Orthodontics For Teens: What Age Do Braces Start?

Every smile is unique. At Dearborn Family Smiles, we know that getting braces is a big step – for both teens and their families. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the journey with care, kindness, and compassionate and qualified support. If you’re looking for an experienced Orthodontist in Dearborn, our team is here to help you achieve the smile you deserve.

One of the most common questions parents and guardians ask is, “What age should my child get braces?” The answer isn’t always the same for everyone, but there are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind!

When To Start Thinking About Orthodontics

A proactive measure to guarantee your child’s long-term dental health is an early orthodontic evaluation. Did you know that children should get their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven? For a number of reasons, this early assessment and potential intervention can be beneficial. Most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth at the age of seven, allowing our doctors to assess how their permanent teeth are developing and spot issues.

Here are some ways to identify whether your teen needs braces:

  • Their smile is visibly crooked or has crowded teeth
  • Your teen is struggling to floss and brush effectively
  • Difficulty with frequent tongue biting or accidentally biting the inside of the cheek
  • Your child is struggling with jaw pain or clicking when chewing or waking up
  • They struggled with irregular loss of baby teeth in childhood
  • Your teen experienced delayed or late eruption of their adult teeth
  • They have an underbite or overbite
  • Your teen is missing or has extra teeth

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with us. Our team will gently examine your teen’s teeth and bite, take some X-rays if needed, and discuss the best next steps with you. Correcting these issues helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, speech issues, difficulty chewing, and jaw problems.

What Age Should Teens Get Braces?

Realizing your teen needs orthodontic treatment is the first step to their happier, healthier smile! According to John Hopkins Medicine, braces and other orthodontic treatments are most effective between the ages of 8 and 14. Regardless of age, the procedure for moving and realigning teeth is the same. However, overcoming certain bite issues may require more than just braces, other orthodontic solutions, or jaw surgery.

We know that wearing braces takes time and commitment. But we also know how powerful a confident smile can be. That’s why we go above and beyond to make orthodontic care as straightforward, positive, and stress-free as possible. At Dearborn Family Smiles, we’re here to support you on your smile journey. Ready to learn more or schedule a consultation? We’re here to help. Call our friendly doctors today and take the first step toward a healthier smile!