At What Age Should You Get Braces?
Posted on September 20, 2022
It’s a common sight to see young teens wearing braces, but they’re not the only ones who can benefit from orthodontic treatment. People at any age—from young children to adults—can wear braces to help create a beautiful, healthy smile. Treatment may not be exactly the same for all ages, but braces can be helpful at any stage in life.
Children
As your child grows and develops, your dentist will be watching their teeth closely for any signs of crowding, overbite or underbite, or a misaligned bite. Early intervention can often prevent any serious problems from developing later on.
A child as young as 6 may not need a full set of braces, at least not yet. Spacers and expanders can be used to create the right amount of room for teeth that are growing in. An orthodontist can also advise on issues such as thumb-sucking.
Teens
The teenage years from 12 to 18 are the most common time for braces. They have most of their adult teeth by then, but their faces and jaws are still growing, so it’s easier to move teeth into the correct positions. If your teenager gets braces, it’s quite likely they’ll have several classmates who also have them.
Teens also start to become more self-conscious about their appearance. They might be embarrassed about an overbite or crooked teeth. They understand that wearing braces for a short time can improve the way they look in the future.
Adults
Many adults missed out on orthodontic treatment as a child and wonder if it’s too late for braces. Others have noticed changes in their bite due to circumstances such as injury, missing teeth, or shifting. Almost all adults can be helped with braces.
Adults also realize that straightening teeth isn’t just about appearance. A well-aligned bite can prevent problems such as decay, gum disease, and pain from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ. The goal of many adults who want braces is to have a healthier mouth.
Braces can be effective at any age, so if you are concerned about your teeth or your child’s, make an appointment to see an orthodontist for a consultation. An orthodontic exam can diagnose any potential problems and determine the right treatment for you, and the right time to start treatment.
If someone in your Saginaw-area family needs braces, contact MI Smile Journey to learn about your options.