When Should Your Kid Get Braces?
The best time to check to see if your kid needs braces is at the age of 7. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids see an orthodontic specialist at this age to determine if they need braces. Most kids have lost most of their baby teeth, and their permanent teeth are coming in. So, this is an ideal time for an orthodontist to check your child’s oral development. In addition, the jaws are growing and developing. With x-rays and scans, Dr. Stan Cox will be able to check progress and see potential problems.
This is the best time to catch severe cases that would benefit from two-phased treatment. Typically, starting early treatment will save money and orthodontic treatment time as a teenager or an adult because it could lessen or even eliminate the need for surgery or more complex procedures.
Two-Phased Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
Two-Phased treatment consists of two different stages of orthodontic treatment. Patients with this type of cohesive treatment plan will get orthodontic treatment twice. The first phase usually begins at an early age to prepare the mouth, teeth, and jaws for the second phase of treatment, which starts after a resting period. The goal is to create the best possible environment for permanent teeth when they are coming in.
Phase 1
In most situations, the first phase includes treatment with an orthodontic appliance, like an expander, to create room in the mouth for permanent teeth to come in. Then after a resting period, the second phase includes straightening the permanent teeth and positioning them in the best places for good oral health.
Resting Period
Typically from ages 10-12, a patient in two-phased treatment will enter a “resting period” between phase one and phase two. After Phase 1 is complete, we will remove all orthodontic appliances or braces. During this time, we allow for any remaining permanent teeth to come in and allow the jaws to continue developing.
In this resting period, patients are under observation and will come in for appointments so we can check progress. It is important that we see the patient often enough to know when to begin Phase 2 (if needed) at the optimal time.
Phase 2
After the resting period, Phase 2 typically begins around age 12-14. Dr. Cox will begin the second part of the treatment plan which normally includes full upper and lower braces or clear aligners. On average, Phase 2 will last 18-20 months.
Retention Phase
Last, but not least, the patient enters the retention phase once orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners is complete. Retainers are the key for keeping your smile straight and beautiful for years to come. Remember to follow the instructions given by Dr. Cox to avoid needing braces again in the future!
Kid Friendly Orthodontist
