Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores the ideal age for children to have braces.
“The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggest children get their first orthodontic check-up around age seven,” said Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“However, most children usually only get braces between 10 and 14. That said, it depends on the child.”
The Pros of Early Intervention
Taking care of dental problems early on can stop them from getting worse down the road. Here are a few benefits of starting orthodontic care for your child sooner rather than later:
Reduced Treatment Time: Tackling minor issues earlier can lead to shorter overall treatment times and, in some cases, even reduce the need for braces.
Improved Dental Health: Crooked or crowded teeth make it harder for your child to brush and floss properly, which can cause plaque to build up. Over time, this raises your child’s chances of cavities and gum disease.
Boosted Confidence: Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw can impact your child’s confidence. Getting orthodontic treatment earlier can help fix these issues, boosting their self-esteem.
Parental Peace of Mind: Early evaluation lets parents plan for future treatment and make informed decisions.
How to Choose the Right Braces for Your Child
Several types of braces are available for children, each with its benefits:
Metal Braces: These are the most common options for straightening teeth, especially for more serious orthodontic issues. They use metal brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a thin wire adjusted periodically to shift the teeth into their correct position slowly. While they’re the most noticeable type of braces, the modern versions are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be.
Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but are less noticeable. The brackets are either clear or tooth-coloured, blending in with your teeth. However, they require extra care to prevent staining, and they’re generally a bit more delicate and costly than metal braces.
Lingual Braces: Lingual braces function like metal braces, but instead of being placed on the front of your teeth, they are attached to the back, making them invisible from the outside. They are usually more expensive and can take longer to achieve results. Lingual braces can also feel slightly uncomfortable because they are closer to your tongue.
Removable Aligners: Instead of using brackets and wires, removable aligners are custom-made, clear aligners that slowly move your child’s teeth into place. The aligners are removable—your child can take them out to eat, drink, or brush their teeth.
Do Braces Always Work?
To guarantee the effectiveness of your child’s braces, they must adhere to all care instructions offered. If they wear fixed braces, they must avoid eating certain hard or sticky foods that may harm them. If they use removable aligners, they must wear the trays for at least 22 hours daily. Your child’s dentist or orthodontist will give comprehensive advice and care instructions.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Treatment type and length may vary based on your child’s requirements and chosen treatment options. For example, the Lingual procedure is often more costly than braces fitted to the front of the teeth.
Braces are not a once-off treatment. The entire process, from fitting the braces to removing them, can take around 18 months, and dental appointments can quickly add up.
Most orthodontists offer flexible payment plans, and some might even give you a discount if you pay upfront. If you have medical insurance, it might cover part of the braces cost.
Why Does The Process Take So Long?
According to the South African Society of Orthodontists(SASO), braces apply gentle, steady pressure to slowly move teeth into the correct position. This gradual movement is important because it helps protect the roots, bones, and gums from damage.
Regular adjustments are needed throughout the treatment to keep the teeth moving in the right direction and ensure everything aligns properly.
Conclusion
Most children are likely to be fitted with braces in their teenage years or early teens, but sometimes, they may need braces earlier or later than the usual age. Consulting an orthodontist is crucial in determining your child’s best action. Caring for your child supports their dental health and overall well-being. Affinity Junior will help keep your child’s teeth healthy by covering regular dentist visits, full oral examinations or scale and polish, fillings, tooth extractions, and much more. For more on the Affinity Junior Plan, click here.