What Is the Best Age for Orthodontic Treatment?

It is a common question asked by parents, “What is the best age for Orthodontic treatment?” The answer is both simple and complex. Simply, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should have an Orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. The reason for this recommendation is that at this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which provides the Orthodontist with the best opportunity to evaluate the child’s current bite and tooth development, and to predict any future problems.

Complexly, there are many factors to consider when making the decision to begin Orthodontic treatment. These factors include the child’s age, stage of dental development, severity of the problem, cooperation and motivation of the child, and of course, the parents’ wishes.

Early interceptive treatment can be very important. By age 7, many children have front teeth that are crowded, resulting in a “bad bite.” When the permanent teeth come in, they may come in crooked or rotated if the crowding is not corrected. Additionally, early treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing, such as jaw misalignment, which can cause functional problems with eating and speaking, as well as esthetic problems with a child’s appearance.

Early interceptive treatment is often very successful in correcting problems while the child is still growing. It is important to remember, however, that children grow and develop at different rates, and not all children will be ready for or benefit from early interceptive treatment. For some children, it may be best to wait until all of the permanent teeth have come in, around age 12 or 13, before beginning Orthodontic treatment.

The best age for Orthodontic treatment is the age at which the problem can be most effectively and efficiently treated. The decision of when to begin Orthodontic treatment should be made by the child’s Orthodontist, after a thorough evaluation, taking into consideration all of the factors mentioned above.

Age is not a determining factor for orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first see an orthodontist around age seven. At this age, many children have not yet developed all their adult teeth, and an orthodontist can assess whether they will eventually need braces or other dental appliances. However, some children may need earlier treatment if there are problems with their teeth or jaws.

Most people get braces when they are between 10 and 14 years old because this is when children’s bones are still growing and teeth are most responsive to treatment. However, there is no hard and fast rule about when people should get braces. Some adults also need braces if they have never had them before or if they had them but did not wear their retainer as directed and their teeth have shifted.

There is no age limit for getting braces. Although people of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment, certain age groups may be more ideal candidates for braces than others. For example, children and teens are typically good candidates for braces because they have not yet finished growing. This means that the braces can be effective in correcting their teeth and bite alignment while their jaws are still growing. Adults, on the other hand, are often good candidates for braces because they have completed their growth and their teeth are more likely to be permanently aligned in the desired position. In addition, adults often have a better understanding of the treatment process and are more likely to comply with the recommendations of their orthodontist.

The average orthodontic treatment takes between 18 and 24 months, although it can vary depending on the severity of the case. In general, braces are worn for about 2 years, and patients typically see their orthodontist every 4-8 weeks for adjustments. After the braces are removed, patients typically wear a retainer for several months to maintain the newly straightened teeth.