Braces are typically recommended to straighten teeth and enhance a patient’s orofacial aesthetic. Crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, crowded teeth, faulty jaw position and even jaw joint disorders are remedied with orthodontic treatment.
The question most people have is what age is optimal for the addition of braces to solve such issues. Orthodontists and dentists agree the best age to straighten teeth with braces is between 10 and 14. Though braces can be added to the mouth at just about any age, the range noted above is clearly the optimal time for this corrective device to be applied to the teeth.
The mouth and head are still growing between the ages of 10 and 14. The jaw lengthens and the area around the mouth expands and grows during this period of time. Teeth are that much more likely to straighten out in the early years before the age of 10-14. If the teeth appear to be crooked by the age of 10, it is time to consider the merits of braces.
Alterations to facial appearance are traumatic to children in these sensitive years, so parents must discuss this issue in-depth prior to the placement of braces. It is important to note that braces are not exclusive to kids. Plenty of adults have obtained considerable benefit from braces for the correction of minor dental issues.
If the child in question has dental problems or if it appears as though the teeth are not growing in as they should, a visit with the orthodontist will be necessary. Parents often question when this initial visit should occur. Some kids visit with the dentist at the age of six, while others wait until 10. In certain cases, it takes until the teen years to visit with the orthodontist.
Orthodontists agree that the best age to visit with an orthodontist to straighten teeth is when permanent teeth begin to emerge. In most cases, this is around the age of seven. Parents who are even slightly suspicious that their child’s teeth are crooked or improperly spaced should visit with the orthodontist as soon as possible.
The cost of braces hinges on the level of adjustment required and the length of time the braces are to be worn. These two variables are typically linked together. The more adjustment required, the longer the patient will have to wear the braces and return for regular visits. The optimal time for braces is between the ages of 10-14 partially because it takes longer for braces to work their magic on adult teeth.
Kids’ teeth shift and adjust that much easier for braces to straighten the teeth. Furthermore, kids almost always have dental insurance from their parents, yet there is no guarantee an adult will obtain a position that provides dental insurance. The addition of braces will be offset that much more if the insurance company is willing to cover all or some of the cost. Adult braces tend to cost more, as they tend to have issues with weakened roots, gum disease and other problems.
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