Is Your Child Ready For Braces? 

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Considering when is best for your child or teenager to get braces? You may be surprised to know orthodontic treatment can begin from the age of six. And furthermore, starting earlier has some huge benefits. Investing in braces sooner rather than later could encourage healthier jaw and dental development as well as delivering a confident, straight, smile. Knowing the perfect age for your superstar to embark on their orthodontic journey depends on their unique teeth, and no two sets are the same! 

Here we look at some of the common signs your child may be ready for braces, the benefits of starting early and how to get them booked in for an assessment. 

What Age Can Children Start Wearing Braces? 

One of the most common questions dentists get asked by parents is what age can my child start wearing braces? If you’re starting to think about straightening your child’s teeth, we have good news. They can actually start earlier than you may think. Kids can start wearing braces from the age of six, and there are heaps of benefits of starting early too. From less treatment time to preventing any issues developing, early orthodontic assessment is the secret to healthy smiles. Dr Kunal, founder of LoveTeeth – Surrey’s top dentists, recommends getting an assessment for braces around the age of seven. 

What Are The Signs Your Child May Need Braces?

Understanding what is normal for healthy teeth development is not something you are expected to know. Parents do enough! While google can be helpful, only a dentist can make an accurate assessment of what is the best treatment. Braces might not always be the answer. It may be a case of giving up certain habits like thumb-sucking or waiting for further growth. That said, these are some of the tell-tell signs it could be time for braces.

Crowding or Overlapping

One of the most common reasons children need braces is due to overlapping or crowding teeth. This can prevent adult teeth coming through due to lack of space. So how do braces help? They can guide jaw growth, creating space allowing those adult teeth to work their way through into a natural, healthy smile. In the case of overcrowding, the earlier your child starts treatment the better. Quicker intervention means less treatment time, so getting them booked in for a check-up is always a brush-tastic move.  

Fussy Eating

Avoiding certain foods or complaining about pain after eating can be a sign of bite issues. Chewing hard or crunchy foods could be causing them discomfort from an overbite, underbite or cross bite. Notice they are only chewing on one side? Could be time to get them booked in with the dentist. Braces can help fix bite issues by gently guiding teeth back in place and encourage healthy long term jaw development.  

Big Gaps

Gaps between teeth are common with children and adults. And normally those adults have skipped their orthodontic treatments… If your little one has large gaps between teeth it’s a sign that the jaw needs a bit of support. Braces can bring teeth back into proper alignment, preventing discomfort and delivering a happy, healthy smile. 

Early Visits From The Tooth Fairy

Teeth falling out too early can not only be expensive for the tooth fairy… It could affect the healthy development of adult teeth. Erratic patterns of losing teeth? This could be a sign it’s time to hop into the dentist chair for a check-up. A quick dentist assessment can put your mind at rest and get them on track for strong, beautiful teeth. 

So, What Are The Benefits Of Early Orthodontics?

When it comes to orthodontics the benefits are two-fold. Early treatment both supports healthy development and prevents future issues. A bit like botox prevents wrinkles, wearing braces can prevent jaw issues and needing further more intensive treatment later on. These are some of the brightest benefits of early orthodontics; 

Nipping Bad Habits in The Bud

From thumb-sucking to teeth grinding, braces can help to nip bad habits in the bud. Like any bad habits, the sooner you give them up the better. This can support proper jaw development. 

Preventing or Correcting Bite Issues

Addressing bite issues early on again saves more intensive treatment later on. This can also help with making chewing more comfortable, a win-win. 

Avoid Speech Problems

Speech problems can develop from abnormal teeth and jaw development. Having an orthodontic assessment early on can help assess whether your child might be prone to any issues and guide healthy development.

Ready To Take Our Smile Quiz?

To find out if your child is ready for treatment, take our quick smile quiz. It takes less than a minute to put your mind at rest. If the result suggests it’s time for braces, book a consultation or secure a spot at our teeth-loving ortho week. You and your teen (or little one) will have a chance to scoop up treats, meet our lovely dentists and have some fun. 

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