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Benefits of Getting Braces When You’re Young

25 Mar 2022  |  No Comments
Happy smiling young woman with braces

Whether your child is excited or nervous about getting braces, there’s a lot they and you should know about this treatment! Does your child really need braces? Are there any compelling reasons not to get braces? What’s the best age for a child to get braces?

Don’t fret. These questions are totally normal, and the orthodontists at Marsfield Dental Care can give you the information you need to make the best decision about your child’s orthodontic treatment.

What is the Best Age to Get Braces for a Child?

Braces correct several significant bite issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, overcrowding and more. Typically, these issues begin to surface after your child loses their baby teeth and the adult teeth start growing.

Getting braces as a child is often more effective than pursuing the same treatment as an adult. When you’re young, your jaw is still forming, and your bones are still growing, so as the braces correct your teeth and jaw placement, it’s easier for your body to adapt.

There’s no definite age for children to get braces, but most children that need braces start showing signs of a poor bite when they get their permanent teeth. This usually occurs between the ages of 7 and 12.

Furthermore, your child’s specific bite issues play a role in when they start their orthodontic treatment. Some infant and early childhood habits cause the jaw and teeth to improperly develop. For example, thumb sucking can cause open bites and overbites. The best age to get braces for an overbite in these circumstances may be earlier than another to help the child correct these habits.

Caring for Your Child’s Braces

Your child’s oral hygiene is critical no matter what, but especially if they have braces! Proper oral care ensures that the braces remain strong and functional, and your child will be less likely to have cavities, tooth decay and gum recession when they get the braces removed. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your child’s teeth with braces:

  • Brush their teeth after every meal. Use a toothbrush with softer bristles that can clean around the brackets. Brush around each bracket on the top and bottom.
  • Floss every day. Flossing with braces can be difficult, but you can use a threader to work the floss under the wires. If flossing is too difficult, use an interdental brush to clean between the teeth and brackets.
  • Avoid candy and hard foods. Don’t let your child eat anything that could break the brackets or get stuck and cause cavities.
  • Protect your child’s gums! Braces can be rough, so make sure your child wears a mouthguard for sports and uses wax to cover brackets and wires poking them.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Sydney

If your child has bite issues or you’re wondering if they need braces or if there are any reasons not to get braces, the orthodontic team at Marsfield Dental Care in Sydney can help!

To schedule your child’s consultation, call Marsfield Dental Care on 02 9887 1961 or click the button below.

If you're looking for a dentist in Sydney who takes genuine care in their work and the well-being of his or her patients, call today and let Dr Choo, Dr Ip and their friendly staff look after you, your family and those pearly whites!

"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."

COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021

 All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.