When it comes to the development of teeth, every case is unique and different. As a child grows, changes occur in the mouth and jaw, which results in misalignment sometimes. Hence, you may notice problems with their teeth and bite alignment. Usually, the dental and orthodontic issues are evident by the age of seven. During this time, many children undergo orthodontic treatment such as braces to shift their teeth into proper positions. But, many parents wonder, how old do you have to be to get braces?
In this blog, you can learn all about the appropriate braces age, what factors signify you need them, and more. Carry on reading to explore!
What Age Can You Get Braces?
In some cases, children start orthodontic treatment when they are around six years old. Orthodontists agree that the best age to receive braces or another orthodontic treatment is between 8 and 14 years of age. During this time, the mouth and headache are more favorable to shift into proper position. Therefore, it is better to take your children to an orthodontist for examination so they can assess if the permanent teeth are coming in right.
Signs Your Child Needs Braces
When the permanent teeth start erupting, you should keep an eye out for any dental concern. This is because the orthodontic issues start surfacing after the child turns 7 or all of their permanent teeth come out. Hence, parents usually notice the following issues that hint at misalignment:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Losing baby teeth too early or too late
- Thumb sucking
- Underbite
- Overbite
If your child needs braces, they will probably have difficulty chewing due to the position of their teeth. Moreover, you may notice that the child is breathing through their mouth. A misaligned bite can cause multiple issues, such as difficulty speaking, cheek biting, bruxism, asymmetry, poor oral habits, and more. All of these and more indicate that your child might need orthodontic treatment, and it is best to visit a dental professional for assessment.
Can Adults Get Braces?
Although orthodontic treatment is more commonly associated with kids, it is not rare for adults to get braces. In simple terms, you do not have to be 7 to get braces, even though it is the ideal age, you can opt for orthodontic treatment as an adult as well. From metallic braces to invisalign, there are many choices for an adult to get braces. Moreover, with invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without compromising the aesthetics of your teeth.
What Happens if You Don’t Get Braces
Braces are significant to improve the alignment issues your child is experiencing. However, if your child needs braces but does not receive them, it can be pretty detrimental. Apart from the jaw and tooth pain when chewing, there are other consequences. For instance, the child may develop gaps in their teeth. Avoiding braces can result in your teeth permanently shifting or a protruding jaw. In short, it is better to opt for braces.
The Takeaway
You should take your child to visit the dentist when they are 7 years of age for a proper examination of their adult tooth. This way, they can receive braces or the suitable orthodontic treatment if needed. Our skilled orthodontists at Adventure Orthodontics will ensure you have a healthy and straight smile! Talk to us now at (281) 353-5556 or visit us at 17718 Kuykendahl, Spring, Texas 77379.