From cosmetic considerations like wanting a straighter smile and correcting crooked teeth to medical reasons like overcrowded teeth and fixing overbites, there are many reasons why you or your child may need braces. While braces aren’t only made for children, our younger years (10 – 14) are usually the best time to correct cosmetic or medical dental problems.
We provide a full range of orthodontic treatments at our North Lakes dental clinic, including braces, retainers and aligners, with our qualified and experienced orthodontists providing friendly and expert advice so you get the right orthodontic solution for your requirements.
Do You Need Braces?
Medically, there are several reasons why an individual may need braces, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Underbites or overbites
- Jaw disorders and incorrect jaw position
Many people, and not only adults but teenagers as well, wear braces for cosmetic reasons, most commonly to straighten their teeth and smile. There was once a stigma to wearing braces, but that has long since passed. To find out whether you need braces or could benefit from wearing them, consult your orthodontist or dentist.
10 – 14 years — The perfect age for braces
For most people, the ideal age to start wearing braces is from 10 to 14 while the child is still growing, and their teeth are most receptive and conducive to straightening. However, these are the years in which children experience their biggest growth spurts and combined with the onset of adolescence, wearing braces and altering their appearance may prove traumatic to some children if they’re not able to give their opinion and discuss it with their parents.
What’s more, you must also understand that your child may experience physical discomfort when wearing braces as their head, mouth and teeth grow, which means you’ll have to consult an orthodontist regularly to make sure their braces continue to fit them correctly. That doesn’t mean you should avoid or postpone getting braces or another orthodontic solution for your child, but you must be aware that they’ll require ongoing consultations during the time they wear them.
How Long Will You Need to Wear Braces?
The length of time you’ll need to wear braces depends on your treatment plan, with most people wearing braces for 18 to 36 months, and some wearing a retainer for the following three to six months after the braces are removed. The more complicated the issue, the longer braces need to be worn, and the age in which braces are fitted is also a contributing factor. The older the patient, the longer the period of treatment, which is why parents are advised to seek a solution when their child is between the ages of 10 and 14.
If you think your child may need braces or you’re looking for a cosmetic orthodontic solution for yourself, contact the friendly orthodontic team at Mango Hill Dental on 07 3482 2209. We offer metal, ceramic and plastic braces, aligners and other solutions to suit your needs.