Adolescent Treatment
Most parents in Miami decide to seek orthodontic treatment for their child between the ages of 11 and 15. This coincides well with adolescents since most teenagers want to be finished with their braces by the time high school starts. Even though orthodontic treatment times vary in length, if treatment is started at an appropriate time, most teenagers can complete treatment in time for high school. Some cases may require a two-phase approach depending on the severity of the bite and that is why the American Association of Orthodontists still recommends that children starting at age of 7 should be evaluated by an orthodontist.
Biological Timing for Braces
By age 12, most permanent teeth should be erupted and it’s at this time that crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites can be most noticeable. These problems don’t correct themselves and it’s likely your family dentist has encouraged you to have your child evaluated by an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment completed in the early teenage years tends to be more stable since the bone and surrounding tissues are not fully mature. Treatment times are also significantly less during the teenage years than compared with adult orthodontic treatment due to the changing rates of metabolism.
Social Timing for Braces
The teen years are full of physical, emotional and social development. By the time a child is well into those years, the desire to look attractive may be so strong, in fact, that a teenager’s willingness to smile may be impacted by the appearance of their teeth.
Many young people undergoing orthodontic treatment during their teen years realize that wearing braces is easily accepted at that time and they may actually fit-in with friends and classmates who also have braces. In fact, we have completed many school presentations in the Miami area where the majority of students are wearing braces. If your child has visibly crooked teeth or gaps, they are likely to hear the question, “When are you getting your braces?”.
Free Consultation for Braces in Miami, FL
Call our office to schedule a FREE orthodontic examination with Dr. Sanders and Dr. Cabrera so that we can determine the optimal timing for treatment and outline the treatment plan, the estimated treatment duration and the approximate cost. We look forward to seeing you!