July 8th, 2025
As parents, ensuring our children’s health includes caring for their teeth and gums. Dental alignment issues can impact a child's bite, speech, and self-esteem — making early intervention crucial. One common solution for misaligned teeth is braces for kids, but many parents are unsure about the right age to begin orthodontic evaluation. This guide will help you understand when a child should see an orthodontist, the signs to look out for, and what to expect during children orthodontic treatment in Andheri.
Understanding the Need for Braces in Children
Kids can get orthodontic problems from their parents or from habits like thumb-sucking, using bottles for long periods of time, or losing their baby teeth too soon. Straightening crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, and too many teeth are some of the most common problems that kids with braces fix.
Children's teeth and jawbones are still growing, so fixing problems early is easy and works better. A lot of experts say to see a skilled orthodontist as soon as possible, even if braces aren't needed right away.
When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
The Indian Orthodontic Society says that by age 7, a child should have had their first oral health check-up. This isn't always the right age to start treatment, but it is the right time to look for any early signs of problems.
So, when should a child see an orthodontist? Consider an evaluation if your child:
- Having trouble biting or chewing
- often breathes through the mouth
- Has been sucking their thumbs since before age 4
- Indicates when baby teeth are lost
- Having crowded or crooked teeth
- When opening or closing the mouth, the jaw clicks or moves.
Early orthodontic assessments can help detect problems before they worsen. In areas like Andheri, Mumbai, reputed clinics specializing in children orthodontic treatment in Andheri offer early screening programs to detect such signs in kids.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Parents often wait until adolescence to begin orthodontic care, but starting earlier can make a big difference. Here’s why:
- Growth Guidance: Orthodontists are able to influence the proper growth of the jaw to avoid greater problems.
- Less Treatment Time: By correcting early, the complexity and the time of later treatment can be smaller.
- Better Oral Habits: Early check-ups can mitigate bad oral habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting that might be causing an effect on the alignment.
- Improved Self-esteem: There are several reports stating that children with straight teeth at an early age have better self-esteem and social ease.
While braces for kids are often associated with teenage years, interceptive treatment (also called Phase 1 treatment) can be beneficial in children as young as 7 or 8.
Types of Braces for Kids
When it comes to children orthodontic treatment in Andheri, parents can choose from several options depending on the child's needs and budget:
- Metal Braces: They are the most popular and affordable ones. They are tough and good at complicated corrections.
- Ceramic Braces: These are less noticeable than metals but a bit fragile, as they match the teeth since they are made of a similar material.
- Invisalign First: In cases which meet criteria, younger children should receive clear aligners, such as Invisalign First, to meet a more aesthetic requirement.
- Functional Appliances: Appliances like twin blocks can be implemented in growing children in order to address any discrepancies in the jaws of the child.
Based on the child's mouth health, the dentist will suggest the best type. The best centers in Andheri that treat kids with braces make individual plans to make sure that the results last and that the kids are relaxed during treatment.
The Right Time for Braces
The examination starts at age 7, however youngsters commonly get braces between the ages of 9 and 14. Most of the time, this is when the last baby teeth fall out and the first permanent teeth grow in. But every kid is different, and some may require braces sooner, particularly if they are having problems or pain that are making their teeth develop in the wrong way.
People frequently wonder, "When should a child go back to the orthodontist after the first visit?" Orthodontists frequently plan regular follow-up visits to check on the growth of the jaw and the alignment of the teeth if urgent treatment isn't required. Regular checks make sure that treatment can start right away if the problem becomes worse.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
If your child has braces, they will need to be adjusted every 4 to 8 weeks. Treatment can last anywhere from 12 to 30 months, based on how bad the case is. It's very important to keep up with good oral care during this time.
Parents in Mumbai who want to get their kids dental care in Andheri can find orthodontists with a lot of experience working with kids. These dental offices make it easier for kids to go to the dentist by making the space kid-friendly.
Aftercare and Retainers
When the braces are off, your child will probably need a retainer to keep their teeth in the appropriate position. In the absence of a retainer, the teeth may move back to where they were before.
Maintain regular visits to the doctor and keep an eye on your child's tooth health. Braces for kids have long-lasting effects if they follow the instructions and take care of their retainers as well as their braces.
Final Thoughts
Orthodontic health is a key part of a child's overall development. Don’t wait until your child complains about dental discomfort or becomes self-conscious about their smile. Knowing when a child should see an orthodontist empowers you to take action early.
Whether you’re noticing signs of misaligned teeth or simply want peace of mind, consult a specialist in children orthodontic treatment in Andheri for an expert evaluation. With the right guidance and timely care, braces for kids can create not just a beautiful smile, but also a healthy and functional bite that lasts a lifetime.