When Can My Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment?

When you think of the perfect age to begin orthodontic treatment, what number comes to mind? Most people would say the preteen to teenage years are the best time to get braces. This is typically because all or most of the baby teeth have been lost at this point, and all of the patient’s adult teeth have grown in or are about to grow in.

Braces & Teenagers Go Hand in Hand

Because the jaw is still growing at this age, it is easier to move the teeth into straighter positions. Additionally, many kids in middle school and high school wear braces, so there is less of a social stigma associated with wearing noticeable braces around this age. Your preteen or teen may even want to get braces to fit in with their friends and peers!

Early Phase Orthodontics for Kids

Despite ages 11 to 17 generally being considered the “best” time to get braces, it actually varies from patient to patient. Children as young as seven years old may greatly benefit from early phase orthodontic treatment. As kids begin to lose their baby teeth, we can already get a good idea of how their adult teeth will grow. This allows us to determine what kind of orthodontic issues they may face in the future.

Less Time in Braces

By starting orthodontic treatment early, your child could end up spending far less time wearing braces and have a more comfortable experience overall. Space maintainers, for example, are small bands that fit over the teeth. They prevent teeth from crowding each other and blocking an adult tooth from growing in. A simple orthodontic appliance like this can make a huge difference down the road.

Braces for Adults in San Antonio, TX

Of course, adults are welcome to pursue orthodontic treatment as well. As long as the patient isn’t currently undergoing restorative work like periodontal treatment or getting a dental crown placed, they can schedule a consultation with our office. We’ll develop a custom orthodontic treatment plan just for them. Despite being a pediatric dentistry, our team provides orthodontic services for patients of all ages.

Orthodontics at Safari Children’s Dentistry & Braces

Does someone in your household want to schedule a visit with an orthodontist in San Antonio? We offer traditional braces in addition to Invisalign® clear aligner therapy. This discreet teeth straightening method is particularly popular with adults. Feel free to contact our office to learn more!