Parents want to do the best they can for their children. One of the many rites of passage of youth is getting braces. Many parents wonder when the right time for braces is and if they can wait.
That is an important question because braces can be costly, depending on which variety your child chooses. There isn’t an exact answer for every young person on when they should get braces but the dentist offers an overall opinion.
Preteen Years Is Best
Most dentists will state that the best time for a child to get braces is between nine and 11 years old. Many reasons exist for why this age is deemed ideal.
Scientifically, this is a time when the child has all their permanent teeth. However, the teeth have likely just erupted in the past couple of years so they can be moved easily. That makes orthodontics a much easier and less stressful process for your child.
Those who get braces at this age are likely to end orthodontic treatment sooner than older children because the teeth are easily adjusted. That is better for everyone.
Emotionally, this age is considered the perfect time for braces because many of their friends also have braces. That means they aren’t an oddball and won’t be as embarrassed. Plus, it generally takes between 18 months to three years to correct orthodontic issues. That puts the child between 13 and 14 years old when the braces come off.
That is just in time to finish junior high and start high school. Having straight, beautiful teeth without braces will give them a boost in confidence as they start this new chapter of their lives.
Older Teens and Braces
The good thing about orthodontics is that you are never too old to get braces or other orthodontic options. Older teens may opt for more subtle braces like the clear version or even clear aligners like Invisalign.
These options will allow them to look better in pictures that are important to older teens. After all, yearbook photos are forever.
Clear braces and aligners will typically cost more than traditional metal braces but could also allow your older teen to feel less resentful and have more confidence. They should be involved in the choice of orthodontic appliances since they will be the ones living with them for a couple of years.
Determining What’s Right for Your Child
Every child is different and braces, clear aligners, and other types of orthodontic work are a responsibility. They will need to keep their braces or aligners clean. Those with braces will need to take care not to damage the brackets or wires.
That means their diets will need to change possibly excluding foods they love like popcorn and sticky candies. Make sure your child understands this and is mature enough to follow the orthodontist’s recommendations. Otherwise, you’ll be making constant trips to the dental office and paying more out to repair the damage.
Not everyone is capable of doing things like aligners so not every teen will be eligible for those. Aligners don’t fix complicated dental problems and that may mean a teen who doesn’t want braces may need braces.
The orthodontist should explain this to the teen and show them why his recommendation is their best option. Encourage your teen to listen and be open to recommendations.
Involve the Child in Decisions
You should involve even your younger child in the decision to get braces. After all, you want them to be motivated to take care of their mouth and the braces. Talk to them about why this is important to do now and how they should be mature in dealing with taking care of braces.
Children should be shown different options for braces and discuss those options with their parents and the orthodontics. Younger children may not have as many options as older children because of the size of their mouths and teeth structure but giving them any choices will make them feel like they are involved in their health care. That will, hopefully, encourage them to do all they are supposed to do.
Parents who are uncertain whether their child needs braces should make an appointment for an exam. We can offer a full range of services from a dental exam to orthodontics. We’ll be happy to serve your child and your entire family! Book an appointment today!
