Treatment for Adolescents
The age range of 10 to 15 years old represents the most common time to get braces. By age 11 or 12, most people have a full set of permanent teeth and are therefore ready to begin orthodontic treatment if required. Because crooked teeth and bad bites rarely correct on their own, getting started with braces at this time seems to work best for most people.
An increasingly higher percentage of families are seeking orthodontic services for their children. Therefore, many youths today ask for braces when they see their friends beginning orthodontic treatment as a way of “fitting in” and going through a shared experience. While we certainly do not recommend braces for those individuals with already healthy bites and straight teeth, children who would benefit from braces are often easily convinced to have treatment since it is socially acceptable to do so at this age.