There is an optimal time for a child to receive treatment with braces from a Melbourne orthodontist, but there is no “right” time, per se. Adults often receive braces treatment as well, for cosmetic or health reasons. The best age range for treatment is early adolescence, but there’s no upper age limit for correcting a person’s smile or bite. Let’s take a closer look at treatment with braces at various age ranges.

Treatment in Early Adolescence

Kids should have their first screening with an orthodontist by about age 7. The doctor can predict the growth of the child’s permanent teeth and recommend whether treatment with braces is needed.

Children will generally have most permanent teeth when they receive braces, although it’s possible to start when they still have some baby teeth left. Most kids receive treatment in early adolescence, between 9 and 14.

There are some excellent medical reasons for treatment at this age. Since the child’s jaw has not yet fully developed, the teeth are more pliable, and braces can shift them to make dramatic changes. Even if a child has crooked teeth, they can be straightened in early adolescence. Your child will enjoy a lifetime of better oral health outcomes and a great smile.

Treatment in the Teen Years

It’s still very common for kids to receive treatment with braces during their teen years. This age opens up the possibility of treatment with Invisalign Teen in addition to traditional metal braces. These clear aligners are nearly invisible, shifting the teeth gradually over time, just like braces. If a teen has more complex problems with their jaw or teeth, traditional braces will likely still be the recommended treatment method.

Treatment in Adulthood

The American Association of Orthodontics says that about one-third of all patients receiving treatment with braces are adults. Even if someone was not treated with braces as an adolescent, they can and do still explore it as an adult. Sometimes, this is for cosmetic reasons. Everyone wants a great smile, and for some careers, it can enhance people’s chances of receiving corrective treatment. For example, people who work in sales or other customer-facing jobs feel more confident when they can flash a great smile.

In other cases, adults might develop a medical need for treatment with braces. Sometimes, our teeth shift as we age, or an issue with the jaw that was never treated earlier in life can cause problems. Adults can start to get headaches because of jaw misalignment or develop a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). People with jaw problems can experience problems with speech or eating. Treatment with braces can correct these problems.

One thing to remember is that once a person reaches adulthood and their jaw is fully developed, treatment with braces will take longer than it would for a child.

Types of Braces

Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces since they are the most common orthodontic treatment. Another option that works for teens and adults is ceramic braces. These are color-matched to the patient’s teeth and are less noticeable than wire braces. The materials are more fragile than metal braces, so patients must follow the dietary guidelines closely to avoid breaking them.

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are clear aligners custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth. They can be removed for a couple of hours daily so the wearer can enjoy a meal and then brush and floss their teeth without them. This advantage makes them attractive compared to traditional braces.

The “right time” to get braces is when your orthodontist recommends it. However, people can receive treatment with braces or Invisalign from early adolescence until well into adulthood. If you think you might be a good candidate for braces, contact us at Reddick Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.