If you’re wondering ‘what is the best age to get braces for a child?’ then you’re not alone. Many children and teenagers need braces due to overcrowded or protruding teeth which can make maintaining good oral hygiene difficult.
Not only this, but crooked or misshapen teeth can also affect a child’s confidence making them feel self-conscious when interacting in social situations.
Whilst people can have braces at any age, there are various benefits of paediatric orthodontics as early intervention can stop more serious alignment issues occurring later on. Furthermore, it means children and teens can go into adulthood feeling more confident in their smile.
Whilst some children can get braces on the NHS, they have to fulfil strict criteria as well as waiting on long lists. Private paediatric orthodontics is a great alternative allowing parents to fast track their children so they can achieve a straighter, healthier smile quicker.
Below we’re telling you all there is to know about the best age to get braces for children. The information in this guide is backed by insights from our team of dental experts in Manchester, who provide orthodontic treatment for lots of children, helping them achieve a healthier, straighter smile.
What Is the Best Age to Get Braces?
The best age for children to get braces is pre-adolescene, usually between the age of 10 and 13. At this age, they will likely have their adult teeth, so an orthodontist can accurately assess their alignment, bite, and any issues that need correcting.
Their mouth is also still changing as their jawbone develops so their teeth are more likely to move into place easily. This means treatment can sometimes take less time than it would in adulthood, as the teeth and jaw are generally more responsive to orthodontic movement. Most children wear braces for around 18 to 24 months, although this will vary depending on the complexity of their case.
Having orthodontic treatment before the age of 7 is usually not advised as a child’s permanent teeth (their adult teeth) are still getting into position.
You can still reach out to an orthodontist before this time though to get a better understanding of the different options available, including how to qualify on the NHS or a private orthodontist route.
The Advantages of Paediatric Orthodontics
Paediatric orthodontics is any orthodontic treatment provided for children while their teeth and jaws are still developing. By addressing orthodontic issues early, treatment can be easier, and sometimes quicker, than waiting until adulthood.
There are lots of benefits to early intervention, such as:
- Guiding jaw development
- Creating space for incoming permanent teeth
- Correcting bite problems
- Reducing the risk of more complex orthodontic treatment later in life
- Helping your child feel more comfortable
- Increased confidence going into adulthood
Furthermore, if your child has braces pre-adolescence, there’s a high chance some of their friends and peers will too. As this is a common age for orthodontic treatment, it means children and teens are less likely to feel ‘different’ or self-conscious as those around them are going through a similar experience.
How to Tell If Your Child Needs Braces
While some orthodontic issues are easy to spot, others may only become clear during a routine dental check-up. If you’re unsure, some things to look out for are:
- Crooked or crowded teeth – Teeth that overlap, twist, or seem crowded are one of the biggest tell tale signs. Crowding teeth can also make brushing more difficult, which increases the chance of plaque building up and tooth decay.
- Gaps between the teeth – Some spacing between is normal, but large or uneven gaps could be a sign of an underlying alignment issue that could benefit from braces.
- Teeth that stick out – Prominent front teeth are more vulnerable to damage from knocks or falls and can also affect your child’s confidence.
- Bite problems – If your child’s upper and lower arches don’t meet together properly when they bite (such as with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite) braces can help improve the way teeth look and function.
If you believe your child could benefit from braces, but they don’t meet NHS criteria, reach out to a private paediatric orthodontist such as LUME. We ensure every child feels comfortable and informed from the moment they step into the clinic, and we take time to answer any of your questions. Instead of waiting on long NHS waiting lists and possibly being refused treatment, we make sure every child achieves a smile that improves both their oral health and confidence.
Explore Paediatric Orthodontics
Choosing the Right Braces For Your Child
If your child qualifies for NHS treatment, they will usually receive traditional metal braces. These are available with different coloured bands, giving your child the opportunity to personalise their braces and make the treatment feel more positive.
The way the NHS decides who qualifies for braces is through the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This considers factors such as how the teeth are positioned, the severity of the bite problem, and how the issue may affect your child’s oral health.
This would include issues such as overcrowding, prominent teeth that are at greater risk of damage, significant overbites or underbites, and problems that affect chewing or speaking. However, if your child does not meet the criteria for NHS treatment, they will need to explore private orthodontic treatment.
There are lots of advantages of private paediatric orthodontic treatment as it opens up a world of possibilities in terms of the types of braces they can choose. This includes clear ceramic braces, lingual braces (which sit behind the teeth), and clear aligners such as Invisalign or LUME aligners. This means they can opt for a more discreet option, which can help them feel more comfortable through their treatment journey.
Can Adults Get Braces?
Anyone can get braces at any stage of life and it is common for adults to get braces if they’re self-conscious about their smile. Whilst it’s often recommended to have orthodontic treatment as a child whilst your jaw is still developing, adult orthodontics is popular.
There are many reasons why adults might get braces later in life, such as not qualifying for NHS treatment as a child. Whilst private dental treatment is always an option, adults usually have more disposable income to pay for clear braces. Furthermore, a person might not have needed braces as a child, but their teeth might have moved as they’d entered adulthood.
One thing to bear in mind when considering adult orthodontics is that treatment can take longer compared to getting braces in childhood. However by choosing a qualified, trustworthy orthodontist they can explain the different options to you, ensuring you still achieve your dream smile regardless of what age you’re having braces fitted.
Paediatric Orthodontics in Cheshire
At LUME Dental, we are an award-winning cosmetic and specialist-led dental practice in the heart of Wilmslow, Cheshire. We offer a range of treatments to improve both your oral health and your confidence, from general dentistry and hygiene appointments to dental implants, clear braces, and veneers.
Our expert team, led by Principal Dentist Dr Gopinder Lalia, has the experience and expertise to transform smiles of all ages. When it comes to paediatric orthodontics, Dr Lalia is also a Dental Phobia Certified dentist, meaning he has undertaken additional training to help nervous and anxious patients feel calm and reassured throughout their treatment. This can be particularly beneficial for children who may feel worried about visiting the dentist or getting braces.
Paediatric Orthodontics FAQs
How much do braces cost for a child?
The cost of private braces varies depending on the type of braces chosen and the complexity of your child’s case. Following an orthodontic consultation, your chosen dentist will provide a treatment plan and explain the costs involved. At LUME Dental, children’s fixed orthodontics start from £2,500.
Can my child get clear braces instead of metal braces?
Yes. If you choose private orthodontic treatment, your child may be suitable for more discreet options such as clear ceramic braces or clear aligners. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option for your child’s orthodontic needs.
What Is the Best Age to Get Braces for a Child?
For most children, the ideal time to get braces is between the ages of 10 and 13, when their permanent teeth have erupted but their jaw is still developing.
If you’re considering braces for your child but you’re unsure of the process, booking an orthodontic consultation is the best place to start. At LUME Dental, we’ll assess your child’s teeth and talk you through the different options available, helping you understand the benefits of private orthodontic care without any pressure.
Choosing private treatment not only helps your child avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists which can allow teeth to continue moving, but also provides access to discreet treatment options, such as clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners.
Book a consultation with the team at LUME Dental today to find out which braces are right for your child so they can enjoy a healthier, straighter smile.
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