What is the right age for dental braces and other cosmetic dental procedures?

Do you plan to get dental braces for your child? Find out what is the right age for this?

Crowded, crooked teeth or those that have not aligned properly are a common problem in children. Even adults face these issues with age. Buck teeth or protruding teeth are also a common problem. Dental braces are the best solution to fix your denture issues. However, in case of kids, it is often too early to decide. If you are concerned about restoring the shape of your child s teeth and wondering if they are old enough to go for braces, Dr Sunil Vasudev, Consultant Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road shares with us the solution:

The ideal age for getting braces for kids is between 8 to 10 years depending on the type of malocclusion. During this age, the head and mouth are in the growing stage and the teeth are under a favourable condition for straightening and adjustment. Here s more on cost, precautions and procedure of dental braces for kids.

Other cosmetic dental procedures are:

• Inlays and Onlays. These are also known as indirect fillings, which are made by a dental laboratory, and they are used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling.

• Composite Bonding: Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed, damaged or discoloured teeth using material that resembles the colour of tooth enamel. Bonding needs to be done every few years as it wears out with age. It is advisable to start it post the age of 16 years.

• Dental Veneers: These are made individually for each patient with resemblance to his/her natural teeth. It is generally manufactured from medical-grade ceramic. These are best advised at the age of 14 years and above. Read: 4 dental treatments for a killer smile.

• Teeth Whitening: The most basic cosmetic dentistry procedure includes teeth whitening which is done to restore the natural appearance of the teeth. However, there is a high risk of the gel or substances being absorbed by the child and can have severe effects. Whitening is best advised post the age of 11 years. Read: 7 things your dentist wants you to know about oral health.

• Implants: Dental implants are used to replace teeth after tooth loss. The implant is done by inserting a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, to create support for the crown. This procedure requires a fully developed jaw and hence is advised for patients above 18 years of age.

What's the upper age limit to get braces?

More and more adults are also wearing braces to correct minor problems and to improve their smiles. The only prerequisite for getting braces is that your jaw bones and bone density should be in healthy condition. However, Specialized treatment for age between 25-35 years.

Image Source: Shutterstock