According to the American Dental Association, a child’s first permanent molars start coming in at age 6. By the age of 13, 28 of 32, adult teeth should have erupted, with the remaining four wisdom teeth (the third molars) coming in later between the ages of 17 and 21.

With all that movement happening in a young person’s mouth, it’s not surprising that there are many young people wearing braces to help keep their pearly whites in order. It's important to know when the right time is to have your child evaluated for braces. Pediatric Dental Group reminds parents and guardians that it’s a good idea for all or most of a child’s adult teeth and molars to come in first before making any final decisions about braces or other orthodontic treatments.

Your child should already be visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings as his or her adult teeth come in, which means that your dentist will be closely analyzing your child’s orthodontic needs in the pre-teen years. It’s not possible to pinpoint an exact age for making a decision about braces, as dental age often varies from actual age. However, as more adult teeth erupt, a dentist will be able to see about placement and potential crowding in your child’s mouth, and make an educated decision as to whether braces are needed.

For more information on orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, or dental care in general, visit Pediatric Dental Group’s website or call (808) 593-8828 (Honolulu) or (808) 245-2131 (Lihue).