When Is the Right Time for My Child to Get Braces?

When it comes to your child’s oral health, there’s no time to lose. But is it too soon (or too late) for braces? This is one of the most common questions we get from parents of our younger patients, and this blog seeks to answer it. 

Here, our pediatric orthodontic experts at Rifkin Dental in Carmel and Yorktown Heights, New York, discuss braces and the right time for your child to get them. 

At what age do kids get braces?

Ideally, your child gets braces between ages 9-13. By this time, their teeth are fully developed and have been for a few years, but their jawbones are still soft enough to respond to braces.

However, consider taking your child in for an orthodontic consultation even earlier (around age seven) so we can detect the earliest signs of alignment issues. 

Even at a young age, we can see overcrowding, jaw misalignment, and crooked teeth developing, and we can start working on a game plan for braces when your child reaches the appropriate age. 

In rare cases, a child younger than nine may require braces. We usually wait to see how their teeth develop before making a recommendation, or we recommend expanders, partial temporary braces, or other appliances for jaw growth. 

On the flip side, it’s never too late to get braces. There’s virtually no age limit for braces as long as your gums and jaws are healthy enough to support the treatment. 

Does my child really need braces?

Your child might be old enough to get braces, but do they really need them? Every child’s mouth develops differently. Some never need braces, and some need them for years. We thoroughly evaluate your child’s smile and recommend braces if they have:

• Overcrowding
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Uneven bite
• Crooked teeth
• Over or underbite
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that meet abnormally
• Facial asymmetry
• Side effects from mouth breathing or thumb sucking
• Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing

These issues aren’t just cosmetic concerns; they can significantly impact your child’s long-term oral and overall health. Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to jaw or teeth pain, worsening gaps, permanent shifts, and misalignments that require extractions to correct. 

A note on Invisalign®

Many preteens and teens cringe at the thought of walking around with a mouth full of metal, so we often recommend Invisalign aligners. 

These clear aligners discreetly correct minor smile problems, usually in less time than braces. If your child needs orthodontic treatment, we discuss all the possible options, including traditional braces and clear aligners. 

What’s the process for getting my child braces?

It all starts with a consultation, during which we carefully evaluate your child’s oral and jaw health. We then take X-rays and molds of their mouth and teeth to determine the extent of their orthodontic issues.

If it’s time for braces, we typically schedule another appointment, during which we attach the brackets to your child’s teeth. The brackets are connected by a wire and rubber bands that we tighten over time to guide your child’s teeth into the proper position. 

The rubber bands come in fun colors that your child can pick to customize their treatment and help them get excited about their braces, or you can opt for clear braces that aren’t as noticeable. 

Your child may also benefit from lingual braces (braces placed behind the teeth) or headgear that provides stronger force to move their teeth. In rare cases of severe misalignment issues, your child may need to have teeth extracted to create adequate space in their mouth. 

How can I support my child with braces?

Your child could be wearing braces for upwards of two years, and both your child and their braces need TLC during that time. 

To support your child with braces, we encourage you to:

• Establish an open line of communication to address concerns
• Encourage a positive mindset
• Share positive experiences
• Help them any time they voice discomfort 
• Celebrate milestones in their treatment
• Provide them with the comfort and cleaning items they need
• Help them avoid off-limits foods like popcorn and sticky candies

Cleaning and caring for braces is one of the biggest sticking points for parents and children. Braces are notorious for grabbing onto food and debris, but there are special brushes and flossers that allow braces wearers to clean the hard-to-reach areas. 

You can help manage your child’s pain with cold compresses and over-the-counter medications. It might be necessary to offer a soft food diet if their teeth and gums are sore. 

Our team is standing by to fix broken and loose wires, so don’t hesitate to call us if there’s something wrong with your child’s braces. 

If you suspect your child’s smile needs braces, we’d love to talk with you. Schedule a consultation online or over the phone today at our Rifkin Dental location closest to you.