If your dentist is suggesting your child may need to wear braces it’ll be part of a treatment plan to move their teeth in order to correct dental or jaw alignment problems. Braces might also be recommended to treat problems relating to crooked teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites and jaw positioning.
You may have lot of questions about wearing braces, especially if this is your first child who has needed them. Here, Dr Adam Alford, dentist at Bupa Dental Brisbane, explains what’s involved.
What is the best age for kids to get braces?
While people of any age can benefit from braces, the Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children who may need orthodontic treatment should be assessed by a registered specialist between the ages of eight and 10.
“Girls could actually be a little earlier [than boys],” adds Dr Alford.
He explains that girls’ mouths and heads finish growing between the age of 10 and 13 while in boys growth finishes between 12 and 14. Early orthodontic treatment is most effective, as the mouth and teeth are easier to straighten and align due to having softer tissue.
What are the reasons kids get braces?
“If early-intervention orthodontics is indicated this is usually because we are trying to control the growth and shape of the bony base that the teeth sit on, so that eruption of the permanent adult teeth can occur more easily and possibly stop teeth being impacted (stuck) and needing surgical intervention,” explains Dr Alford.
Braces at this age and stage can also help address mouth breathing or speech issues, he adds.
What are the best kind of braces?
There are two common types of braces, says Dr Alford:
- Traditional braces. These are glued to the teeth with a wire attached. They can be metal or ceramic, and sit on the outside or the inside of the teeth.
- Clear aligners. These are thin, clear plastic mouthguards that are changed in sequence as they slowly push the teeth around. The most well-known brand is ‘Invisalign’.
In some cases a combination of both types might be used.
How long will my child wear braces for?
Each child is different, and the length of time they’ll need to wear braces depends on their age, braces type and reason for needing braces. Some kids will only need braces for six months, others might need them for up to two years.
Speak to your dentist or orthodontist to get a time estimate for your child.
Talk to a dentist near you
If you have any further questions, chat to your nearest Bupa dentist.
1 You can receive 100% back on dental check-up and cleans (select dental items only) once every 6 months at Members First Ultimate Providers. Waiting periods, benefit claiming restrictions, policy and fund rules apply. Excludes orthodontics and in-hospital treatments. Available on all eligible extras products which includes General Dental (excluding FLEXtras and Your Choice Extras 60 where General Dental is not included). If you choose or require any additional dental services, any health insurance benefits will also be subject to your yearly limits.
2 You can receive 100% back on direct restorations or fillings (select dental items only), up to yearly limits, at Members First Ultimate Providers. Waiting periods, benefit claiming restrictions, policy and fund rules apply. Benefits are payable up to yearly limits or on available remaining limits in relation to your product. Some out of pocket costs may apply if a claim exceeds your yearly limits. Excludes orthodontics and in-hospital treatments. Available on all eligible extras products which includes General Dental (excluding Simple Start – Basic Plus, OSHC Extras, FLEXtras and Your Choice Extras 60 where General Dental is not included). If you choose or require any additional dental services, an out-of-pocket cost may apply.
3 Members First Ultimate Providers are not available in all areas.
ø Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.