Most children will lose the last of their 20 baby teeth when they are 10 to 12 years old. This is usually the best time to start orthodontic treatment. In some cases it is helpful to begin before the last few baby teeth fall out. Later on, braces will be attached to these last new teeth once they have grown in.
Additionally, there are some conditions, like crowding and excessive overbite, for which the timing of treatment can be very important. That’s why it’s best for a child to have an orthodontic evaluation earlier rather than later – between ages 7 and 9. Dr. Costopoulos does not charge a fee for the initial examination or for subsequent visits to monitor dental development. These check-up appointments allow him to determine the ideal time to begin braces. Once your child is ready to start orthodontic treatment, we will discuss with you in detail what the recommended treatment is and the costs involved.