Who is a good candidate for braces?

Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, it means regardless of what age you are, you can benefit braces. But most dentists are believed that the good candidate for braces is children at age 7 because at this age their permanent teeth are beginning to erupt. On the other hand, at this age, their teeth and jaw are still growing and can move easier. So orthodontic treatment during the growing age can go faster.

What are dental braces?

Dental braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that used to correct different dental problems especially crooked teeth or a bad bite. Crooked, crowded and misaligned teeth cause malocclusion which also called bad bite. These tooth issues may cause by bad habits, genetics, injury or issues with baby teeth.

There are different types of braces including traditional braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, Invisalign braces, and self-ligating braces. Each type of braces that may be right for each patient with a specific condition, consist of wires, band, and other removable and fixed corrective appliances. But all braces work by applying continues pressure to teeth over the time to move them gently in the proper position.

How do you know whether you are a good candidate for a brace?

Generally, if you suffer from the following problems you are a good candidate for brace:

• Open bit. When upper and lower teeth don’t meet each other.
• Underbite. When bottom teeth cover the top teeth.
• Overbite. When top teeth cover the bottom teeth.
• Crossbite. When one or more teeth don’t line up properly.
• Overjet. When teeth stick out.
• Speech barrier
• Snoring
• Early loss of milk teeth
• Too much space between teeth
• Crowding

Children (from the age 7-12)

It is recommended children see an orthodontist by the age 7 for a dental checkup. Because it is the best age for children to get braces in case of need. At this age children’s tooth are developed sufficiently for the orthodontic treatment. The early brace can prevent later associated problems with crooked teeth such as tooth decay, cavities, heart and gum disease, chewing and nutritional deficiencies. So children at age 7 are the right and good candidate for braces.

Teenagers (from the age 13-18)

Many teenagers also experience dental issues and some problems with their mouth. They can benefit braces that are attractive and comfortable and correct their teeth problems. Invisalign teen is one of the popular products in the market that used to straighten teeth.

Adults (from the age 19-70+)

Adults at any age can be a good candidate for a brace. Orthodontic treatment including braces improves their dental problems, such as gum defects, excessive plaque accumulation, and crooked teeth. Dental brace not only provides adults health benefit also enhance their appearance and improve their self-esteem.

Who is not a good candidate for braces?

People who have gum disease, also called periodontal disease, are not a good candidate for a brace. When the tissue that supports the teeth becomes infected by the plaque that builds up on the teeth, gum disease will occur. Usually, gum disease is painless but you can find the signs of this disease including:

• Bleeding when you brush your teeth
• Red and swollen gum
• Loose teeth
• Gaps between your gums and teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together
• Bad breath

So if you have gum disease you should see a periodontist (gum disease) before getting a brace. Because with brace there is more risk of building up plaque on your teeth.

Generally, it doesn’t matter you are at age 12 or 70, every person at any age can benefit from braces. But in the early ages, the treatment process is faster and you can get results during a shorter time.