Many people get orthodontic treatment throughout their lives, but there are always some who wonder if they should have gotten it earlier or later. Are there advantages to starting treatment early? Or should you perhaps wait until adulthood to start? Read on to learn the best age to come in for a consultation and consider starting treatment.
What Is Orthodontic Care?
Orthodontic care is the branch of oral health care that deals with the alignment and positioning of your jaws and teeth. Through the use of orthodontic appliances, orthodontic care can realign your teeth and reposition them in your jaws for a better bite and a smile that looks just how you want it to. While traditional bracket and wire braces are probably the orthodontic treatment that is most familiar, other options like Invisalign are becoming increasingly popular.
While orthodontic care can happen at almost any time in a person’s life, many people start orthodontic treatment in childhood.
Starting Orthodontic Treatment As A Child
Many orthodontists advise parents to start bringing their child in for orthodontic exams around the age of 6 or 7. By then, some of the baby teeth have begun to fall out, and the very first adult teeth are beginning to emerge.
However, some conditions may indicate that your child should begin orthodontic exams and potential orthodontic treatment earlier. For instance, if you see any of the following conditions developing in your child, you will want to speak to their dentist about an orthodontic consultation sooner rather than later.
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Crowded and crooked teeth
- Bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Teeth that protrude at odd angles
If you see these in your child, early orthodontic treatment may be necessary. However, most children do not need early orthodontic treatment. If your child doesn’t have any of the above issues but does have some concerns with tooth alignment, your orthodontist will likely recommend braces starting when your child is between the ages of 10 and 13.
This does vary from patient to patient. Depending on your child’s oral development, your orthodontist might not want to start treatment until they are in their later teens. Other children will need earlier braces or other orthodontic appliances. Your child’s orthodontist will have the best understanding of their needs.
Starting Treatment As An Adult
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children. Many people choose to begin treatment when they are adults. For some, this is a better choice because they know that their jaws are done developing, and they are in a position where maintaining their orthodontic treatment is easier. You can begin treatment at any time during adulthood. Some orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign, tend to work better for adults and older teenagers than children.
Whether you’d like to start orthodontic exams for your child or seek out orthodontic treatment for yourself, Boschken Orthodontics can offer you a variety of orthodontic services with excellent customer service and care. Contact us or give us a call at 1-408-225-6660 to set up a consultation today.
