6 Things You Must Consider Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment for Children

What is the right age to get braces for kids?

This is probably a question that has crossed the mind of every parent who has kids. And you like most caring parents want to work to maintain their children’s oral health and well being of which their smile is a very important part. This makes it all the more important for you to consider getting braces for your kids to ensure that their teeth have proper placement to enhance their smile in a healthier manner. 

Some children begin orthodontic treatment when they are six. But most people agree that braces or other forms of treatment are between 8 and 14 years of age, when head and mouth are most conducive for straightening.

Although it can be difficult to determine when to get braces for your child, here are 6 factors that you need to consider prior to taking this step:

1. Misalignment of Teeth

Malocclusion or teeth misalignment is a condition in which teeth are crowded, crooked or not properly aligned. It is very important to examine the alignment of your child’s teeth, as braces for crooked teeth are often thought of as an orthodontic treatment usually required for teeth that are in extreme misalignment. Crowding problems usually start to occur from ages as early as 7 years of age some of which may need to be extracted to prevent the overcrowding of their permanent teeth.

2. Their Bite

Children who suffer from overbites, underbites or crossbites can affect the placement of their teeth and even cause Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and receding gums. Many children develop TMJ or joint pain because their teeth are molded, or jaw clenched repeatedly. By making the kid aware of the activity, you can help a child control these habitats. It is best to have your child’s TMJ disorder get checked by a professional and consider treatment options if required.

3. The Orthodontic Evaluation

Most children should ideally undergo their first orthodontic evaluation anywhere between the age of 5-7 years of age when their primary teeth are still in place. This early orthodontic evaluation will help you and your dentist determine whether there are any current risks with your child’s teeth and when their treatment should begin and how to plan their treatment out.

4. Eruption of Molars

For a lot of children, their braces have erupted to prevent any movement after installing the braces. Their molars should be carefully inspected, as well as taking x-rays of the mouth to accurately predict when the molars will come through.

5. Your Child’s Gender

Believe it or not but gender matters when it comes to orthodontic treatment for children as both boys and girls have different growth patterns which can be used to determine their bite. Boys usually start going through puberty later than girls and this usually continues through till the age of 19 meanwhile girls tend to grow till the age of 16, which can cause their bite to change well after their braces are put in.

6. Their Age

It is impractical and advised by dentists that no child should undergo orthodontic treatment until their permanent teeth have completely erupted and set in. This phase of the permanent teeth coming in usually occurs between the ages of 8-14 years. You should also take into account that some children tend to grow at a faster rate than others, making it important for a professional to evaluate your child’s teeth to determine when his/her teeth will benefit the most from braces.

When trying to determine whether orthodontic treatment for your child is the right step, bear in mind that each individual is different and may have different requirements. Consulting a professional is best as he/she will be able to properly evaluate your child’s teeth and weigh in with his personal opinion as well as several other different options. But ultimately it’s up to you to ascertain whether you want your child to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Author Bio: 

Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile - whether is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!