatment at a younger age your orthodontist can take advantage of the younger child's growth.
Because of their youth, children's bones and mouths are more easily adaptable, generally making orthodontics an easier process.
Putting braces on a child makes it also possible to prevent some future foreseeable orthodontics issues and can prevent dental health issues down the road, such as cavities resulting from crowded teeth.
Other possible benefits include creating room for crowded teeth, reducing the need for teeth to be removed, preserving space for unerupted teeth, and reducing the treatment time required for braces.
Too Little, Too Late? But what if you are a teenager, or an adult? Is it too late to seek treatment? Fortunately, with today's technology, treatment options such as braces are available for people at any age.
In fact, adult braces are becoming increasingly common! In fact, 25% of all patients with braces are actually adults.
In some cases treatment time may take a little longer than with children, but overall there is very little difference between getting braces as a child or as an adult.
Braces as an adult will still help your overall health and promote increased self-confidence.
And with today's choices in ceramic clear braces or aligner trays like Invisalign, adult patients are now able to more discreetly improve their smile with minimal discomfort.
What to Expect During your first visit your orthodontist can assess you or your loved one's teeth and provide you with an estimate of how long braces would need to be worn, what treatment options are available and the approximate cost of braces.
Whether a child has recently been diagnosed with one of these issues, or an adult is seeking to fix an issue that has been present for a long time, many people wonder, when should I get braces? The Sooner, The Better? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation or screening at the first sign of orthodontic problems, or no later than age 7.
By starting early, irreversible damage to adult teeth can be prevented.
If immediate action is not required, your orthodontist can monitor the growth and development of the child's teeth and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Starting treatment early is often referred to as interceptive orthodontic treatment, and has been recently adopted by many orthodontists.
By starting treatment at a younger age your orthodontist can take advantage of the younger child's growth.
Because of their youth, children's bones and mouths are more easily adaptable, generally making orthodontics an easier process.
Putting braces on a child makes it also possible to prevent some future foreseeable orthodontics issues and can prevent dental health issues down the road, such as cavities resulting from crowded teeth.
Other possible benefits include creating room for crowded teeth, reducing the need for teeth to be removed, preserving space for unerupted teeth, and reducing the treatment time required for braces.
Too Little, Too Late? But what if you are a teenager, or an adult? Is it too late to seek treatment? Fortunately, with today's technology, treatment options such as braces are available for people at any age.
In fact, adult braces are becoming increasingly common! In fact, 25% of all patients with braces are actually adults.
In some cases treatment time may take a little longer than with children, but overall there is very little difference between getting braces as a child or as an adult.
Braces as an adult will still help your overall health and promote increased self-confidence.
And with today's choices in ceramic clear braces or aligner trays like Invisalign, adult patients are now able to more discreetly improve their smile with minimal discomfort.
What to Expect During your first visit your orthodontist can assess you or your loved one's teeth and provide you with an estimate of how long braces would need to be worn, what treatment options are available and the approximate cost of braces.
Source...