Some children do not see the time to use braces. For others, this step is a source of great anguish. There is no exact age to determine when to visit the orthodontic specialist, but it is best to consult with a dentist.
In general, once the children have changed all their baby teeth and have their permanent teeth, it is time to start thinking about an information consultation in the specialist’s office.
There are many reasons why children need appliances to correct their teeth, including crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, lack of space between teeth or a bad bite. The latter is usually due to the fact that the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw or vice versa.
In certain cases, teeth or jaw problems can be caused by tooth decay, premature tooth decay, accidents, or bad thumb sucking habits. But in general, dental problems are hereditary. If someone in the family needed appliances, children are more likely to need them as well.
Dentists often recommend an orthodontic visit between the ages of 6 and 10. In some cases, children do not do so until adolescence. Even many adults choose to correct imperfections in their teeth. According to specialists, the ideal age is 7 years, when the permanent teeth came out.
Beginning this process at an early age does not necessarily mean that the child should immediately receive their devices. But in this way the specialist can determine in advance when the best time to start treatment will be.
Typically, an orthodontic treatment lasts between 1 and 2 years, depending on the patient and can cost up to $ 6,000. The apparatus may be of the fixed type (braces) or movable (retainers). The latter usually take longer to get the same results.