As a parent, you want your child to have every opportunity to grow up healthy, happy, and confident, and that includes their smile. But how do you know when it’s the right time to start orthodontic treatment? And what should you expect when your child might need braces?
At Farina Orthodontic Specialists, we work with families throughout Tampa, FL to provide expert, age-appropriate orthodontic care. If you’re wondering when your child should see an orthodontist or if braces might be in their future, here’s what you need to know.
What Age Should Kids See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That may sound early, but at this age, kids typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, making it the ideal time to identify any developing bite or alignment issues.
Early evaluations can help:
- Detect crowding, spacing, or bite problems
- Monitor jaw growth and dental development
- Plan for the best timing of future treatment
- Minimize the need for more invasive correction later
Even if your child doesn’t need braces right away, early monitoring ensures we can provide care at just the right time for the best results.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
Every child is different, but here are some common signs that braces might be recommended:
- Crooked or overlapping teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Jaw popping, shifting, or pain
- Teeth that stick out (overbite or underbite)
- Thumb sucking past age 4 or 5
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Our team will assess your child’s teeth and jaw to determine if and when treatment is needed.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
In some cases, kids may benefit from early, or Phase 1, orthodontic treatment. This typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 10 and is designed to:
- Guide proper jaw growth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve the alignment of incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of more complex treatment later
Phase 1 treatment may involve limited braces, expanders, or other appliances to support proper development. If no early treatment is needed, we’ll keep your child in our Growth Guidance Program and monitor their smile over time, at no cost to you.
When Do Most Kids Get Braces?
For many children, full braces are recommended between ages 11 and 14, once most or all permanent teeth are in place. This is considered the optimal time for traditional orthodontic treatment because:
- Growth spurts can be used to correct bite and alignment
- The jaw is still developing and responds well to treatment
- Kids this age are usually mature enough to take care of their braces
At Farina Orthodontic Specialists, we offer multiple options, including:
- Metal braces for durability and efficiency
- Clear ceramic braces for a more discreet look
- Invisalign for teens for eligible cases
We’ll help you and your child understand the best options based on their needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Why Choose Farina Orthodontic Specialists for Your Child’s Smile?
Choosing an orthodontist is an important decision for your family. Here’s why Tampa parents trust us:
- Board-certified orthodontists with decades of experience
- Personalized care and custom treatment plans
- Friendly, family-oriented atmosphere
- Modern technology and flexible scheduling
- Affordable payment plans and help with insurance
Our goal is to make every visit positive and stress-free for kids and parents alike.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
The earlier we can evaluate your child’s orthodontic needs, the better we can plan for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles. Whether treatment is needed now or later, our team at Farina Orthodontic Specialists is here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation at one of our convenient Tampa locations today and take the first step toward your child’s best smile.