What is the Best Age for Braces

Our orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up by age 7. Often, Dr Watson will identify a potential problem, but merely recommend monitoring the child's growth and development. Then, if indicated, he or she may begin treatment at the right time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter or less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that wouldn't be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Early treatment may give us the opportunity to:

• influence jaw growth in a positive manner
• reduce the need to extract permanent teeth
• lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• correct harmful oral habits

What if My Child is Older?

Even if your child is past age 7, it is important to have an orthodontic check-up as soon as possible. By treating the problems in children who are still growing, we achieve results that may not be possible when face and jaw-bones have fully developed.