What is the Best Age For My Child to Get Braces?

A request often asked by many concerned parents. While there is no easy riposte to this question, because every case is different, there is pretty much universal bargain to the American connection of Orthodontists suggestion that a child should be seen by an orthodontic specialist at age 6-7 years.

However, there is a ample estimate of controversy as to when the "ideal time" to treat a child is. How can a learned profession have so many separate answers to the same question? There must be a best time? Does it genuinely matter? I often jokingly say to my prospective patient's parents, "if you ask three separate orthodontists these questions, you will get four separate answers".

Child

The purpose of this brief report is to gift the pros and cons of early orthodontic rehabilitation in an exertion to help parents make good decisions. I have been an orthodontist for over thirty years and have seen the pendulum swing back and forth on this competing issue.

It is not my intention to impugn the integrity of my colleagues, in any way, but I personally believe much too much early rehabilitation is being provided. Parent's have genuinely come to me, unavoidable "my child needs an expander". When asked how they are so certain, they have replied, "because every person in her class has one". Too often the initiation of early rehabilitation takes benefit of parents' desire and eagerness to do anyone is recommended as being best for their children.

The key guideline for early rehabilitation in our practice:

- Is the question compelling i.e. Will the delay in treating the question do more harm dentally or psychologically than not treating it?

- Is there enough evidence in the literature supporting the viability of the treatment?

One example of a compelling question might be if a child's upper permanent teeth (incisors) are so markedly protruded that they are vulnerable to trauma, owing to lack of lip security and/or the child is being teased about their appearance.

What is the Best Age For My Child to Get Braces?