When Can Children Get Braces?
As a parent, you may wonder about the correct age for braces. Children as young as seven years old may get braces, depending on the orthodontic challenge the child faces.
Warning Signs of Orthodontic Problems
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child see an orthodontist at age seven while still having a mixture of baby and permanent teeth. This age allows potential problems to be discovered before they potentially become serious. However, regardless of age, consider bringing your child in to see us if you observe any of the following:- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Trouble speaking
- Facial imbalance
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
How To Tell If Your Child Needs Braces
If your child’s teeth are not aligned, it may impact more than their self-esteem. Misalignment may contribute to pain, difficulty chewing, and jaw problems. The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends taking your child to an orthodontist for evaluation for braces if you notice any of these problems:- An overbite
- Missing teeth
- An underbite
- Incorrect or asymmetrical jaw position
- An open bite
- Misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth
- Cracking or popping of the jaw joint
Your Child’s First Visit
When you bring your child to our office, we will warmly welcome you and make sure you feel right at home!. Our team will walk you through the process while answering any questions you may have. On a typical first visit, we:- Get you set up in our digital system
- Take professional photos of your child’s face and teeth
- Take digital X-rays
- Scan your child’s mouth with our iTero Element 2 technology to make a 3D model of their teeth and jaw
- Create a custom treatment plan to tackle your child’s orthodontic situation
- Discuss the plan with you and your child