What is the Best Age for Braces?

We may understandably associate braces and orthodontia with tweens and teenagers. After all, it is something of a rite of passage for many young people. But an increasing number of adults are also receiving orthodontic treatment. According to a study from the American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO), the number of adults in the U.S. and Canada seeking treatment by orthodontists increased by about 16% during the two-year period from 2012 to 2014, with nearly 1.5 million adult patients opting to undergo orthodontic care and treatment.
While braces and orthodontia can offer adults the same benefits that they do for teens, including improved appearance, speech, chewing and oral function, the optimal age for braces and orthodontia is during those teenage years when the body, including the head, mouth, teeth, and gums, is still growing.
That said, there is no “perfect age” for braces. The ideal range is between 10 and 14 years old when a child has lost most of his or her baby (primary) teeth, and a majority of the adult (permanent) teeth have come in. For some kids, though, braces may be recommended earlier than that to address issues like overcrowding of teeth, severe under- or overbites, or abnormal jaw growth.
The only way to know when (or if) your child needs braces is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. The American Dental Association recommends all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. During such an evaluation, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of bite and jaw alignment and create a digital map of the child’s entire oral anatomy using advanced 3D imaging technology.
After the evaluation, the orthodontist will make a recommendation as to treatment options and when your child should begin their orthodontic journey. Options can include traditional metal braces, Invisalign invisible braces, or the revolutionary DNA Appliance System.
Schedule a Miami Orthodontic Appointment Today
Dr. Theodore Herrmann, the founder of Assure A Smile, has been practicing holistic dentistry and orthodontics in South Florida since 1989. He understands that orthodontia is a significant investment for parents and appreciates that the process can be an emotional and sensitive one for tweens and teens. We provide an environment and use an approach designed to be comfortable, reassuring, and pleasant. The end result is a smile you and your child will love.
To schedule an orthodontic consultation and treatment plan, or to discuss any questions you may have about the orthodontic treatment options we offer, please contact Assure A Smile at 305-274-0047.