Orthodontists recommend that children be screened for orthodontic problems before they reach the age of seven, and for active treatment to start between the ages of 10-14. That's when most permanent teeth have already erupted. However, sometimes, it is recommended that treatment is started early in order to take advantage of the jaw's natural growth processes.
By using orthodontic headgear or a palatal expander for a few months at a younger age, it can sometimes reduce the amount of time the child has to spend in braces during his or her teens. It can even enhance the efficacy of treatment.
While there's no one-size-fits-all "best age" for braces, you'll often see 12-year olds wearing braces and while it is an awkward time for them, you can alleviate some of the discomforts by letting them get braces in summer. Why? Let's look at the benefits of making a booking for your child in summer:
1. You have more time to arrange to schedule
Summer is a great time to book orthodontic work, as there are no school, extracurricular activities, and sports events around which to arrange your schedule. There's plenty of time to make dentist and orthodontist appointments.
Keeping the appointments can also be challenging when you have to work it around the busy-season schedule, as you would usually need to show up for three appointments:
- consultation
- installation
- follow-up
It would be a great idea to schedule the three initial consultations for early on in the summer so that there is time for additional follow-up visits throughout the summer. Depending on your child's individual situation, it could be once a week, once a fortnight, or once a month.
2. Your child will transition more easily at home
No matter how much they look forward to getting braces, the reality is not as glamorous as orthodontic adverts. Braces tend to be slight to moderately uncomfortable at first. Having them installed during summer allows your child to get used to them in the comfort of his or her own home. An aching mouth can be a distraction at school, but at home, your child can eat soft foods, which will make the transition easier. At school, they tend to eat sticky, sugary, crunchy, and hard foods, which can cause major discomfort and even pain.
3. It will be easier to teach hygiene
It takes some time to get used to eating with braces, but it also requires thorough cleaning. Buy your child a soft toothbrush with thin bristles, as well as an interdental brush. It is important to take care to brush all around the spaces between the teeth and the braces. Proper hygiene is key when your child has braces, and it is slightly more difficult to clean all the hard-to-reach areas. Buy your child a good antibacterial mouthwash to clean the areas he or she might otherwise miss.
If your child needs braces, get in touch with Taunton Village Dental. We have helped numerous teens to get the perfect smile.
