Menu

When Is the Best Age for Braces?

When Is the Best Age for Braces?
Posted on 10/21/2017
When Is the Best Age for Braces?

As your trusted providers of orthodontic treatments for adolescents, such as Invisalign Teen and kids braces, we at Oubre Orthodontics are proud to give children in and around Lafayette, Abbeville, and Youngsville, LA the quality orthodontic care and support that they deserve. This even includes being glad to answer any questions you may have! Speaking of which, we’d like to take the time to address a common question that we get when it comes to braces for kids. Many parents aren’t sure when the best time to get braces for their child is. We’d like to share with you a more in-depth answer to that question.

 So What’s the Best Age for Braces?

Firstly, it’s important to take your child in for an early orthodontic screening no later than the age of seven. This early screening is the first time that an orthodontist will be able to get a complete picture of a child’s orthodontic situation due to the back molars usually growing in at this time. This will allow the orthodontist to view the front-to-back and side-to-side relationships of the teeth. Additionally, it will allow the orthodontist to determine the orthodontic health of the mouth and determine if action needs to be taken to avoid any long-term issues.

We should note though that just because this screening may take place at or before the age of seven, that doesn’t mean that braces for kids will be put on during this time. In most circumstances where orthodontic treatment will be needed, an orthodontist will simply monitor the child until the optimal time for orthodontic treatment comes around. Children generally only begin treatment at the age of seven or eight when a patient has a skeletal discrepancy, which makes it best to undergo orthodontic treatment as early as possible.

For the vast majority of patients, the optimal time for kids braces will be between 11 and 14 years of age. This is a perfect time for most kids because this is when the primary (baby) teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth should be in place. It’s beneficial to place braces at a young age like this because a child’s mouth and jaws are still growing, making the teeth more conducive to straightening and easily allowing for early correction to avoid any long-term issues. Later on, when a patient’s teeth and mouth are finished developing, orthodontic treatment becomes more difficult and isn’t as efficient (nevertheless, adult treatment is still dramatically beneficial).

Contact An Orthodontist Near You!

If you have any questions about our many orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign Teen, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. If you’re interested in setting up an orthodontic screening or appointment for your child, please feel free to fill out our appointment request form. We hope to hear from you soon!

Oubre Orthodontics

  • Oubre Orthodontics - 1605 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508 Phone: 337-988-2025

2024 © All Rights Reserved | Website Design By: Televox | Login