At What Age Should Kids Get Braces?

Medical science and its advancement is raging terrifically over the past few years. Every disease has a cure now and every deformity can be reverted to normal. In contrast let us not forget our Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons and dentists who have played their part in eliminating facial and dental obstacles diligently.

Facial and aesthetic complications are a major concern in today’s era because let’s face it everyone wants to appear beautiful. Since they are correlated with dental structures a certified dentist should be consulted in order to rectify the muddle. A specialized dentist called as an “Orthodontist” is wholly solely the one who has the exact knowledge of the ways to deal with facial and aesthetic problems.

Our teeth are the ones which are more commonly noticed and are a symbol of beauty. Certain deformities such as excessive protrusion and retraction, missing teeth, extra teeth, unappealing facial profile are all come under the challenges of an Orthodontist. They require special attention mostly in the early ages of development when a person is a kid. The complications can be diminished from a special kind of orthodontic treatment which are known as “Braces’’ in a lay man terminology.

The question here arises that if treatments are to be done in childhood then what should be the ideal age for getting braces?

The answer to the question is quite complex and only a general dentist or orthodontist can explain that, but this article will emphasize it clearly for your ease and understanding. For that first one needs to have a sound knowledge as to what braces actually are?

Braces are small brackets made out of stainless steel bonded on the surfaces of the teeth and are wired using specialized tools. They add extensive pressure on the teeth and remodel them over the time. The time period depends on how bad the teeth and malalignment of the teeth are.

How Does One Know That They Need Braces And When?

Parents normally are more concerned than kids in terms of appearance. An unpleasant look is more noticeable as compared to a normal one. Therefore, as soon as a kid grows with malformations parents normally report to the dental department for correction.
Kids and teenagers are much more concerned about their looks as compared to any other age group. Studies say that patients who need braces normally complain about their fellows making fun of their teeth. Moreover, they also complain of improper chewing and eating habits which often results because of the malalignment of the teeth.

How Does The Dentist Help The Patient?

The orthodontist examines the kid both orally and facially. The parents are informed that braces are only applicable when all the temporary teeth of the patient or kid have fallen off and all the permanent teeth have been fully erupted. This phenomenon usually takes place during 3-14 years of age which is growing age, however there are other measures which detect whether the kid is still in growing phase or has stopped.

This is the only time when braces are highly recommended. The orthodontist runs a series of tests and investigation methods to check whether the kid is perfect for braces or has he/she attained the ideal age for braces. In addition these tests will also analyze the success rate of the treatment in future. The earlier the braces are applied the rapid the action will be.

What Are The Diagnostic Tools And Tests That Confirm A Patient Has Achieved The Age For Braces?

Early diagnosis and correct investigation are the key to a successful treatment. Following are the major and highly accurate, precise tests which justify the age of the patient for braces.

1) CVM (Cervical Vertebrae Maturation)

  • This test is basically an X-ray of the cervical vertebrae of the neck. The base of the bones are examined carefully. If the base is flat then it means that the kid can be given braces. However, if the base is curved then the patient has surpassed the age for braces. The curvature in the base normally takes place after 14 years of age.
    This does not mean that the patient cannot get braces at all. The patient can still go undergo the treatment but the action potential will be slow as the bones have stopped growing.

2) Cephalometric Analysis

This test is similar to X-ray but the only difference is the machine used. The radiograph is studied and is analyzed on the basis of measurements the dentists decide whether the patient has achieved the age for braces or not. If the measurements coincide between 13-14 years then it is inferred as the best age for braces.

How Do Braces Work?

As mentioned earlier, the stainless steel metal brackets when wired exert an excessive force on the teeth. Hence, the pressure cause the roots of the teeth to displace from their original position to another favorable position.
The reason why braces are recommended in 13-14 years of age is because the roots of teeth present in the bone are still soft and has a tendency to remodel itself which is a striking factor for the success of the treatment.

Every month the patient is called for follow-up and the braces are tightened in order to prevent relapse and resistance from the braces.

Conclusion:

Every individual is created differently and is beautiful in its own way, but that doesn’t mean you don’t owe to enhance your beauty. The best time to approach braces and show that smile is when you are in your growing age because it is the point where your bones and body are reaching to a permanent state.

Never try any self-treatment and always seek clinical assistance from a health care professional. Once you are undergoing your treatment try to set a good bond with your dentist as he/she will be the one who is responsible to create the smile you desired in the first place. All you need is patience because braces at the age of 13-14 can be painful.