Dental and orthodontic issues are not limited to a certain age; they can take place at any point in your life. While many face orthodontic and teeth misalignment concerns during early childhood, adults may notice these problems at a later stage. Changes in mouth and jaw manifest themselves throughout your life, which can lead to orthodontic issues when you are a teenager or an adult. But is it even possible to receive braces or another treatment at that point? How old do you have to be to get braces?
In this blog, we will talk about the most suitable age to get braces and how to know you require orthodontic intervention. Brace yourself and continue reading!
What Is The Best Age To Get Braces For A Child
According to orthodontists, the best age for children to receive braces is when they turn 8 to 14 years old. Generally, they have not gone through puberty during these years. Since the mouth and head are still growing, they can move into the right positions and correct teeth alignment. Some children start orthodontic treatment as young as 6 years; this is why it is wise to visit the orthodontist with your children for proper assessment.
How to Know if You Need Braces
There are certain signs that occur when you require orthodontic treatment. Keep your child’s teeth in check to ensure they’re not exhibiting the symptoms. Once the permanent teeth erupt, orthodontic issues become more noticeable. Here are some signs your child needs braces:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Stubborn baby teeth
- Thumb sucking
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Difficulty chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Speech problems
- Bruxism
- Cheek biting
- Asymmetry
- Poor oral habits
If your child is going through the above-mentioned symptoms, you will need to visit an orthodontist right away. Remember: the sooner you receive treatment, the better! Otherwise, the misalignment may lead to additional complications.
Adults & Braces
Typically, we associate orthodontic treatment with kids, but the truth is: adults can get braces, too! You do not have to be 7 years old to face orthodontic concerns; you can opt for treatment at a later stage of your life. Metallic braces work to effectively treat whatever misalignment you have, but you can get clear aligners if you are eligible. Therefore, regardless of your age, you can get braces or any other orthodontic treatment when you need it.
If you avoid braces treatment for your kid or yourself, it can bring forth many issues. The misalignment can cause many symptoms that can proceed to worse conditions without treatment. Gaps in teeth, pain when chewing, and protruding jaw are some of the resulting factors due to no treatment. All in all, it is always better to consult the dental specialist and talk about your oral health. Avoiding one problem only leaves room for more problems to pile up.
Final Note
Braces treatment is effective in fixing misaligned teeth and jaw, preventing any possible complications. While ages between 7 to 14 are considered best for orthodontic treatment, adults can get braces too.
If you notice signs that you need braces, Smile One Dental is at your service! Book an appointment with us now at (713) 936-4062 and get started with your oral care! You can also visit us at 5962 Renwick Drive, Houston, TX 77081.