Is 13 too early for braces?

Is 13 too early for braces?

Kids might not be bothered by their crooked smiles, but should you, as a parent, take them to the Dentist to evaluate the way they bite to make sure that their teeth are positioned properly?

Are they too young to start braces?

There are a lot of things to be considered when is the right time to start braces. We’ve put together this guide to help you answer that question.

So let’s get started!

It’s a good idea to get an Orthodontic Evaluation by the time a child is seven years old.

But this doesn’t mean the Orthodontist or the Dentist will start treatment this early.

When your child turns seven, their back bite has finished growing in. This means the Dentist will be able to evaluate the relationships of your child’s teeth—both side-to-side and front-to-back.

An early evaluation like this allows the dentist to find any current problems and predict any future problems that are likely to occur. Based on what they see, they can then figure out the best treatment plan for your child.

How Early Can Kids Start Braces?

Traditionally, treatment with dental braces begins when a child has lost most of his or her baby (primary) teeth, and a majority of the adult (permanent) teeth have grown in —usually between the ages of 8 and 14. If treatment is needed during this time, Interceptive or Preventive care can take advantage of your child’s growth to guide the intended result as development takes place.

Some dentists recommend what’s called an Interceptive approach, ( if it is really necessary) which involves using dental appliances (not always dental braces) at an earlier age, while a child still has mostly baby teeth. Then, when a child has mainly adult teeth, a second phase of treatment is started, usually with dental braces. This second phase is thought by some to be shorter than a traditional course of braces if an early treatment has been done.

The best choice for you and your child will largely depend on the severity of your child’s dental problems. Talk with your child’s dentist or orthodontist about the best course of action.

The effects you get from Orthodontic Treatment will last the rest of their lives (if they continue to take care of their teeth and wear their retainer).

Signs Your Child Might Need Braces at a Young Age

While most kids won’t need braces at the early age of seven, some definitely do.

If your child has bite problems or overcrowded teeth, they might have a hard time chewing or talking. These problems can also lead to jaw strain and gum damage.

Here are a few signs your child might need braces at a young age:

  • Difficulty chewing and biting
  • Misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Constant cheek biting
  • Teeth that don’t meet
  • Their teeth or jaw are out of proportion to their face
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Mouth breathing
  • Protruding or recessed jaw
  • Their jaw makes sounds

If you notice any of these signs, you might have to take your child to the dentist even earlier than seven.

Talk to your dentist so that they can discuss the best treatment plan for your child.

Not sure how to find an orthodontist near you?

We can help! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions today!

Is 13 too early for braces?
Waist up studio portrait of an adorable young girl laughing with excitement, head in hands and closed eyes, isolated on white backgroud. Human emotions and facial expressions concept.

It’s a good idea to have your child visit a specialist Orthodontist around the ages of 7 years old so that a thorough assessment can be made to determine whether or not the patient needs early intervention style treatment, or if it’s best to wait. The Orthodontist will assess the teeth that are in the mouth, as well as those that that are yet to come through. 

Childhood early intervention treatment may prevent complex orthodontic issues arising or make the treatment required in their teenage years less invasive and of shorter duration. In many cases, the younger a patient is, the easier it is to move the jaws and teeth. 

It is also a good way for the patient to get used to visiting the Orthodontist and build rapport with our team, even if no early intervention is required, and treatment is only required when they are older. Most commonly the Orthodontist will do an annual growth check to see how the teeth and bones are progressing until it is time for early intervention, or full orthodontic treatment, once the permanent teeth come through.  

There are several things that may help determine if your child needs early orthodontic treatment: 

  1. If your child already has crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth; you won’t usually see this until they’re about 7-8 years old 
  2. Early loss or late loss of the baby teeth 
  3. Front teeth protruding forward 
  4. Under bite or overbite 
  5. Crossbite
  6. Thumb or finger sucking after the age of 5 
  7. Having troubles chewing or biting 
  8. Mouth breathing 
  9. Significant jaw size discrepancy 

The benefits of early intervention orthodontics 

Orthodontics is much easier when the jaws and palate are still growing, children’s jaw bones are softer than those of teens and adults. The treatment of children is usually faster and more efficient than if it is done later on, when the bones are less malleable. 

Expansion of the palate can be done using an expander more easily in children, expanders help create space to reduce crowding and correct cross bites. Once the palatal suture fuses during puberty it becomes much harder to create more space and often the only alternative is to extract teeth or have jaw surgery to create more space.  

The patient will usually spend less time in braces or aligners as a teen after having done prior treatment as a child. Not only can having early intervention save time, it can also sometimes save money. It can also help with speech issues, as well as increase confidence in some children.  

In conclusion, interceptive treatment between 7-10 years of age is very effective, depending on the type of treatment needed. Expansion plates may be used even earlier. Whilst if only braces or aligners are required the most beneficial time is when all the permanent teeth have erupted.  By booking in for a consultation to see our family friendly Orthodontist here at Beachside Orthodontics, he will be able to determine the optimal timing and most appropriate orthodontic treatment option for your child. 

Can I get braces at 13 years old?

Many parents begin asking when their children will need braces when their child is still very young. While anyone can benefit from braces at nearly any time in their life, most individuals start braces at about 12 or 13 years old, with the opportunity to start earlier if needed.

What is the youngest age you can get braces?

Some children start their orthodontic treatment as young as six. However, most agree that the best age to get braces or another form of treatment is between the ages of 8 and 14, which is when the head and mouth are most conducive to straightening.

How long does a 13 year old need braces?

How long kids need to wear braces depends on the problems the orthodontist is trying to fix. The average time is about 2 years. After that, a child might wear a specially molded retainer — a small, hard piece of plastic with metal wires or a thin piece of plastic shaped like a mouthguard.

What happens if you get braces too early?

Number one, treatment will drag on for a lot longer when there are still baby teeth in the mouth. Some part of the treatment will have to be delayed until the permanent teeth are at least visible in the gums otherwise brackets cannot be placed on them.