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Braces are a common treatment for orthodontic issues for people of all ages. But how early can a child be treated? Here, our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics answer questions like 'When can kids get braces?' and discuss the signs that orthodontic treatment might be needed.
Braces for Kids
Orthodontic care is a versatile and adaptive treatment method that straightens teeth, addresses spacing problems, corrects misalignments, and helps form a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile at any age or stage of life.
By addressing orthodontic issues as soon as the signs begin to occur, we can help prevent more serious problems and reduce the need for costly and complex treatments down the road.
When should kids get braces?
Many parents come to us with the same question: when do kids need braces? This is usually determined during a consultation, recommended as per the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) when the child is between the ages of 6 and 8 years old.
During this visit, the orthodontist will assess your child's teeth and jaw. They will evaluate whether there is any jaw misalignment or crowding, which braces can help fix.
The orthodontist may ask questions about whether your child is a mouth breather or thumb sucker, as both can impact dental health. X-rays might also be required to evaluate tooth alignment and to predict how permanent teeth will come in. This will help determine if braces will be needed.
How to tell if your child needs braces?
Here are some of the most common signs that a child may be in need of orthodontic treatment:
Gaps
If your child has gaps between teeth while they still have baby teeth, these empty spaces may fill in once the permanent teeth emerge. If they already have permanent teeth, it may be time to see an orthodontist. Braces can close these gaps, enhancing your child’s smile and improving oral health by making it easier for them to clean their teeth.
Gaps can collect plaque that hardens into tartar, increasing the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. Tartar and plaque can also lead to mild symptoms like bad breath.
Crowded Teeth
When permanent teeth emerge, there may not be enough space in the mouth, causing improper growth and odd angles.
Braces can help with crowded teeth by applying pressure to adjust them into the correct position, leading to straighter teeth. They can also fix issues caused by crowding, such as overbites and underbites.
Lost Baby Teeth Early or Late
Early loss of baby teeth due to injury or decay can lead to dental issues requiring braces. Late loss might cause alignment problems when permanent teeth come in.
Children typically begin to lose baby teeth by age six or seven. If they haven't begun to lose their teeth by then, or if they begin losing their teeth much earlier, you should consult your orthodontist.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when a child’s bottom teeth protrude beyond their upper teeth. This results from excessive growth of the lower jaw or insufficient growth of the upper jaw. An underbite can lead to wear on front teeth, increasing the risk of breakage and chipping, and may affect chewing. The severity of an underbite varies, so visiting the orthodontist to discuss treatment options is essential.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when a child’s front teeth extend beyond their bottom teeth. It can be influenced by hereditary factors, jaw shape, and overcrowded teeth. Overbite can be mild or severe. In severe cases, closing the mouth may be difficult, leading to issues like breathing difficulties.
Braces are often recommended for overbites. They align the teeth, moving the front teeth back and bottom teeth forward and straightening teeth for a more functional smile.
Mouth Breathing
Is your child a mouth breather? If so, they may need braces. Mouth breathing can affect facial shape and the growth of permanent teeth, leading to a narrow jaw and insufficient space for teeth. It can also increase tooth decay, which is why it is essential that children who breathe through their mouth visit the dentist regularly.
What happens if my kids don’t get braces?
Now that we have discussed the typical timing for a child to get braces, it's also important to be aware of the implications if your child does not receive orthodontic treatment when it's needed.
Without braces, orthodontic problems can result in issues such as jaw or tooth pain, which may continue into adulthood and potentially require surgical intervention. Additionally, untreated orthodontic conditions can lead to widening gaps between teeth, causing aesthetic concerns. Another risk of misalignment without intervention is that teeth may shift permanently.