Because everyone’s teeth develop differently, it can be difficult to determine the exact age your child might need braces. When people in Waynesboro, VA, and the surrounding area need help making this decision, they take their kids to Magnolia Dental. The local orthodontist provides children with a wide range of treatments to help improve their oral health.

Not sure when your child should get braces? Below, the staff at this premier dental clinic shares three factors that contribute to the need for braces, and what age ranges these changes occur:

• Jaw Deformities: When the upper and lower jaw aren’t the same size, it can make chewing and speaking painful or difficult. The size variations can develop at any stage during adolescence, so consult with your family orthodontist to determine whether your child is a good candidate for braces. Braces can correct overbites, underbites, and overcrowding caused by jaw problems. 
• Bad Tooth Alignment: If teeth grow in crooked, it can be hard for them to work together to chew food. This can eventually lead to digestion problems, but braces will align teeth so they can do their job properly. Permanent teeth grow in around seven years old. At this point, your child should make their first trip to the orthodontist. They can check bite and alignment to determine at what stage braces might be necessary. 
• Gaps Between Teeth: Permanent teeth can gradually separate after they grow in. Various factors can contribute to the development. If all of your children’s permanent teeth have grown in, consult an orthodontist to correct the issue. You can expect most permanent teeth to be in place between the ages of 12 and 13.

With the wide range of braces available at Magnolia Dental, your child will find a suitable, comfortable device to correct their smile. The dental team will help them determine which options will work best, and they also provide teeth cleanings to keep braces gunk-free.

To make an appointment for general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry services in Waynesboro, call (540) 943-2723 to speak with a friendly staff member at Magnolia Dental. You can also visit the orthodontist online to discover the many ways they will keep your teeth healthy.