What’s the best age for braces? Do you judge by the teeth, the responsibility level or when the ortho tells you? You might be surprised.
Thanks to the Texas Association of Orthodontists for helping me figure out one more #mamachallenge. Affiliate links may also be included.
There are many things my hubs is good at…however, noticing when I get a haircut (or anything above my neck prettified), is not his strong suit. (Sigh.)
However, a few weeks ago, he came home and we began talking about our days. We exchanges woes and wees of the day as we made dinner and caught up (as we normally do.) Around an hour had passed by when I looked up and noticed, he had braces!
Yep, the tables has turned. He had been less than two feet from me for an hour and I never even noticed…
At the ripe old age of more than 30 and less than 40, he was sporting braces.
Now understand, we had discussed it, but I didn’t know if he would go through with it. But after an appointment with his orthodontist, Dr. Kapadia, they determined he needed braces.
While he hasn’t loved every minute of it (let’s face it, braces are moving your teeth and anyone who has ever had braces will tell you there are uncomfortable moments), he looked great and his braces are almost invisible.
The only real difference is that he never leaves home without his toothbrush and he’s made good friends with the waterpik.
On the flipside, around the same time that week, my my 8-year-old son shot me his beautiful smile. He’s pretty good at knowing just how and when to smile at his mama. (Boys just know how to melt their mama’s hearts, huh?) However, I couldn’t help but giggle to myself with his cute dimples and several missing teeth. I love his smile, but all the crazy holes from his newly missing baby teeth and his now grown in crooked adult teeth are hard not to stare at.
It seemed like the time had come to head to get braces.
But after a visit to our dentist and the orthodontist, I found out, not so fast.
I was right that he needed to see the orthodontist – but I wasn’t right on when he needed the orthodontic treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) actually recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine but it might also reveal that there are kinds of things that need to be addressed before braces should even be put on. There could be underlying problems with the way adult teeth are coming in—with the relationship of the upper and lower jaw, with tooth crowding, or problems that may be occurring due to thumb sucking or other habits.
Signs by your child that show you may need to look into scheduling an orthodontic exam:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking
- Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Speech difficulties
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
- Facial imbalance
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or teeth ruption by age 7 – even though baby teeth may still be present.
In our case, thankfully, there wasn’t any issues, but a few more baby teeth needed to come in before the braces could be put on his teeth.
However, do you want to know the moral of this story?
There isn’t a right age for braces.
Heck, I got mine in high school. (Ugh.)
But in reality, you just need to make sure you are seen by your dentist and if you have a kiddo, they should see the ortho around 7 years old, but it’s never too late if you haven’t made it yet!
Jeni Hawkins says
I love this story! And you’re RIGHT! There is no right age for braces! I have friends in their 50s getting braces and feeling GREAT NOW!
Sherry says
We were lucky that our kids didn’t need braces. Both of them have been to see an orthodontist.
Robin Rue says
There is definitely not a right time for braces. Whenever you can afford them and they can help is a good time.
TColeman says
I remember having them when I was younger. Middle school and high school years. It definitely helped!
Sarah Bailey says
I love that you shared this. So many think that it has to be done when you are young.
Jeanette says
My friends’ son needed braces at 7 and then again at 12. Both times were necessary and now he has a nice straight smile!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is a great post. I had no idea that braces could be useful at such an early age. Thanks for the info!
Amy Desrosiers says
My oldest daughter sucks her thumb so her front teeth are kind of popping out. She really is going to need to get herself some braces soon.
Elizabeth Lampman says
I am all for getting braces as an adult. If it will make you feel better and give you a smile you always dreamed of then why not.
gingermommyrants says
I have been thinking of getting braces after my kids are done. It is something I have always wanted to do. I will have to make it a Birthday gift for myself.
Liz Mays says
It’s definitely a good idea to go in to get checked out at any age. I have braces now that are almost ready to come off!
Alicia says
Thanks for sharing about this! My youngest is 7 and I am pretty sure he will need braces. I was wondering when kids normally get braces nowadays.
Meagan says
Oh man I haven’t even thought about braces for my kids. It’s crazy that time is approaching.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really great info. It’s very important that you know if your kids need braces. Such a helpful post!
Reesa Lewandowski says
My son is 8 and a lot of his friends have in the last 6 months or so started the process for braces. It’s something I really never even thought about yet!
Melissa says
I think anything that will boost your confidence is worth the investment! I seriously cannot belyeve the change I saw im my daughter when she got her braces removed. Her renewed sense of self -well It is worth every penny!