Orthodontic treatment is designed to work with a mixed dentition, or a growing mouth of baby teeth and permanent teeth, so braces at age 7 or 8 is possible!
While most kids won't need braces at the early age of seven, some definitely do. If your child has bite problems or overcrowded teeth, they might have a hard time chewing or talking. These problems can also lead to jaw strain and gum damage.
You may think that starting orthodontic treatment at a young age (7-8 years old) is better but in reality, early orthodontic treatment is neither necessary nor beneficial for most children.
Some children start their orthodontic treatment as young as six. However, most agree that the best age to get braces or another form of treatment is between the ages of 8 and 14, which is when the head and mouth are most conducive to straightening.
Traditionally, orthodontists have recommended waiting until around age 12 before beginning traditional bracket style braces. At this age, all of the baby teeth have fallen out.
Most people wear their braces for about two years. Once the braces are off, your child will most likely have to wear a retainer that's specially molded for their teeth.
Getting the braces put onto your child's teeth is not a painful or unpleasant situation. Instead, the procedure will only last an hour or two, and it is pain-free. However, once the braces begin adjusting the teeth, your child might experience some soreness. Soft foods are a go-to remedy.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
If you identify an issue such as the misalignment of your child's bite, facial asymmetry, or sounds in the jaw before your child turns 7, you don't have to wait to schedule an orthodontic check-up. The sooner the child sees an orthodontist, the sooner they can receive orthodontic treatment.
Though children can wear braces as young as 6 or 7, these early braces for kids aren't the same as comprehensive treatment. Your child won't wear a full set of braces for an extended period. Instead, braces are usually bonded to select teeth and stay in place for nine to 12 months.
They Help Avoid Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
As plaque and bacteria build up, your kid's oral health deteriorates and this can cause them to struggle with other dental problems. In short, wearing braces is a synonym of fewer chances of cavities, a.k.a fewer visits to the dentist.
The best age for braces teeth is between 10 and 14 years because at this age the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are more conducive to straightening.
How long kids need to wear braces depends on the problems the orthodontist is trying to fix. The average time is about 2 years. After that, a child might wear a specially molded retainer — a small, hard piece of plastic with metal wires or a thin piece of plastic shaped like a mouthguard.
What Is the Shortest Time Period for Braces? The shortest treatment is six months. This is for patients with minor alignment issues who don't require their teeth to be moved as much.
The ideal age your child should receive braces is between age 9 and 13 because their permanent teeth start fully coming in during that time. Age 7 to 12 is a good age to take your kid to their first orthodontist visit.
Some bite problems treated before the age of 10 can prevent future extraction of permanent teeth or in the most severe cases jaw surgery. Additionally, many early treatments are performed to prevent damaging permanent teeth due to them erupting in an incorrect position.
Simply put, there is actually no age limit for someone to get braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there is a high number of patients fitted with dental braces every day over the age of 18. Typically, the only requirements dental professionals have is a healthy jaw bone and permanent teeth.
The first few days are the worst as far as soreness and discomfort are concerned. Remind your child that it's normal for the teeth and mouth to be sore after having braces put on but also remind them that this discomfort only lasts for a few days.
Show the Results of Braces
Children usually find it difficult to adapt to the changes after getting braces. The equipment causes them discomfort and sometimes severe pain. They also have to give up on their favourite lollies and chocolates. Therefore, they may cry and ask you to remove the braces.
After five days to a week, any initial discomfort associated with the braces should be gone or much improved. The teeth will have gradually acclimated to the braces, and eating should be much easier.
The average orthodontic treatment plan is anywhere from 18 months to three years. It's different for everyone, but anything beyond a four-year treatment plan warrants getting second, third and fourth opinions.
However, summer is undoubtedly the best time to get braces as you or your child will have more personal time to learn your new braces upkeep schedule and adjust to any new feelings in your mouth.
Time Spent in Braces
For conventional braces, the average treatment time is 2 years. With short term braces, the treatment time can be as little as six months.
A child's front permanent teeth may angle away from the centre and look crooked. This is normal, and the teeth should straighten out naturally as the other permanent teeth come in. After the permanent teeth have replaced the primary teeth, the child's last molars will come in (four second molars and four wisdom teeth).
In Australia, the cost of ceramic braces can range from $5,000 to $8,500 for a standard 18-month treatment. Traditional metal braces can cost up to $8,000. The cost of lingual braces start at approximately $7,500 for a single arch and from $12,500 for a full treatment.