Does your child have crooked teeth? You’ve taken so many photos of your loved one’s cute smile that you know exactly how their teeth are positioned. If they need braces, don’t worry! About 75% of all children and teens have some kind of issue with the way their teeth grow in. Orthodontics in Naperville are a great way to correct misaligned smiles, but how do you know when your loved one is at the right age to get their teeth straightened? Keep reading to find out the best time for your children to get braces and why.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
The average age that most children get braces is 11. Most kids will receive braces in between the ages of 8 and 14, but when they first receive treatment will depend on the severity of their misalignment.
It’s a good idea to have your child receive an orthodontic evaluation by the time they’re 7, so your dentist can check out the severity of the misalignment as well as the cause. From there, your pediatric dentist in Naperville will be able to see if there are any alignment issues with your child’s bite, and whether or not they need braces sooner than later.
Braces are usually put on children when they have most of their adult teeth grown in because the head and mouth are still growing, and their teeth are more likely to straighten. If you take your child for an orthodontic evaluation at an earlier age, your dentist will be able to correct jaw growth issues or poor oral health habits before they turn into a problem that causes misaligned teeth.
What Kind of Orthodontic Treatment Should My Child Receive?
The type of orthodontic treatment your child gets will heavily depend on the severity of your kid’s dental problems. Typically, younger children will receive braces, while older teens and adults with mild to moderate misalignment can receive Invisalign—clear plastic alignment trays that shift your teeth.
Invisalign in Naperville is usually recommended for older teens and adults because they are more discreet in work and social environments, and they require more commitment and responsibility.
Braces are typically recommended for children because they require less responsibility of making sure to wear them (because they’re fixed to the smile), and children typically have more severe alignment and bite issues that require traditional braces.
The best step you can take to make sure your child’s smile is looking and feeling healthy is to talk to your dentist to have them receive an orthodontic evaluation at a young age. That way, you and your dentist can come up with a treatment plan that is personalized for your child’s smile.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Asim Awan is known by his child patients as, “Dr. Awesome” because of his kind personality and gentle treatments. He is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, so he has specific training in helping children smile more beautifully and healthy. He currently practices at Tic-Tac-Tooth Pediatric Dentistry Specialists, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (630) 995-3393 for any questions.