Kids and orthodontics: What age is the perfect age to start?
Many parents and family members have questions about orthodontic treatment for children, especially when it is the first child in the family.
Kids and orthodontics
1 November 2021
Many parents and family members have questions about orthodontic treatment for children, especially when it is the first child in the family. One of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Innovative Dental is ‘what age is the perfect age to begin orthodontics?’ Well, there are many factors that can play into this answer, allow us to explain!
Orthodontic Checkups
Beginning your child’s orthodontic journey does not mean beginning treatment right away! Orthodontic checkups allow the orthodontist to make a detailed assessment and treatment plan for your child. Australian Orthodontics recommend children go for their first orthodontic assessment at the age of 8! The orthodontist will be able to determine whether early intervention is needed. Getting an orthodontic assessment between 8-10 years old will help the orthodontist assess the adult teeth you can see, and those that have not broken the surface yet. At this time, your orthodontist can create a treatment plan for early or future orthodontic intervention.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Many people are unsure of what early intervention is. It is the treatment that is done before braces that typically occurs when the child is 8-10 years old. Orthodontists believe that 1 in 4 patients would benefit from early intervention. Early intervention allows for your orthodontist to identify abnormalities while the child’s teeth and jaws are easier to manipulate. Early intervention can treat a range of problems such as protruding teeth, overcrowding, spacing and missing teeth before a more serious problem develops.
Early intervention treatment occurs when the child’s jaw is still soft, making treatment easier, faster and typically more successful. Early treatment is an effective measure that lays the foundation for good oral health in adulthood. Your child’s teeth may appear straight and aligned, but there may be undiagnosed underlying issues that can lead to more serious problems in the future. Early treatment typically means that orthodontic treatment later on will be more straightforward which can save you time and money.
Beginning Treatment
Many children will get braces, alignment treatment or general orthodontic treatment between the ages of 10-15. Orthodontists have found that treatments are highly successful during this time due to tissues in the mouth and jaw are still soft, yet the child will have all of their adult teeth. Many children, if they don’t require early intervention, will begin orthodontic treatments during their early teen years.
Innovative Dental Orthodontics
Here at Innovative Dental, we have a team of experienced dental and orthodontic professionals that can treat a range of dental concerns. With over 30 years of experience, our orthodontists work to provide great outcomes for all patients through early intervention and general orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure whether your child should begin their orthodontic journey, we are here to help! Our team are happy to provide you with further information about childhood orthodontics or any other dental concerns you may have. You can book an appointment or contact us online or over the phone!
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