At which stage in life should a child get braces? While getting braces with baby teeth might seem like a bad idea, it serves the purpose of preventing problems later on. Considering that information, we’ll explore questions about the ideal conditions for orthodontic treatment. We’ll also look at the types of treatment known as Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Should My Child Get Braces With Baby Teeth?
Whether or not your child needs braces before losing all of his or her baby teeth would be decided after a thorough exam. Plus, if braces are mentioned, most orthodontists apply them after a child has already gained some of their adult teeth.
In fact, you should consider taking your child for an orthodontic exam well before age 7. An orthodontist would be able to detect jaw and alignment issues early enough to recommend the best treatment plan, which may or may not involve braces.
If your child happens to need braces before all their baby teeth have erupted, then you don’t have to worry. This treatment is actually more standard than you might’ve thought, and no, it’s not part of a business plan to retain pediatric patients.
What if My Child Needs Braces Again?
Chances are some children might need to have braces attached again as part of a two-phase treatment plan (more on that later). Or they might even become more viable candidates for Invisalign aligners a few years after undergoing treatment with metal braces.
Ultimately, this recommendation depends on each child’s unique situation. In some cases, retainers suffice for keeping a child’s teeth in the proper position. In others, braces or clear aligners would more effectively straighten out their bite and facilitate improved jaw alignment.
Both scenarios would definitely be better than dental problems or having to deal with orthodontic surgery.
What is the Best Age for Getting Braces?
In the best case scenarios, 12 or 13 proves to be the ideal age. However, getting braces before age 12 is not harmful and in many cases is quite necessary.
In contrast, waiting beyond the teen years, if not adulthood, is not the best course of action–although braces still effectively work for older patients.
However, you most likely won’t see the possibility of braces until your child is at least 7. The main reason relates to the ability to attach wires to any adult teeth that came out before the treatment.
The Difference Between Phase 1 and Phase 2 Treatments
In more extreme cases, orthodontists might recommend a two-phase treatment. The first phase addresses jaw problems and craniofacial differences (ie, cleft palate). For instance, a practitioner would institute treatment that paves the way for the healthy growth and placement of adult teeth.
This type of treatment might include:
- The attachment of braces only to specific teeth
- Headgear
- Retainers specially made for children
- Appliances that broaden the palate
- Spacers
This treatment can take up to a year, and the patient takes a “break” afterwards before revisiting the possibility of braces, also known as Phase 2.
The second phase starts after the child has most or all of his or her adult teeth. At this point, your child might either get braces or Invisalign aligners to ensure proper bite alignment and straighter teeth.
Scenarios When Children Don’t Lose Baby Teeth
Another reason for recommending braces with baby teeth correlates to a rare condition called Dental Ankylosis, where a baby tooth (or teeth) is fused together with the jawbone. This condition can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or genetics.
While the common course of action is to extract the baby tooth, braces may or may not be part of the long-term treatment plan. However, the bite alignment could be affected by the missing teeth. Thus, there’s a possibility of getting spacers and braces–or at least retainers.
You might also like: Can You Get Braces with Missing Teeth?
What if My Child Is Not a Good Candidate for Braces?
Aside from any pre-existing conditions that need to be addressed, like Dental Ankylosis, your child most likely would be able to get braces.
Conditions that would make attaching braces impossible include:
- An allergy to certain metals (later on, your orthodontist might offer alternatives, like plastic aligners)
- Gum disease
- Lack of alignment in the jawbones
- Jawbone loss
- Delayed development of teeth
- Patient cooperation due to age
Also, conditions such as a cleft palate or the need to extract any teeth due to decay would delay the treatment with braces. On the other hand, your six-year-old may be able to undergo treatment using the Invisalign First process as opposed to traditional braces.
Conclusion
So, in answering the question of “Can you get braces with baby teeth?” we’ve covered a broad spectrum of possibilities. Nevertheless, your orthodontist can best address that question after obtaining the necessary imaging and performing a thorough exam. After getting all the answers you need, you can rest assured that your child will get the best orthodontic care.
At Ziehmer Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing personalized, gentle, and effective orthodontic solutions to help every child achieve a confident, healthy smile.
