If you’ve noticed that your child’s teeth, whether it’s their baby teeth or their permanent teeth, are crooked, crowded, or spaced too far apart, you may want to know just how soon they can be fitted for braces in Cape Coral, FL. Here, we’ll look at not just the bare minimum age, but also why kids get braces — and what you might be able to do to avoid braces altogether. 

Why Adolescent Braces?

Getting fit for adolescent braces early on isn’t an exercise in impatience but rather an exercise in practicality. The older kids get, the harder it is for an orthodontist in Cape Coral, FL to move them around with clear aligners or braces. So, getting braces early on may reduce the time needed for the child to wear the braces — welcome news for the whole family. 

When Can My Child Be Fitted?

Children can be fitted for braces as young as 8 — even before all of their permanent teeth come in. However, children as young as 7 can still see an orthodontist for interceptive treatment, otherwise known as any treatment designed to straighten teeth before a child needs braces or aligners. Again, this is a practical thing for many parents who want to avoid the expense of lengthy treatment. 

Steps to Take 

Orthodontists recommend braces for kids who have severe alignment issues and clear aligners for more moderate or mild cases. If you want to learn more about your child’s development, including if it’s possible to avoid braces altogether, contact the staff at Orthodontics Exclusively to learn more about not just our general services but how we approach preventative care. 

Adolescent treatment plans are specific to every child. So, even if you know a parent who needed to haul their kid into the orthodontist every other week for years, that doesn’t mean that you’ll face the same issues. Before you make any assumptions, sometimes it’s better to start as early as possible, so you can plan ahead based on your child’s oral health. 

Above all else, remember that braces are as much a cosmetic treatment as they are a necessity for many kids. This treatment makes it far easier for kids to care for their teeth and gums as they get older.