What Is the Best Age to Straighten Teeth?

Braces are typically recommended to straighten teeth and enhance a patient’s orofacial aesthetic. Crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, crowded teeth, faulty jaw position and even jaw joint disorders are remedied with orthodontic treatment.

The question most people have is what age is optimal for the addition of braces to solve such issues. Orthodontists and dentists agree the best age to straighten teeth with braces is between 10 and 14. Though braces can be added to the mouth at just about any age, the range noted above is clearly the optimal time for this corrective device to be applied to the teeth.

Why is 10-14 years of age ideal for braces?

The mouth and head are still growing between the ages of 10 and 14. The jaw lengthens and the area around the mouth expands and grows during this period of time. Teeth are that much more likely to straighten out in the early years before the age of 10-14. If the teeth appear to be crooked by the age of 10, it is time to consider the merits of braces.

Alterations to facial appearance are traumatic to children in these sensitive years, so parents must discuss this issue in-depth prior to the placement of braces. It is important to note that braces are not exclusive to kids. Plenty of adults have obtained considerable benefit from braces for the correction of minor dental issues.

When should the first visit with the orthodontist occur?

If the child in question has dental problems or if it appears as though the teeth are not growing in as they should, a visit with the orthodontist will be necessary. Parents often question when this initial visit should occur. Some kids visit with the dentist at the age of six, while others wait until 10. In certain cases, it takes until the teen years to visit with the orthodontist.

Orthodontists agree that the best age to visit with an orthodontist to straighten teeth is when permanent teeth begin to emerge. In most cases, this is around the age of seven. Parents who are even slightly suspicious that their child’s teeth are crooked or improperly spaced should visit with the orthodontist as soon as possible.

The issue of cost

The cost of braces hinges on the level of adjustment required and the length of time the braces are to be worn. These two variables are typically linked together. The more adjustment required, the longer the patient will have to wear the braces and return for regular visits. The optimal time for braces is between the ages of 10-14 partially because it takes longer for braces to work their magic on adult teeth.

Kids’ teeth shift and adjust that much easier for braces to straighten the teeth. Furthermore, kids almost always have dental insurance from their parents, yet there is no guarantee an adult will obtain a position that provides dental insurance. The addition of braces will be offset that much more if the insurance company is willing to cover all or some of the cost. Adult braces tend to cost more, as they tend to have issues with weakened roots, gum disease and other problems.

Contact us

Our dental team is more than willing to share the inside scoop on dental treatment. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and pick our dentist’s brain, and it will be that much easier to achieve optimal dental health.

Request an appointment in our Visalia dentist office here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com.

Related Posts

5 Tips On How To Adjust To Life With Dentures

Dentures may completely transform the quality of life for someone who has been lacking teeth by giving them back both their smile and their self-esteem. Nonetheless, it may take some time and persistence for dentures to feel natural. Read on for some helpful tips for getting used to your new dentures.When several teeth need replacement,…

How To Clean And Maintain Your Dentures For Optimal Oral Health

Dentures are the way to go if you are looking for an affordable way to replace missing teeth. They typically fall under one of two categories: partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are recommended when a person has lost only some of the teeth in a dental arch. Full dentures are typically recommended for those…

Dentist Near Me: Comprehensive Care For Oral Health

Typing dentist near me in your search box can give you a great start. Getting comprehensive oral care from the right dental care professional is the goal. A provider near you will give you easier access to necessary dental treatments. Entering dentist near me in your online search can give you an advantage in your…

How To Care For Your New Dentures And Make Them Last Longer

Dentures are a common treatment option for people who have lost some or all of their teeth. They help restore the mouth's functionality while boosting a person's confidence by restoring the look of their smile. It is important to properly care for and maintain your new dentures if you want them to last as long…