Early Teens. Age at which orthodontists generally waited a generation ago before putting braces on children. “A generation ago, orthodontists generally waited until children were in their early teens and had lost all their baby teeth to put on braces. Now, children as young as 4 are being fitted for orthodontic devices, and it's not uncommon for 8-year-olds to be making monthly or even weekly trips to the orthodontist. Many children receive ''two-step'' treatment -- one course when they are 8 or 9, then another course at 12 or 13, when all their adult teeth are in.” (Clara Hemphill, “Early Intervention Dentistry {Orthodontics}: Going to Work on Baby Teeth,” The New York Times, Tuesday, December 5, 2000)
7 or 8. Age some experts recommend that children be examined for orthodontic treatment. “So you think taking your kids to the orthodontist is still a few years down the road, when they're teen-agers, when they have all their permanent teeth. Think again.Now the experts recommend that children be examined no later than 7 or 8.” (Donna Gehrke-White, “Brace yourself: Early exams and corrections could save children's teeth, some orthodontists say,” Charleston Gazette, May 23, 2000) Discover books by Donna Gehrke-White.
7. Latest recommended age that children get orthodontic screening. “The St. Louis-based American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7, said spokeswoman Jessica Kassel.” (Larry Holyoke, “Space stations, mummy await Glassman's patients,” St. Louis Business Journal, Friday, October 8, 1999)
