Can My Teen Get Braces If They Still Have Baby Teeth?

Even today, with all the cosmetic dentistry options on the market, braces are still one of the best ways to straighten your child's teeth and give them the smile of your dreams.

Typically, braces are seen on older teens and adults, as most patients wait until they have all their adult teeth to start the treatment process. But does that mean your teen needs to have all their permanent teeth beforehand? Here's what you need to know.

Why do some teens still have baby teeth?

Every person has a different timeline for when their adult teeth come in. Children usually start getting their adult teeth at the age of around 6 or 7 years old, and most adults have a full set of permanent teeth by the age of 21. However, some people may finish getting their adult teeth in their teen years.

All that being said, the process of getting your adult teeth can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including genetics and oral health. As such, there's no need to worry if your child still has baby teeth (also known as primary teeth or milk teeth) in their teen years.

Can teens' braces if they still have baby teeth?

It's a misconception that you need to have all your adult teeth before getting braces. In fact, the Australian Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have their first visit with an orthodontist at the age of 8 to 10 years old.

There can even be benefits to getting braces before your adult teeth have come in, so there's no need to worry about starting your teen's treatment now.

Why should my teen get braces now?

As mentioned, there are benefits to starting braces before your teen's adult teeth finish coming through. Crossbites and overbites, for example, tend to get worse as more adult teeth come in. Early braces can help make space for new teeth, encouraging your child's smile to develop in a straight fashion. For similar reasons, braces are also a great option for teens who suffer from dental crowding.

On top of this, many teens struggle with self-esteem and confidence when they're not happy with their smiles. Starting treatment before adulthood is a great way to keep your teen happy and thriving during their school years.

What happens if a tooth falls out?

Since braces shift the teeth, you may be concerned that one of your teen's baby teeth will come loose during treatment. In reality, orthodontists usually avoid putting brackets on baby teeth for this reason. Remember, if your child doesn't have all their adult teeth yet, losing baby teeth is a good thing.

So, if your teen's baby teeth do fall out during treatment, there's no need to panic. Once the new adult tooth erupts, your child's orthodontist will simply place a bracket on the new tooth. Contact a cosmetic dentistry service to learn more.

Share