Many parents wonder how old a child should be before they get braces. The truth is, there is no right or wrong age—it depends on the child. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should receive an orthodontic screening by the age of 7.
Most often, our orthodontic treatments at Hanis and Proft Orthodontics begin between the ages of 9 and 14. However, there are children that can benefit from treatment even earlier.
Early treatment typically begins around age 8 or 9 when your child still has many of their primary, or baby, teeth and may not include braces.
The purpose of early treatment is to ensure the jaw is growing properly to prevent bite problems, such as an underbite or crossbite. This provides room for permanent teeth to come in, reducing the chance for extractions or more complicated treatment later when your child has most or all of their permanent teeth.
How can I tell if my child needs early treatment?
Children can benefit from early treatment if they:
- Lose all of their baby teeth before age 5
- Have difficulty chewing or biting
- Continue to suck their thumb after age 5
- Have protruding or misaligned teeth
- Suffer from a crossbite, or the jaw shifting when opening and closing the mouth
- Have crowded front teeth around age 7 or 8
If you are concerned about your child’s orthodontic needs, contact us today for a free consultation. We will determine when your child’s treatment should begin.
