When Should Your Kids Get Braces?

A large number of kids in America get braces. In the past few decades, orthodontists have seen an increasing percentage of the American population to help with teeth straightening procedures. And it is not just because of aesthetic reasons. Realigning your teeth can help prevent issues with bite alignment that can cause jaw pain. Many parents have questions about braces, especially if their dentist recommends them for their kids. Parents who did not have braces growing up might wonder whether or not their kids should get them, and parents who had braces might be surprised when their children don’t need them.

Are Braces Necessary For My Kids?

There are a few reasons to get braces for your kids. If your child has alignment issues including crowding, large gaps, or crooked teeth they may want to get braces. Not only can braces help create a smile full of straightened teeth but in some cases, they are necessary for oral health. In cases where teeth are crowded or misaligned, it can be difficult to clean and floss those teeth. This can of course lead to cavities, enamel erosion, dental decay, and similar problems. Additionally, if your teeth are misaligned they can affect the evenness of your bite. This can cause problems with your jaw over time and lead to pain and migraines. To find out if braces are necessary for your kids you should ask what your dentist thinks, in some cases, they will recommend having your child meet with an orthodontist. An orthodontist can outline the benefits your child would get from braces. It is up to the parent to decide whether or not they want to get braces for their child.

When Should You Get Braces?

It is recommended that a child sees an orthodontist around the age of 7. The reasoning for this is that if there are issues seeing an orthodontist earlier can help create better outcomes. Even if your child isn’t showing signs of crooked teeth, crowding, or spacing issues, a dental x-ray can help orthodontists and dentists prevent alignment issues later on in life. Some orthodontists actually recommend two separate shorter rounds of braces, one when your children are younger and one when they are teenagers. This can shorten the overall time it takes to straighten teeth and make it easier for your kids to maintain their braces.

Set Up A Dental Appointment

For families around Revere, All Pro Dental is a great place to set up dental appointments for kids and teens of all ages. We would be happy to answer your questions about cleaning braces, when to get braces, and perform dental x-rays that can help track your child’s development over time.