Braces for Kids
Orthodontics for Children
What is the best age to get braces?
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. Our orthodontists are highly-trained in diagnosing and treating tooth and jaw problems during this developmental phase. Starting treatment at this age (only if necessary) can eliminate the need for jaw surgery in the future!
Early orthodontic treatment enables our orthodontists to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to encourage the permanent teeth to grow in a healthy alignment
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
How to tell if your child needs braces (or another treatment):
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Finger or thumb sucking habits
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Crowded teeth around age seven or eight
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Two-phase orthodontic treatment may help your child experience a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
Have questions about braces for kids?
We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. We want what’s best for you and your child’s smile, and we believe patient education is essential for helping you achieve the greatest results.
Dr. Insoft, Dr. Hurst and our experienced team are here to help guide you throughout your treatment process, from your first visit to your last visit.
Ready to begin your smile transformation process? Let’s get started with your complimentary exam at one of our convenient Seminole or St. Petersburg locations!
