When is the right time for Orthodontic Care?
There are plenty of reasons your child might need braces, it could be to correct an overbite or underbite, give space to overcrowded teeth or simply to straighten a crooked smile. While it might be easy to tell your child needs braces, it might not be so easy to determine the right time. Your pediatric dentist should guide you through this process but here are a few tips to help you make the best choice for your family:
- Recognize that every child is different. The right time to get braces will vary greatly depending on the type and severity of your child’s dental problems.
- Get a second opinion. There is a lot of variability in orthodontic treatment options, so meeting with a few orthodontists and finding one with a reasonable sounding plan who puts you and your child at ease is important.
- Wait until your child has most of their adult teeth. This too can vary by orthodontist but generally, dentists recommend waiting until the majority of the permanent teeth have come in.
- Expect orthodontic care to take place between the ages of 8 and 14. While this is a pretty wide range, this is traditionally the age range of when orthodontic care begins. While eight might seem young to many parents, it can be the ideal time for certain patients, according to many orthodontists.
- Talk to your child. While you don’t always have the luxury of waiting to start orthodontic treatment, if you can, take the time to explain the process to your child. Helping them understand and get ready for braces will make them more inclined to take care of them and work successfully with the orthodontist.
Every child is different, and not every child will need orthodontic care. To be sure they are receiving the care they need do your research and speak with your pediatric dentist before proceeding with care.