When to Consider Children’s Braces

There are many reasons why children’s braces can be of benefit, including improved appearance, mouth function and better oral hygiene.

If you think your child may need some orthodontic treatment due to issues such as crowding or a misaligned jaw, you may be wondering about an ideal age to start the process?

In this month’s Q&A, Dr Lían O’Dwyer, a specialist orthodontist at our Knocklyon practice in Dublin, answers some common questions about the timing of orthodontic treatment for children.

Q: When should my child first visit an orthodontist?

A: The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends that you bring your child for an orthodontic assessment at approximately 7 or 8 years of age. Some children may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as young as age 5 or 6, and others can wait until the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth are coming into place at 11 or 12 years.

Q: How will I know when my child needs to see an orthodontist?

A: Your family dentist can help you determine if and when to consider orthodontic evaluation, as well as recommending a specialist orthodontist. Starting the process early does not mean a child will get braces right away. It just means the orthodontist will be able to assess the child’s situation and decide the best time to start treatment.

Q: What is the best age for children’s braces?

A: The best time for your child to be fitted with braces depends on the severity and the cause of their misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Children in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Your orthodontist will help you choose the optimal time to begin your child’s treatment.

Q: Should my child have all their adult teeth before getting braces?

A: No, it is not always necessary for a child to have all their permanent teeth before fitting braces. It can actually be beneficial to have some baby teeth in the mouth when starting orthodontic treatment. Baby teeth are bigger than the underlying adult teeth and this extra space can be used to alleviate dental crowding.

Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take?

A: Treatment typically lasts 12-24 months, depending on the child’s individual requirements. Regular visits for adjustment and progress review will vary in frequency from every five to eight weeks, according to the treatment stage. Following treatment, your child will be advised to use a fixed or removable retainer to keep the teeth in their new position.

Q: Is it possible to correct alignment issues in younger children?

A: In some cases, interceptive orthodontic treatment can be carried out from age 7 or 8, to correct or improve an incorrect bite or malalignment of the teeth. This type of early treatment could last from three months to a year and aims to correct a specific problem during the development of the teeth.

Q: Will early intervention prevent the need for braces at a later stage?

A: A phase of interceptive treatment may remove the need for future treatment or simplify future brace treatment. However, it does not guarantee that further orthodontic treatment will not be required once the permanent teeth have fully erupted.

To find out more about children’s braces at Dental Care Ireland, visit our orthodontics information page.