Age to Start Braces

It's never too late to wear braces.  We can improve alignment and function at any age, but there are some ages that are more ideal than others.  For example, I cannot change the bone structure in an adult, but I can change it in a growing patient.  Palatal expansion (changing the width of the upper arch) is most effective below age 12 for a girl, and below age 14 for a boy.  Headgears can restrain growth of the upper jaw, but only if there is more growth available, therefor starting by age 8 is more efficacious. If treatment is started after facial growth is finished we are more likely to need to remove adult teeth or reshape the existing teeth in order to achieve alignment. Treating adults limits the facial and jaw balance that can be achieved.

HelloNation published my first article on the best age to start braces.  Unfortunately, working with them also means accepting their edits to match their writing style. The photos are theirs too. Here is the link and a screenshot to the first page of the article. 

 https://orthodontistexpertinwhiteplainsny.org/when-kids-should-get-braces-guidance-for-families-in-white-plains-ny/