One of the most common questions parents ask us is:
“Should we start braces now, or would it be better to wait?”
There is not one perfect age for braces.
Two children can be the exact same age and have completely different orthodontic needs. One may benefit from treatment now, while the other may get a better result by waiting.
Here are some of the things we consider when making that decision.
How Many Permanent Teeth Have Erupted?
Age is less important than dental development.
Before starting comprehensive orthodontic treatment, we generally want all permanent teeth present to accomplish our treatment goals efficiently.
If several permanent teeth still have a long way to go before erupting, starting braces too early may simply make treatment longer.
How Is Your Child Growing?
Orthodontics is not just about straight teeth.
We are also looking at the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Some orthodontic problems can be influenced while a child is actively growing. Other problems become easier to diagnose as growth progresses.
This is especially important when there is a significant difference between the upper and lower jaws.
Is There a Problem That Needs Attention Now?
Sometimes waiting is beneficial.
Other times, waiting can make a problem more difficult to correct.
Crossbites, certain eruption problems, severe crowding, and some jaw discrepancies are examples of issues we may want to address earlier.
The question we ask is not simply, “Can we put braces on?”
Instead, we ask, “Is there an advantage to treating this child now?”
What If My Child Is Not Ready?
Then we wait.
Many children at Choice Orthodontics enter an observation period after their initial evaluation.
We periodically check their dental development, permanent tooth eruption, and jaw growth. There is no need to start treatment until the timing makes sense.
Observation allows us to avoid starting unnecessarily early while still making sure we do not miss an important treatment window.
The Goal Is Efficient Treatment
Parents sometimes worry that waiting will make treatment harder.
In many cases, the opposite is true.
Waiting for additional permanent teeth to erupt can make comprehensive orthodontic treatment shorter and more efficient.
Our goal is not to start treatment as soon as possible. Our goal is to start treatment at the time that gives us the best opportunity to achieve a healthy, stable bite and a beautiful smile without keeping your child in treatment longer than necessary.
