3 Facts About Braces For Kids

Some people think that orthodontic treatment starts in high school, but the truth is that it would be simpler and easier for your child to get a proper smile if they start observing your child’s teeth movement at an earlier age. American Association for Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that all children be seen by an orthodontist no later than age 7. This is not necessarily to start treatment, but to evaluate the need for intervention by looking at jaw growth or the lack of room for permanent teeth. The AAO says about 3.9 million kids in America are orthodontic patients, so it’s important to know about early treatment and prevention. Let’s read some tips about braces for kids that will help you make a decision!

1. Treatment Should Start at Seven Years Old

As mentioned earlier, the American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children should start orthodontic treatment at the age of seven. Starting this early will benefit kids significantly, especially if they have complicated tooth or jaw problems. The reason they should start at age seven is that their teeth and jaw have not finished growing, which helps orthodontists lead their smiles into the correct position. The goal is to stop any possible issue from developing further and fixing before their adolescence.
Also, braces for children are less expensive and less uncomfortable. This is much more favorable in the long run. Of course, there’s still a chance that a child will need some more treatment once all their teeth come in, but it’s simpler than if they started from scratch at that stage.

2. Most Issues Are Hereditary

Most orthodontic issues are inherited, so parents should know from early on if they need to take their kids to see an orthodontist. However, sucking thumbs, lack of oral hygiene, accidents, and more can also cause problems over time.
Early treatment will provide your child with what they need, and your orthodontist will consider their lifestyle to plan for the best treatment option. That is why it’s very important to start the process at an early age.

3. Teeth Won’t Magically Straighten

Some parents believe that their kid’s teeth will straighten over time as their adult teeth start growing in, but that’s a myth. Something that starts badly will continue to develop badly, until the problem becomes even more noticeable and more expensive.

So don’t think twice. Take your kids to an orthodontist as soon as age 7 and you can help stop or prevent any problems affecting your child’s jaw and teeth. Contact one of our orthodontic offices in our Suffolk or Chesapeake location today to schedule a consultation!