At What Age Are Dental Braces Applied?
Oral and dental health is important for both aesthetic and general health. Especially crowded teeth, malocclusion, and jaw discrepancies can affect the quality of life for many people. There is no age limit for dental brace treatment. However, there are periods when the treatment is more efficient.
Dental Brace Treatment in Children
During childhood, since the jaw structure is still in the developmental stage, orthodontic treatments performed generally take less time and yield more successful results.
Dental braces may be recommended for children in the following situations:
- Crowded teeth
- Upper and lower jaw misalignment
- Early tooth loss
- Disorders caused by habits such as thumb sucking
- Teeth erupting in the wrong position
At What Age Are Dental Braces Applied?
Dental braces are usually applied between the ages of 10 and 14. At these ages, permanent teeth have largely erupted, and jaw development continues. This makes orthodontic treatment faster and more effective. However, in necessary cases, an orthodontic examination is recommended from the age of 7. This is because some jaw problems may require early intervention.
Can Adults Wear Dental Braces?
There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatments. Today, many adults opt for dental brace treatment due to aesthetic concerns.
Some orthodontic options used in adults include:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic (clear) braces
- Lingual braces
- Clear aligner treatment
How Long Does Dental Brace Treatment Last?
The duration of dental brace treatment varies from person to person. The average treatment duration is 6-12 months for mild cases, 12-24 months for moderate cases, and 24 months and above for advanced cases.
After the treatment is completed, a retention treatment (retainer use) is applied to prevent the teeth from shifting back.
