Timing is super important for getting the best out of orthodontic treatment, but the reality is that a lot of families struggle to figure out when to actually start the process. We hear a lot from parents who are worried about starting too soon or putting off orthodontic work for too long, and to be honest, both of those worries are super common. The thing is that every kid is different when it comes to orthodontic treatment, and the right time really depends on how their teeth are growing and what specific problems they may have. Here at Specialty Smiles, we get to know each patient properly to work out the ideal time to start treatment for them. Our treatments for Sleep Apnea help improve breathing during sleep, enhancing overall health and energy. Customized oral appliances offer a comfortable, non-surgical way to reduce snoring and interrupted sleep.
The American Association of Orthodontists says that it’s a good idea to book a first orthodontic checkup for your kid when they’re around seven years old. If most of their baby teeth are still hanging around, it might seem a bit early for an orthodontic checkup. The thing is though, that’s the right age to start looking for any problems that are still developing. We can spot things like crowded teeth, crossbites or issues with the jaw growing in the right shape, and sometimes we can even catch problems that will actually get better with a bit of early treatment. In a lot of cases though, we just keep a weather eye on things and wait for the perfect moment to start treatment. Even the checkup itself is super useful, but it doesn’t always mean that you’ll need to rush off and get braces on right away. Professional Teeth Whitening brightens your smile safely and effectively for a radiant, confident appearance. Our treatments remove deep stains and restore your teeth’s natural brilliance in just one visit.
Early treatment, some people call it Phase One treatment, really does make a big difference for some kids who’ve got specific problems that are a lot easier to fix while their jaw is still growing. If there’s a lot of crowding, a lot of bite problems, or things like thumb sucking which can really impact the way the teeth grow in, then treatment may well be a good idea before all the permanent teeth have come in. We’ve seen how early treatment can help young patients in Miramar avoid all sorts of bigger problems down the line. For most kids though, and that’s the majority, the plan is to wait until they’re around 7 or 8 years old before getting braces. What the checkup does is just make sure we catch any problems that need sorting out as soon as possible.
Most kids get braces during those awkward tween years, 11 to 14, when all of their permanent teeth have come in and they’re still growing at a rate of knots. This window is the perfect time to fix any issues with their bite and alignment, because their jaw bones are still pretty flexible and teeth are way more likely to shift into position than they are for adults. Plus, teenagers tend to be pretty self-conscious about how they look, which can actually help them stick to their treatment plan.
In recent years, a lot more adults have been coming to see us for orthodontic treatment. And it’s not just people in their mid-twenties, we get people from their thirties, forties, fifties, you get the picture. There’s no upper age limit on getting braces in Miramar, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. We get a lot of adults who’ve been putting off dealing with orthodontic issues for years and have finally decided to take the plunge.
Certain things in life can make you want to wait before getting orthodontic treatment. Some high school seniors might put off treatment until after senior photos, or college orientation. Some brides and grooms might want to get treatment done before the big day, who can blame them? And if you’re in a field where how you look is super important, like acting or modeling, then timing might be everything. We work with our patients to find a treatment schedule that fits in with their busy lives.
When to start orthodontic treatment also depends on your wallet. Some families need a bit of time to work out the finances and figure out how to get their insurance to cover it. And we totally get that. We work with loads of different insurance companies and offer payment plans at Specialty Smiles to make treatment as affordable as possible. But we also know that some dental problems can only get worse the longer you put off treatment, so we don’t want to put it off any longer than you need to.
If you’re in agony with tooth pain or can’t chew properly because of overcrowding, then you shouldn’t wait to get treatment. And neither should you if you’ve got teeth that are getting worn down super fast because they’re not in line. Getting treatment as soon as possible is especially important if you’ve got a lot of crowding or teeth that stick out because it can make it really hard to keep your teeth clean, which can raise your risk of getting cavities and gum disease. Plus, if your teeth are sticking out it’s way more likely you’ll get hurt in a sports injury or an accident.
A lot of people think that age and treatment length are pretty straightforwardly linked, but they’re not. Some younger patients might get finished with treatment faster because they’re still growing, but a lot of adults can breeze through orthodontic treatment in pretty much the same amount of time as teenagers. What really matters is how complicated your case is and how well you follow our instructions. During consultations we give you a realistic idea of how long it will all take, so you can make an informed decision about when to start.
The bottom line is, the best time to get braces is when you’re ready to commit and your teeth and gums are healthy enough to handle treatment. We encourage all families to come in for a free consultation, even if you’re not sure what to expect or when you’re ready to start. It’s a chance to get some useful information without having to make any decisions on the spot.