What Is the Best Age to Start Orthodontics?

Worried about your child’s dental health?

It’s understandable because lots of children suffer from untreated dental caries. What about orthodontics? The answer depends on the type of treatment you’re looking for.

Think your child is ready to see an orthodontist? Explore the right time for everyone in the family to see an orthodontist using our guide. Read on and find out more.

What Is the Best Time to See an Orthodontist?

Children aged seven years or older must have an orthodontic screening and evaluation. It won’t mean that your kids need braces after their orthodontic visit. It’s likely unnecessary and unrecommended at this age.

Regardless, it’s better to get a thorough evaluation for your children. It helps detect undesirable tooth growth and bite problems. Early intervention will save them from a lot of grief later on.

It’s not advisable to go to the family dentist for this assessment. Orthodontists may be dentists, but they went through specialty training. It helps them diagnose and treat problems specific to orthodontics.

Your family dentist likely has insufficient knowledge or experience for a thorough examination. Most orthodontic practices have complimentary evaluations. They’re willing to share their recommendations with your dentist.

When Is the Best Time to Get Braces for Your Children?

It’s right before your children lose their last set of baby teeth. Most enjoy a single round of orthodontic treatment instead of a two-phase approach. It usually happens between 12- and 14-year-old children.

If your child starts treatment with too many baby teeth, it can prolong the duration. It will have more negative side effects. Some treatments relying on jaw growth can be difficult or impossible without surgery.

Avoid these issues and see the orthodontist regularly. It helps guide your children’s growth and start the treatment at the proper time. It eases the process and ensures proper planning and diagnosis.

Children who visited an orthodontist early finish their treatment within 18 months. Your child’s treatment duration and results depend on when they first start. Poor timing means a longer treatment of two years or more with less satisfying results.

Learn more benefits of early orthodontic treatment for children. Click the linked guide to find more reasons to see an orthodontist.

What Are the Signs Your Child Needs an Orthodontist?

Correcting smaller problems at a younger age prevents bigger issues in the future. An initial orthodontic exam is necessary to achieve it. It helps you identify potential orthodontic problems ahead of time.

Here are some signs your child needs an orthodontic exam:

• Early or late teeth loss
• Chewing issues
• Mouth-breathing
• Finger-sucking
• Improper teeth spacing
• Dysfunctional jaw
• Misaligned teeth

If your child exhibits any of these, it’s better to be safe and get an orthodontist. It helps them detect and correct the problems. Early space maintenance and correction decrease the need for two-phase treatments.

How About Adolescent Orthodontics?

Teenagers have lots of things to worry about as they grow up. Having a beautiful smile plays a huge role for them to develop self-esteem and confidence. It enables them to grow into happier, healthier adults.

Adolescence is one of the best times to get orthodontic treatment and care. It’s easier to correct the teeth during this period. The faster the teeth move, the less time they spend in braces, making them happier.

Nowadays, braces are more stylish and comfortable. It makes them more attractive to teenagers when correcting some orthodontic conditions. Braces can address overbite, underbite, or sunken chin.

How About Adult Orthodontics?

Most orthodontists believe that it’s never too late to get a beautiful smile. It’s why you must get treatment as soon as possible if you’re an adult. It matters not whether you’re a young upcoming professional or a retired senior.

Teeth will sometimes continue shifting as we age. It can lead to various misalignment issues. It’s a common problem even people who had braces early on can experience.

You must never be complacent because you got braces as a teenager. As an adult, you must visit an orthodontist whenever possible.

You need not worry about the treatments. With technological advances, the results are quicker and achievable through various treatments.

Now, clear braces make your treatment pleasing to the eye. It’s almost invisible since it also comes with tooth-colored variants. With this, you won’t feel self-conscious the entire day.

You get aesthetic benefits when changing your jaw’s positions. Your teeth support these parts of your face. It makes orthodontic treatments necessary for better looks without surgery.

Your lips look fuller and your skin tighter once your jaw alignment improves.

What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments?

You now know the right time to see an orthodontist. Here are some benefits you’ll enjoy after starting an orthodontic treatment plan:

1. Better Oral Hygiene

Misaligned teeth are hard to clean. If food particles get stuck, it leads to tooth decay and loss. If you use orthodontia services, they will help align your teeth.

Correcting crowded teeth makes brushing and flossing easier. It makes you more motivated to care for your oral health.

2. Boost Confidence

Sometimes, children get teased at school because of their teeth. Low self-esteem will sometimes stay with them until adulthood. Save your child from psychological problems later on with an orthodontic visit.

3. Improve Functionality

A bad bite means struggling every time you bite or chew food. It results in diet limitations and indigestion. Eat a wider variety of foods and improve digestion by fixing the problem at the source.

4. Improve Teeth Wear

Bite problems cause uneven force distribution. It makes the teeth wear and tear more visible. It results in excessive strain for the gums and bone tissues, making your head hurt.

Get Orthodontic Help Today

With this comprehensive guide, you have no excuse not to visit an Orthodontist in Weybridge. It matters not what your age is. Orthodontics will benefit your family in various ways.

Why stop here? Oral health is only one small part of a healthy and fulfilling life. Check out our other blog posts and for more tips on raising a healthy family!