What Is the Earliest Age Someone Can Get Braces?
Although an orthodontist may opt for earlier treatment in cases of severe malocclusion, the earliest age someone can get braces is normally six or seven years of age. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children see an orthodontist for an initial examination before their seventh birthday.
Explaining Early Treatment
Early Treatment, or Phase 1 Orthodontic Care, normally occurs when a child is at least seven years old. The reasoning behind the timeline is tooth and bone growth. At seven, many of a child’s deciduous (baby) teeth have fallen out and several of their permanent, adult teeth have come in. The first visit allows the orthodontist to see growth and development at that point.
Because the way a child’s teeth are growing is visible in an x-ray, the doctor can predict future growth. They can see if a problem is evident. In most cases, younger patients won’t begin immediate treatment. They will be placed in a monitoring program, allowing the doctor to keep an eye on their growth over time.
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If early treatment is necessary, it can occur to correct initial problems before they worsen. Not all early treatment involves braces, though, so even if treatment is necessary your child may not get braces. Most doctors will monitor children, watching growth with periodic checkups.
When a child is experiencing difficulty chewing or problems severe enough to require immediate treatment, Phase 1 treatment will begin the process of correction. The largest focus of Phase 1 treatment is ensuring that the jaw is ready for adult teeth.
Moving on to Phase 2 Treatment
Most orthodontic care occurs at age 11 or 12, although sometimes a doctor will begin treatment as early as 10. At that time, most of the primary teeth are gone. Adult teeth may not be in yet, but they are visible in x-rays.
The orthodontist can use this period of growth for more aggressive treatment if necessary. This can shift teeth to allow room for new teeth to grow straighter. One of the primary goals of Phase 2 treatment is to ensure that incoming teeth have adequate room to grow in with correct alignment.
Traditional metal braces and clear braces are the most common type of Phase 2 treatment. Although not all teens are suitable candidates for Invisalign Teen, it can also be used during Phase 2 treatment.
What Is the Earliest Age Someone Can Get Braces?
To recap, the earliest age that someone can get braces is around six years old. Most children don’t require early intervention, known as Phase 1 treatment. Monitoring programs allow orthodontists to maintain a watchful eye on a child’s oral health and growth. Orthodontic monitoring allows parents to rest easy, knowing that if their child develops problems, they will receive intervention before problems worsen.
If you have questions about your child’s first orthodontic appointment, please contact Smile Style NY. We are a family practice that serves children, teens, and adults. Schedule your child’s first appointment using the Virtual Appointment Request form. Simply complete the information and submit the form to begin.
We have two convenient locations, one in Mount Kisco (914-666-8997) and one in Yorktown Heights (914-245-3103). Patients may also email us at info@smilestyleny.com or use the Telemedicine App on our website to get answers to questions. Our staff is always eager to assist.
