Treatment Timing for Straightening Teeth

Want to know when to get braces? Dr. Stanley Cox, DMD, MS, and his staff provide orthodontic treatment for all ages. We provide braces for kids, teens, adults, and seniors.

Braces for Kids

We follow the guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists by recommending an evaluation by an orthodontist at age 7 for all children. An assessment at this age can help to determine the best time to begin any necessary treatment. Interceptive or early treatment can result in significant benefits that may only be achieved at an early age.

Why do some kids have braces so young these days?

Most people tend to associate braces with teenagers, but orthodontists can identify subtle problems with jaw growth or teeth while the primary or “baby teeth” are present. Unfortunately, many well-meaning parents sometimes wait too long for their child’s first visit to the orthodontist, resulting in longer and more complex treatment. Braces at a young age can often eliminate the need for extractions as an adolescent.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic screening no later than age seven. By this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted to effectively evaluate the bite and the growth of the jaws. Some common problems that can be managed through interceptive treatment include:

Early or late loss of teeth
Oral habits such as thumb-sucking
Crowding of the teeth
Difficulty with speech
Facial imbalances
“Underbites,” “overbites”, and crossbites
Very protrusive front teeth or “buck teeth”

How late is “too late” for Adult Braces?

Thinking about getting adult braces? It is never too late to obtain that smile you always wished you’d had. There is no age limit to braces: as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, it is safe for you to have your teeth straightened. As you know, esthetics and a youthful appearance are very important in our society, and more and more adults are getting braces these days. A bright smile with straight teeth can not only improve your self-image. Research has proven that it affects how others see us. Often straightening crowded teeth in adults can provide a “facelift” effect. Since straight teeth provide added lip support and added lip support means more fullness around the mouth. This fullness gives a decidedly more youthful appearance to a face.

Why get Adult Braces?

From a dental perspective, braces can provide the following benefits:

Prevention or improvement of periodontal (gum) problems
Prevention or reduction in bone loss around teeth
Improvement in the ability of dentists to restore missing teeth
Improvement in the function of teeth
Overall oral health improvement

Free Orthodontic Consultation

If you are considering orthodontic treatment and want to know more about the orthodontic process, we would be happy to answer any of your questions. We LOVE dental questions, so PLEASE ASK!!! You can either give us a call at our Brookhaven Location (404) 343-0677 or at our Alpharetta Location (678) 775-1600.

Patient Review of Dr. Stan Cox

Dr. Stanley Cox and his team are amazing! My son had a complex case and Dr. Cox not only did an amazing job, but according to the implant specialist, he nailed it. Dr. Cox and team …thank you especially for the care and precautions taken to keep your patients safe during these times. Thank you also for the all encompassing approach, and communication. We’ll be back!

– Sho L

Valerie Laura ★★★★★
I've been taking my daughter to Brookhaven Orthodontics for over a year and we have had great service at every appointment. The Orthodontic Assistants are friendly and conversational with my daughter. I can tell they are trying to make her feel comfortable and ease any nervousness she may be having about being at the orthodontist. The doctors are also friendly and very knowledgeable. They have a well organized system from check-in to check-out. I highly recommend them if you are looking for an orthodontist.

When to Get Braces