How to Know Your Child is Ready for Braces

Braces aren’t a rite of passage for everyone. If your family has a history of orthodontic treatment, then chances are pretty good that your kids will need it, as well. Is it too early to get started, though?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommend that kids have their first evaluation by age 7. That’s why we at Brackets Wires & Smiles suggest scheduling your children’s appointments as soon as possible.

Why Age 7?

Around age 3, your child should have all of his or her baby teeth in place. By age 5 or 6, those teeth will start loosening to make room for their adult replacements. Within a couple years, your child should have a nice mix of both primary and permanent teeth.

This prime combination of teeth is a great way for a specialist like Dr. Farooq Ahmad to assess your child’s bite. Depending on how the teeth fit together now at age 7, he will be able to tell you whether your kid needs treatment now or can wait a few more years.

Early Orthodontic Intervention

There’s no side-stepping the fact that orthodontic treatment is time-consuming and costly. So the sooner your child gets treatment, the more likely they are to spend less time in braces as a teenager.

If Dr. Ahmad decides to get your child started with orthodontic therapy, he will begin with what’s called “Phase I Therapy.” This phase doesn’t entirely eliminate the need for treatment as a young adult, but it does help correct big problems. Your child may need to wear a palatal expander or a space maintainer to prepare them for braces later on.

Braces for Kids in Vista, CA

When it’s time for your kids to have their smiles evaluated for braces, choose Brackets Wires & Smiles. Our expert team has years of experience in starting kids on their journey to a brighter and healthier smile. Whether your child needs treatment now or later on, we’re happy to see them at a consultation. Schedule your family’s visits today!