Those who have dc w/ braces, do you think having them

[MJN]

early, like 8-10, is a waste of money or is it better to just wait until they get older, like 11-13 to start them? In other words, are you glad you went ahead and did it or in retrospect, would you have waited?

I have two dds who have no need for braces. My almost 11 yos has straight teeth right now, but has several teeth to loose. He has very little extra space in his mouth like his sisters do/did. I just wonder if his mouth will grow as he hits puberty to allow for those teeth to come in. Your thoughts?

Thanks!

[Crissy]

I don't know about having them a second time, but our orthodontist won't put braces on a child until the roots of their permanent teeth are completely developed. He explained that moving teeth too early will sometimes (often? I can't recall) cause the root to stop growing.
I imagine this could result in serious problems later in life.

[Chris in VA]

My son had Stage One braces when he was about 9. He had to have his palate widened, and it was a great time to do it. Unfortunately, our insurance changed, and we couldn't complete Stage 2 with him. We could've had him use an appliance to help his jaw grow more then, too. Wish we had been able to--now, all his friends have beautiful smiles, and can take care of their teeth easier, b/c they aren't crowded.

Have you had the "free consultation" that ortho's offer? They can tell you so much in one visit.

[Shelly in IL]

11yo got retainers when he was 9 - huge teeth, not alot of room.
8yo got palate expanders this year - it has helped dramatically to expand his smile, and the teeth are straighter already. Stage 2 is braces.

[MJN]

nt