What age should i get braces?

Some of the most common questions about dental care we offer at L&M Dental Clinic PJ are regarding braces. We get it, you want your kids to have the best smile possible. But it’s hard to understand some things such as how old you have to be to get braces, what types of braces are available, and the right choice for your child (or you!) 

Then there are the other questions like how long will it take and how do you even know if you need to get braces for children.

Like many other dental-related questions, the issue of braces is subjective. Some kids require braces earlier than others and some are lucky enough to never need braces. Genetics and oral healthcare also play a role. Even though braces are typically placed on permanent teeth, there are many reasons why you may need to visit an orthodontist much sooner. For example, a skilled orthodontist can help your child with airway, jaw-growth issues, and poor oral habits from a very young age.  

visible and invisible braces, no one ever can tell. 

Why Do Kids Need Braces?

Many people erroneously assume braces are simply vanity or can only fix crooked teeth. What happens if kids don’t get braces? Braces are not only important for dental health but for overall well-being. Aside from crooked teeth or gaps, braces may be necessary if your child experiences or exhibits any of the following:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Trouble chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Finger sucking or other poor oral habits
• Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that make sounds, shift, protrude or are recessed
• Difficulty speaking
• Cheek biting or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth–top or bottom teeth
• Teeth that fail to meet normally or at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Teeth grinding or clenching

This list is not exhaustive, however. If you have questions about your own bite or your child’s potential need for braces, come see L&M Dental Clinic PJ.

How to Tell if Your Kid Needs Braces

How do I know if my child needs braces? Keep in mind that, as first teeth are falling out and adult teeth are erupting, those new teeth don’t always grow straight into their assigned spots. Often, they come in at an angle and straighten into position as they move and your child (and their mouth) grow. So please don’t panic or assume your child will definitely need braces based on the early appearance of adult teeth.

But if you notice the teeth are remaining crooked or out of position or your child exhibits other signs previously mentioned, it’s a great idea to have your child evaluated by an orthodontist.

What is a Good Age for Braces?

At what age can you get braces? For children, most get braces between 9 and 14 years old. But adults can benefit from orthodontia as well, and there’s no right or wrong age for adults to get braces. As a general rule, once the adult teeth are in, braces are possible. 

There are, however, some rare instances in which orthodontics are appropriate earlier, such as before all the baby teeth have fallen out. 

What to Expect During an Orthodontic Check-Up

An orthodontic check-up is a learning opportunity for the orthodontist, parent, and child. During the check-up, an orthodontist can identify subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while baby teeth are still present in a child’s mouth.

In some cases, an orthodontist finds that a child’s teeth appear straight, and his or her bite is fine. Conversely, an orthodontist might recommend monitoring a child’s growth and development and beginning orthodontic treatment at a later date. In other instances, an orthodontist identifies a tooth problem that requires early treatment.

L&M Dental Clinic PJ create orthodontic treatment plans that take into account the age, medical history, and unique teeth straightening requirements of each patient.

At L&M Dental Petaling Jaya (Braces) we offer several orthodontic options for teenagers who need braces. Contact us at +6016 331 8772 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.