When Is the Right Time to Get Braces?

One of the commonplaces in the world of parenthood lies within one question: What is the best age to begin treatment with dental braces for my child? This is a conventional question amongst parents. With the absence of professional expertise, determining when to start dental cures and which specific treatment to take will never be easy.

Available in the market are several therapies and medications to correct improper position of the teeth, also known as malocclusions, but braces are proven to be the most effective; hence sought out option for children. While dental braces are proven to be the most efficient way, it is still best to seek for an orthodontic evaluation from an Orthodontist before getting the braces installed. Considering factors such as your child’s medical history and age criteria is also essential.

A condition, called overbite for example, is the overlapping of the lower teeth by the upper. An underbite, on the other hand, is a dental condition wherein the lower teeth are extended outward farther than the upper front teeth. An Orthodontist specializes in aligning and straightening teeth; hence the severity of the above-mentioned conditions, even the cause of malocclusions such as crooked, overlapping, and crowded teeth can be identified.

With the help of your dental specialist, an absolute examination in the areas of the teeth, mouth, and jaw will be conducted during your first few visits. According to most Orthodontists, it has always been a suggested idea to get an orthodontic evaluation by the time your child is 7 years old.

During the assessment process, an Orthodontic will ask your child to bite the teeth together and will also check if chewing, biting, or swallowing has been difficult during his/her first years. X-rays of the mouth and teeth will then be required to examine the positioning of the teeth and to identify if there are any more permanent teeth yet to erupt. Lastly, the orthodontist will make a mold of your child’s teeth, which will then be solidified and be a model of your child’s teeth. This will be the ideal mode of treatment to get the intended result.

Misalignment of teeth can be caused by several reasons. Perhaps, during your child’s early years, injuries had occurred. Habits such as thumb or finger sucking, biting the cheek or roof of the mouth, poor dental hygiene, or poor nutrition also affects the positioning of the teeth. Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth can also be one of the determining aspects. In most cases, according to study, malocclusions are hereditary. Most of the orthodontic issues such as jaw growth, too much space between teeth, crowding, and even protruding upper teeth may be inherited.

Misalignment of teeth can easily be noticed by a dentist during your first visit. The dentist will then suggest the best treatment that will correct the issue; hence it is crucial that your child’s dentist identifies all issues such as dental diseases before endorsing you to an orthodontist. Your child’s dentist and orthodontist should work together to ensure an excellent outcome.  

When it comes to the ideal age for braces, this varies from patient to patient. Although Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 9 and 14 because kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing, some children start their treatment at the age of 6. Some may also propose that the best age to start any form of orthodontic treatment is at the age of 8 when the head and mouth are most conducive to adjusting. Some also say that traditionally, as soon as a child has lost most of his or her primary teeth, and most of the permanent teeth have grown in, an orthodontic treatment begins.

Thus, there is no specific age to visit a dental clinic. It has always been a standard that once your child’s permanent teeth have emerged, they can begin with their routine check-up. Your child’s dentist and orthodontics will help you identify the misalignments, even the underlying cause of it, and the best treatment that suits your child. In some cases, the installation of braces can also be delayed after considering factors such as medical history and condition of your child’s teeth. The good news is, with the constant, fast-paced technology that we have, numerous advanced devices have also become available even in the era of teeth alignment. Contact our dental clinic and secure your child’s dental health. Our Child Dentist in Abu Dhabi will discuss the best options for you and based on your preference; we will streamline them accordingly.

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