The average age range for getting braces is anywhere from age 9 to 19, there is no one-size-fits all approach to timing or treatment plans. It may be helpful to know the signs that a dentists uses to determine when your child needs braces.

Baby and permanent teeth

Unless early intervention is required to correct severe oral problems, comprehensive treatment begins once the patient has a full set of permanent teeth and while the head and mouth are still growing. This is often around age 12 or 13, which is why many children have braces during their middle school years. But not every child develops at the same rate, and not every orthodontic issue will require the same treatment, so the dentist may recommend starting a little earlier or waiting until the later teens. However, if your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in crooked or other oral problems are apparent, you can seek out a dental evaluation to determine whether early intervention treatment is needed.

Early treatments

Early treatments involve making more space for developing teeth and correcting severe oral problems before traditional orthodontic treatment can begin. Treatment may include removing permanent teeth that have already grown in, or even those that have not yet emerged from the jaw. Other treatments can involve utilizing dental hardware such as partial braces or expanders, which make room for emerging teeth.

Signs your child may need braces

Children as young as seven can be evaluated for early treatment to address severe oral problems. Signs to look for include:
• Overbite—the upper teeth protrude past the lower teeth
• Underbite—the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth
• Crossbite—the upper and lower jaw don’t line up
• Open bite—the upper and lower teeth fail to meet
• Excessive overcrowding—there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate all permanent teeth

Dentists can often spot problems early, and plan a comprehensive teeth-straightening treatment.

Types of braces

Age 9 to 19 might be the average age of new orthodontic patients, but many adults who didn’t have braces at a younger age are turning to orthodontics to revitalize their smile. Today, there are more options for adults who want straighter teeth without resembling a high school yearbook photo.

Traditional braces include brackets that are attached to the front of the teeth and connected with wire and sometimes rubber bands. In the past, brackets were exclusively made of metal, but clear or white ceramic brackets are less noticeable and increasingly popular.

Other types of braces include lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, and plastic aligner trays that can be removed for meals and brushing and flossing, but must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to work properly.

Looking for a straighter smile

Whether you have a child approaching adolescence or you have teeth alignment issues of your own that you’re ready to fix, Jose David Sanchez, D.D.S. at Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi can help. Our office offers orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages, so call us today at (661) 822-3727 for a consultation.