Have you noticed that your child’s teeth are coming in crooked? Early orthodontic problems can be easy to spot in some children but more difficult to see in others. Do you know how to tell if you need braces? What age do kids get braces?
Zombek Orthodontics sees patients of all ages in Hollywood, FL, and Weston, FL. Dr. Zombek knows that the sooner you treat orthodontic issues, the better they can be treated.
Recognizing the signs that your child may need braces or Invisalign is essential. However, your child should see an orthodontist, even if they don’t need braces.
Identifying the signs that you need braces is crucial for children and adults. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent more serious dental issues.
Some common indicators that you may need braces include crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth. You might also notice misaligned bites, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What are the signs that I need braces?” you’re not alone.
If you notice these signs in your or your child’s teeth, visiting an orthodontist is a good idea. An orthodontist can provide a professional evaluation and recommend the best treatment plan. Braces for your child or adult braces for yourself might be the best solution to achieve a healthy, straight smile.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child consult with an orthodontist by age 7. All baby teeth are in by this age, and a few permanent teeth should have erupted. On average, a child loses their first tooth at age 6.
Your child may already be showing signs of teeth that need braces. Some signs can appear even before the baby's teeth erupt. What are the signs that you or your child need braces? Here are a few indicators:
Not all symptoms will be visible to you. That’s why consulting with an orthodontist at age 7 is so important. Finding and treating these signs of how to tell if you need braces early can prevent your child from having worse dental problems later.
Just because your child sees an orthodontist early doesn’t mean they’ll get braces early. Some children may not need braces until all adult teeth have erupted.
Other children may need expanders, space maintainers, and other simple orthodontic appliances that may be beneficial at an earlier age. Children may benefit from two-phase braces treatment that addresses major dental issues early and corrects other ones later.
How old do you have to be to get braces? If your child needs braces, we’ll likely put them on around ages 11-13. By then, most of their permanent teeth will be in, and we can move them into their proper places.
We can treat your child with our LightForce braces or with Invisalign Teen. Both options can correct many common dental issues, including:
If your child has serious orthodontic issues, two-phase treatment may be the best option.
Phase 1 braces treatment usually involves orthodontic appliances to correct problems with your child’s teeth and jaws.
A narrow upper jaw can cause teeth crowding. A palate expander widens the jaw, allowing more room for the teeth to come in straight. It also reduces the need for jaw surgery or tooth extraction later to make room for the teeth.
Thumbsucking and overuse of a pacifier can lead to an overbite or open bite. Both habits should end by age 2. If not, we have orthodontic appliances that can stop your child from sucking a thumb or pacifier, which will prevent further damage to your child’s teeth and jaws.
Tongue thrust can also cause dental problems, from creating an open bite to causing speech issues. A tongue crib trains your child’s tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth and away from the back of the upper teeth, reducing the chances of an overbite or open bite.
These and other Phase 1 braces treatments can keep your child from having major dental issues later. Phase 1 treatment usually lasts 6-12 months and can start soon after your child’s first consultation, between ages 7 and 9.
Early orthodontic care can sometimes eliminate the need for braces later. However, Phase 2 treatment is usually necessary.
Phase II treatment happens a few years after Phase I, when most permanent teeth are in. This is when we place braces or Invisalign on your child’s teeth.
Without Phase I treatment, Phase II would likely last much longer. Instead, patients have shorter treatment times because underlying dental issues have been dealt with in Phase I.
On average, your child can expect to wear braces for about 12-24 months or less, but the times can vary depending on the severity of your child’s dental condition. The groundwork we lay in Phase 1 means we don’t have to deal with speech impediments, problems breathing and swallowing, and continuing bad habits we might have without Phase 1 treatment.
How much do children’s braces cost? That depends on the type and severity of the dental problems. Two-phase braces treatment can save money in the long run by making dental issues less severe.
During your first visit with Zombek Orthodontics, we will discuss the costs and review your financing options, such as zero-interest, in-house financing, and low-down payments. We want you to be able to afford your treatment because we believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile!
Is your child right for a two-phase braces treatment plan? Would a few months in Invisalign clear aligners be better? Or does your child need braces at all? The best way to answer these questions is with an orthodontic consultation.
If you’re in the Hollywood, FL, or Weston, FL, areas, schedule an appointment with Zombek Orthodontics when your child turns seven years old. We will thoroughly examine your child and determine which treatment — if any — is best for them.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we aim to give your child the best smile possible that will last a lifetime!
This site’s strategy, design, photo & video were created by the marginally-above-average folks @ Clear Partnering Group.
