Braces are a thing that’s been associated with adults and teens. However, braces for kids are becoming more common and for all the right reasons. As a matter of fact, handling dental alignment issues early in childhood can lead to healthier teeth, shorter treatment time, and in many cases, lower overall braces cost down the line.
Orthodontic treatment is not merely aesthetic. It repairs issues such as overcrowding of the teeth, poor spacing, and crooked bites, all of which may affect the chewing, speech, and breathing of your child. Children’s braces may help guide proper jaw growth, reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, and make space for the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
But since there isn’t enough awareness about whether the child should get braces or not, we’ve compiled a list of reasons and signs that help you make the right decision. So, if you’re looking to get your child braces, here’s what you should know. Orthodontic care at our office is provided by our general dentists, and we refer to a certified orthodontic specialist when appropriate.
When Do Kids Get Braces?
One of the most common questions parents always search for is what age do kids get braces? Orthodontists often assess children as young as seven, not to begin treatment at that age, but to monitor growth and identify the right time to start.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up no later than age seven. This doesn’t mean your child will get braces at that age, but it allows the orthodontist to monitor growth and determine the best time to begin treatment.
A dentist or orthodontist can evaluate your child and discuss whether treatment is appropriate after your child turns seven.
Types of Braces for Kids’ Teeth
Once you’ve confirmed that your child needs orthodontic treatment, the next step is choosing the right type of braces. The good news is that there are several types of braces for kids-teeth, each with unique benefits depending on your child’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Here are the most common options available today:
1. Metal Braces (Traditional Braces)
Metal braces are the most widely used and typically the lowest-cost type of kids braces. They consist of stainless-steel brackets and wires that gradually move the teeth into place.
- Durable and commonly used for a wide range of correction
- Regular adjustments are needed (usually monthly)
- Often recommended for complex bite or crowding issues
One of the best parts for kids is the braces’ colours! They can choose different colored rubber bands at each visit to personalize their look, whether it’s matching their school team, favorite character, or just switching it up for fun.
Tip: Letting your child choose the colour can help them feel more involved in their treatment.
2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work just like metal braces, but are made from tooth-colored or clear materials. They’re a popular choice for older kids who want a more discreet option without compromising effectiveness.
- Less visible than metal braces
- Slightly more fragile and may stain without proper care
- Often a bit more expensive than traditional metal braces
3. Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign® Teen)
Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays that gradually shift teeth. They are generally suited for mild to moderate alignment issues and are especially appealing to image-conscious kids or those with sensory sensitivities.
- Nearly invisible when worn
- Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
- Requires discipline
- Must be worn 20–22 hours a day
These aligners may be suitable for responsible preteens or teens, but they may not be suitable for younger kids or those with more complex issues.
4. Self-Ligating Braces
These look like traditional metal or ceramic braces but use a built-in mechanism to hold the wire, rather than rubber bands. This may reduce the number of visits and overall treatment time.
- Easier to clean and more comfortable for some kids
- Fewer appointments needed
- Available in metal or clear materials
Kids with braces like these ones can generally carry on with their daily activities without much worry and hassle.
Watch these Signs to Know Your Child Needs Braces
As a parent, it’s not always clear if your child’s smile is okay or if they require braces. Only a dentist or orthodontist can tell you for sure, but there are some pretty obvious warning signs that parents tend to catch on first. If you see any of the following, it might be time to get an orthodontic consultation.
1. Overcrowded or Overlapping Teeth
Crowding occurs when your child’s mouth doesn’t have enough space to grow teeth in a straight manner. By looking at your child’s mouth, you may experience overlapping teeth, crooked corners, or even your child may complain to unable to floss between them. This is one of the most prevalent first warning signs parents see that inspires them to research kids’ braces.
2. Gaps Between Teeth
Teeth gaps are common in kids, but if you find visible gaps within your child’s teeth, then it is a sign to have them assessed. Since wide or irregular spacing could be a sign of alignment problems, it even creates issues like food being trapped between the gaps, which can contribute to cavities.
3. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
When your child loses their baby teeth too soon or keeps them way too long, it can interfere with the way their permanent teeth come in. Teeth can erupt at crooked angles or in the wrong locations, which makes it worth arranging an assessment.
4. Bite Problems
One of the most obvious signs that a kid might need kids’ braces is the visible problem in the way the top and bottom teeth come together. Bite issues usually are:
- Overbite: Teeth on the upper jaw protrude beyond the lower ones.
- Underbite: The bottom teeth run beyond the tops.
- Crossbite: Part of the upper teeth lies within part of the lower teeth.
- Open bite: The Top front teeth won’t meet each other when closed.
5. Protruding Front Teeth
This condition is also referred to as misaligned/overbite. It increases the risk of damage to front teeth. In most cases, when the front teeth protrude noticeably, they become more vulnerable to chips, fractures, or even being knocked out, especially in active kids who participate in sports or physical play.
6. Difficulty Chewing or Biting
If your child is avoiding particular foods, has difficulty biting sandwiches, big burgers, apples, or complains of pain on chewing, it may be because of poorly aligned teeth or jaw positions.
In such cases, braces may be an option to align the teeth and help reduce the risk of future problems.
7. Mouth Breathing or Speech Problems
Constant mouth breathing and speech problems, such as lisping, can be indicative of issues with jaw alignment. But once you consult the orthodontist for this issue, breathing habits and speech clarity can be managed.
8. Jaw Shifting or Clicking Sounds
Many kids experience the pain of getting their jaw shifted to one side, popping while opening or closing, or looking crooked while speaking or chewing. But it’s actually worth taking a consultation with a dentist and asking for an in-depth evaluation. Prompt assessment may help identify the cause sooner.
9. Frequent Biting of Cheeks or Roof of the Mouth
Misaligned teeth can lead to involuntary cheek or palate biting that can cause irritation, sores, or even infections. You must pay attention to your child’s activity, and in case you notice something irregular, try consulting a dentist to have the problem assessed.
How Much Do Kids Braces Cost?
Cost is a common consideration for parents, and treatment options vary in price.
- Metal braces typically run between $3,000 and $7,000. These are the traditional option that most families choose, partly because they’re typically the lowest in cost.
- Ceramic braces cost a bit more, usually $4,000 to $8,000. The price is because of the materials used.
- If you’re considering lingual braces, they’re definitely more discreet but also significantly pricier at $8,000 to $10,000 or even higher.
- Clear aligners like Invisalign are another option, running about $4,000 to $7,400 for kids.
The final cost strictly depends on several factors such as the type of kids’ braces you choose, how complex your child’s dental issues are, how long treatment will take, and even the locality of the clinic.
However, if you have dental insurance, coverage may reduce your out-of-pocket cost, depending on your plan.
Final Thoughts
While every child’s case is unique, early consultation, ideally around age 7, may support timely intervention and a smoother treatment journey. When you have to go for a braces treatment for your child, make sure to do your homework by knowing which sort of kids’ braces would work fine and how much you’re going to pay for the overall treatment. At The Dental Land, we’re committed to providing care and consultation regarding child braces. So, if you’ve any concerns regarding when can kids get braces, the before and after braces journey, and more, then try contacting us and we’ll be glad to answer your questions.
