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.
The average age that a child will get their braces on is between 11 & 12. Sometimes we see children as young as 6 or 7 with a full set of braces on. Some may think that the parents of these children just wanted to start the process early, or that it is some kind of trend.
Well, most people who wear braces tend to be between 10 and 14 years old. However, treatment can start from as young as 7 and there's no upper age limit.
Generally, it is best to get braces between the ages of 10 and 14 due to the structure and growth stages of the head and mouth. While the head and mouth are still growing, teeth are more adaptive to change which will ultimately make the process easier.
With today's orthodontic technology, nearly any age is an appropriate age to get braces. This is because modern orthodontics are more adaptable than ever before. So, whether you're 10 or 50, braces can be an effective way to straighten teeth and improve your oral health.
There's really no age limit for braces except in a very broad sense. Children shouldn't get braces placed on their baby teeth, for example; they should wait until they have their adult teeth. But once the adult teeth are in, the only contraindications for braces are health-related, not age-related.
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.
There are no specific government programs in Australia that subsidise the cost of getting braces. The Australian government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) offers assistance for two-17 year-olds to access a range of dental services and procedures for free.
For parents and guardians
The CDBS covers part, or all, of the costs (up to $1026 over 2 calendar years) for basic dental services for children up to 17 years of age. Learn more about the CDBS, and whether your child is eligible, on Service Australia's website.
Are braces available on the NHS? Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for young people under the age of 18 at no cost, if a dentist feels they need it. NHS orthodontic treatment isn't usually available for adults, but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health reasons.
On average, it takes about 24 months to complete an orthodontic treatment. Some patients require less than 12 months, but there are also patients requiring up to 3 years of treatment before their teeth reach the desired position. Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution and each patient's mouth is unique.
Are you wondering whether it is time to get braces for your child? There are 4.5 million Americans wearing braces with 80 percent of those ranging in age from 6 to 18! It's not uncommon for someone to begin wearing braces as a child.
On average, how long do braces take to work? The average orthodontic treatment falls somewhere between 16-18 months, but can sometimes take as long as 24 months, or even more. Be wary of promises from anyone who says you can have a straight smile in only six months.
Many believe they are too old for braces and straight teeth, but that's not true. Your teeth don't grow like hair or fingernails. They're always going to be the same size and can be fixed at any time from 14 to 41.
The ideal age for braces
Early adolescence, or between the ages of 10 and 14, is widely considered the ideal time to get braces. That's because preteens and younger teens have all (or nearly all) of their adult teeth in place, and their softer jawbone tissue is still quite responsive to repositioning.
Our patients at Orthodontic Experts frequently ask, is it ever too late to get braces? And the answer is No, although getting braces in your 20s is a good idea but having braces as an adult has not only aesthetic benefits, but also improves your overall health and wellbeing.
Adults must generally have a healthcare card or Centrelink pensioner concession card to be eligible. Depending on the state or territory in which you live, dental treatments may be free of charge or a partial payment for the treatment may be required.
Generally, orthodontic treatment with braces is not covered under Medicare, however you might be covered under private health insurance, depending on the details of your policy.
Although braces may seem expensive, the results of wearing braces far outweigh the price. In fact, braces may soon become one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your oral health and self-confidence. So, are braces worth it? The answer is yes.
Over two-thirds of Australians would like to find a way to get straight teeth. Although more people are considering braces, not all are seeking treatment. So, what holds people back from getting braces? There are many reasons people want to straighten their teeth, from cosmetic reasons to jaw issues.
Low-income families who qualify for Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or a state-sponsored low-income insurance program may receive free braces care for children. Eligibility requirements vary by state — some states cover children up to 21, while others only cover them up to 18.
If you're one of the 62% of Australian adults considering orthodontic treatment, you're not alone. Over the last five to ten years, orthodontists from all over Australia are increasingly treating more and more adults for adult braces and other orthodontic treatment.
Yes, braces can change your jawline, your chin, the shape of your mouth, and even your lips. However, these effects are secondary to the actual reforming of your teeth and bite. Braces can tighten your jawline and your teeth, but this happens over time and imperceptibly.
Today, adults, and even senior adults, are getting healthy smiles with adult orthodontics. Dr. Patel has had many adult patients come in and ask, “Am I too old for braces?” The simple answer is, no, you're never too old for orthodontic care — our oldest patient at The Brace Place was 78-years-old!
After tightening your braces, it is common for your teeth to feel slightly loose for the first two to three days after the adjustment. This does not imply that your tooth will become permanently loose as a result of the situation. It is not anything that ought to cause any cause for alarm.