At What Age are Orthodontic Treatments Most Effective?

Posted on March 2, 2023

Orthodontic treatment is an effective way to fix alignment problems and other dental issues at an early age. If you want to help your children take care of their teeth and set them up for success, here’s what you need to know about orthodontics for kids.

When Should Children Begin Orthodontic Treatment?

There are some general guidelines for when a child should start orthodontic treatment, but everybody is a little different. According to Verywellhealth, children should start orthodontic treatment around the age of 7. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your child’s orthodontist may recommend against starting treatment at that age depending on your child and their dental health. Some children may need braces before all of their adult teeth come in, while others will wait for adult teeth to get braces. If you’re not sure if your child is ready for braces, ask their orthodontist.

How Does Age Impact Orthodontic Treatment?

You might be wondering why it matters when your child starts orthodontic treatment. Children are constantly developing, which includes their teeth, gums, and jaws. By getting them orthodontic treatment early on, you’re setting your child up for success by making sure everything can develop properly. Orthodontics for kids can help create room for new teeth to grow in, correct alignment issues, and eliminate jaw and tooth problems before they even start.

Other Tips for Parents

As a parent, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to helping your children take care of their teeth. When in doubt, take your child to their dentist or orthodontist for an exam and professional advice. You should also take your children to the dentist once every six months for a cleaning, and make sure they’re brushing and flossing twice a day. If your children have trouble brushing their teeth or don’t like using standard floss, ask your orthodontist about electric toothbrushes, water flossers, and other devices that may make oral hygiene easier.

Dental health is a crucial part of your child’s well-being, which is why you should take your child to the dentist and orthodontist regularly from an early age. If you want to learn more about orthodontics for kids and how they can help prevent long-term dental problems, give us a call today!