When Is The Best Age To Start Wearing Braces?

Last Updated on February 24, 2015 by Guest Post

The Optimal Age to Start Wearing Braces

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for an orthodontic consultation?

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the development of the bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front to back and side to side tooth relationships. For example, the present erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smile.

What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12 months- 21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image. A second phase takes place when the child has most or all of their permanent teeth.

What are the advantages of “early treatment”?

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

Creating room for crowed, erupting teeth
Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preserving space for erupted teeth
Reducing the need for tooth removal
Reducing treatment time with full braces

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow the patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendation.

Does every child need head gear and expander?

No. Every patient is different. The orthodontist will evaluate the patients orthodontic treatment needs and recommend the appropriate appliances. Expanders are used to expand jaw/palate growth, while the headgear is used to influence the growth of the upper or lower jaws.

How long will my child’s expander be in place?

We typically keep the expander in place for the duration of the Phase One treatment. This allows us to hold the space that was created for the erupting adult teeth to come in and allows the upper jaw to stabilize in its new position.

Dr Panucci – Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.

When Is The Best Age To Start Wearing Braces?

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.