Orthodontics for Kids – When is the Right Time to Start?

When your kids first lost their baby teeth, they placed their teeth under their pillows, and the tooth fairy brought them a little gift that night. However, as they’ve aged, their teeth have become less exciting and more of a concern, and you’re wondering if they are going to need braces, and when.

Based on a Dentist’s Recommendation

Kids visit the orthodontist for the first time at the referral of their pediatric dentist. The dentist may notice that the teeth are growing in crooked or that the entire bottom row of teeth has started to curve in the wrong direction. At that point, the dentist may recommend that your child visit an orthodontist for braces. However, some growth abnormalities with your children’s teeth may need to be addressed before braces are considered.

Abnormalities with Tooth Growth

If you have concerns about your children’s baby teeth, visiting the dentist is the best place to start. The baby teeth are going to fall out eventually, so it is difficult to know how adult teeth will appear based on your child’s baby teeth. However, once your kids lose their baby teeth, and the adult teeth start to grow in, and then you can watch to see if they are growing in straight. Crooked teeth are the number one reason kids get braces and becoming familiar with the way your child’s teeth are growing may give you a good indication of whether correction with braces will be necessary.

Braces after Adult Teeth Are In

If you are concerned about your kids’ teeth after adult teeth have grown in, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott Runnels. That doesn’t mean, however, that they are going to get braces right away. They will need to wait until all of their baby teeth are out. For some kids, that happens while they are still in elementary school while others keep their baby teeth after their first days of middle school.

The Severity of the Situation

The right time to start with braces also depends on how serious the dental situation is. You will need to speak with the orthodontist to find out how immediately your kids need to have braces put on. In some cases, you will have time before the situation is urgent. In others, a correction will need to begin as soon as possible to improve the functionality of your child’s teeth and bite.

When it comes to an appropriate time for braces, there is no set standard. The dental needs of your child are unique and will be different than those of their peers. Regular dental appointments will guide you in the right direction of knowing when the best is to begin orthodontic braces treatment.

At M. Scott Runnels, D.M.D., P.A., Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, we offer a variety of advanced dental care for teenagers and adults. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Runnels.