A popular orthodontic treatment for re-aligning misaligned teeth is dental braces. Not only do they help to correct crooked teeth, they can be used to close gaps between your teeth or pull in teeth that are sticking out. We all know that poorly spaced teeth lead to food being wedged between them, and this can produce many dental problems such as cavities and gingivitis. Evenly spaced teeth are important for many reasons, beauty being just one, and the ability to properly clean and care for your teeth being another. Having braces put on your teeth will help to correct all of the above issues, straighten your teeth, close the gaps and make it possible to prevent dental illnesses and gum disease.
How old does a person need to be before being able to get braces?
Usually when it becomes visible that a child is in need of braces, dental braces can be applied. Children commonly need to visit a dental clinic at least once every 6 months after the age of three. Children do not have a full set of teeth before the age of three. At this time though, the child still doesn’t have any adult teeth, and there is no point in getting braces for baby teeth.
From around the age of seven, a child should visit an orthodontist for a full orthodontic screening. This screening will allow the dentist to gauge the spacing and/or crowding of the child’s teeth. It is once such a screening has been completed that an orthodontist will devise a treatment plan. Many dentists will recommend waiting until more adult teeth are present.
Early Treatment is Highly Recommended
Young children have soft jaws, and it is proven that children around the age of seven that get braces, often only need the braces for as little as a year. That is why it is recommended to take your child for an orthodontic screening at around that age.