When’s The Best Age To Get Braces?

Do you think your child might need braces, but you’re unsure when the best time to begin treatment is? Do you want treatment for yourself but are worried you’ve missed the acceptable time frame for braces? Well, we’ve got good news for you! Dr. Dudley’s dedication to mastering different treatment options means that he has the ability to treat patients of all ages, from seven to 77 and beyond, at Dudley Smiles! But when’s the best age to get braces? Keep reading to find out!

Braces 101

Braces are like tiny train tracks for your teeth. They’re made up of little stations called brackets connected by a railway line known as the wire. Those colorful or tooth-colored bands you see on each bracket are the elastics that hold everything together like magic! 

Braces work by guiding your teeth to their perfect spots, giving you that dreamy smile. Though the idea of braces has been around for ages, today’s versions are super cool, comfier, and oh-so-effective. 

Dudley Smiles proudly offers their Issaquah community modern metal braces, aesthetic clear braces, and removable braces with Invisalign!

Why Do People Get Braces?

Ever wonder why people rock shiny metal smiles? Braces aren’t just a fashion statement! They’re all about creating perfect harmony in the mouth. Some people have teeth that love to crowd together like fans at a concert, while others have gaps for a dance floor. Then there are those whose teeth prefer to face away from the stage, crooked and turned. Braces are the ultimate organizer, helping teeth work together perfectly. The result is a fabulous show-stopping smile that helps with chewing, speaking, and oral health. 

When’s The Best Age To Get Braces?

There’s no best age to get braces. Everyone’s orthodontic journey is different, and your readiness depends on my factors, not just your age. First and foremost, individual dental needs matter. Some kids might have issues best addressed early, while others can wait longer to begin treatment. Family history plays a role too. If you or your significant other needed braces as a young child, there’s a chance your kiddo might follow suit. Then there’s the matter of growth. Everyone grows at their own pace; sometimes, the jaw or teeth might need a little extra time before starting orthodontic treatment.

With that said, different age groups have distinct advantages. Let’s check them out now.

Early Treatment

Starting orthodontic treatment at a younger age lays the groundwork for a lifetime of radiant smiles. Young gums and bones are like soft clay, eager to be shaped. This flexibility allows Dr. Dudley to spot and address sneaky teeth or jaw issues before they become more challenging.

Early treatment can also streamline later treatments, making them quicker and smoother. It’s like prepping the canvas before painting a masterpiece, ensuring every stroke (or tooth!) falls perfectly in place.

We recommend your child receive their first smile assessment at age seven, but not all children who need braces will start care so young. Some might be able to wait until their teen years. Those that do need treatment will likely receive treatment in two phases. To learn more about the two-phase treatment, click here!

Teenagers

Ah, the early teen years! A time of funky hairstyles, discovering your favorite bands, and…braces? You bet! The teen years are the most common age range to get braces because the mouth is still growing and evolving during, making it an ideal time to guide those rebellious teeth into their rightful places.

The decisions and actions taken during the teenage years can set the stage for adulthood. By addressing orthodontic concerns now, teens can enter their adult years with a healthy, beautiful smile, reducing the need for further, more invasive treatments down the line.

Adults

More and more adults are hopping on the braces train, proving it’s never too late to chase that dream smile. Whether you missed the orthodontic train in your younger years or your teeth shifted later in life, there’s no age limit to straightening things out.

Now, you might be thinking, “Braces at my age? Really?” Absolutely! With today’s orthodontic wonders, adults don’t have to settle for the traditional metal look! Sleek options, like our clear braces and Invisalign, are discreet enough to go unnoticed during those board meetings or date nights.

Build Your Personalized Treatment Plan With Dudley Smiles!

Every smile is different, so every treatment plan we produce is, too! What works for one patient might not work for another, so we create personalized treatment plans for all our patients.

Discover your or your children’s tailored orthodontic journey at a free consultation with Dr. Dudley at Dudley Smiles! Remember: Orthodontic treatment is about more than a straight smile. It’s about investing in a healthier, more confident you. 

We can’t wait to work with you! See you soon!