At what age should a child be evaluated for orthodontic care? Although patients of any age can benefit from orthodontic braces, they tend to work much quicker on pre-teens and teenagers since they are still experiencing jaw growth. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends that children should first have an orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven years-old. An orthodontic examination may be beneficial before age seven if facial or oral irregularities are noted. Generally, the teeth and mouth haven’t developed enough yet prior to that age. Most children will not need braces at age seven, but that’s the age when we can start looking for potential problems that are developing. Getting a child to have an orthodontic evaluation at an early age is a great way to monitor developments. Preventive measures can then be taken that will minimize intensity of future treatments. Once you conclude that orthodontic treatment is important for the child, the next question is, when is the best time to get them? We take a look at what causes the need for braces and when is best to get them. How can you tell if a child may need braces and how soon? There are many scenarios where a child may benefit from braces. Regular care by a dentist is critical in order to protect the teeth and spot issues that should be corrected by orthodontics. You should have your child start seeing a dentist within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by age one. There is no set time to get started with orthodontics. Some problems are best treated as early as possible even when most baby teeth are still in place (ages 6-9). Sometimes, it is best to wait until most of the baby teeth have fallen out (ages 10-13). If your child is having regular dental visits, your dentist will be able to determine when it’s time for minor intervention or a full evaluation for braces. What are some signs that a child is likely to benefit from braces?
What are the benefits of braces for a child? Early diagnosis and successful treatment of certain bite problems can have both short-term and long-term benefits. Other developmental problems aren’t as critical. Indeed, even adults successfully get orthodontic care, although success is usually more predictable in a growing jaw. Any problem classified as a “bad bite” may be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:
What is the best age to be fitted with braces? The best age varies from patient to patient. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Some problems, however, are best addressed early, even while mostly baby teeth are present. Do you have any questions about the right time to get braces? Call Dr. Kenneth Quan Dental Office to schedule an appointment 905-824-3780
0 Comments
|
AuthorDr. Kenneth Quan graduated from the University of Toronto with a doctor of dental surgery degree. ArchivesCategories |