Braces, an integral part of orthodontic care, are a powerful tool designed to rectify a wide array of dental issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and jaw positioning problems. They are sophisticated devices composed of brackets affixed to each tooth, connected by an archwire that applies gentle, consistent pressure over time to move teeth into the desired position. With advancements in technology, today's braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than ever, and they can be customized to fit both children and adults. While the process of wearing braces requires time and patience, the end result—a healthier, straighter smile—is often worth the commitment. Happy Smiles Dental, nestled in the heart of New Hyde Park, NY, is your trusted partner for exploring orthodontic needs for you and your children. We provide personalized consultations that help determine whether braces are the right solution for you, using comprehensive dental assessments and the latest diagnostic technology. With a team of experienced professionals, Happy Smiles Dental is dedicated to guiding you on the journey towards achieving a healthier, straighter smile.

What is the best age to get braces for kids?

Between half to 70% of American children will need braces before they reach adulthood. Given the prevalence of this dental procedure, it's almost a normative experience for children across the United States. If you're a parent, you might be worried about potential dental problems your children could develop due to improper jaw or tooth growth. It's quite possible your children might join the ranks of those needing braces or other orthodontic care. Wondering when is the optimal time to get braces? Continue reading as we delve into this topic and more. Although this isn't wrong, orthodontics plays a dual role. On one hand, it enhances appearance, while on the other, it addresses issues affecting basic functions such as eating, breathing, or speaking. So, if your child's issues go beyond dissatisfaction with the appearance of their teeth, an orthodontic consultation could help resolve these problems. As your children grow, it's crucial to have a healthcare provider oversee their development to ensure everything is on track. Just as you'd take your kids for yearly check-ups with a physician, you should extend the same care to their oral health. We recommend taking your children to a dentist and/or orthodontist by the age of seven. Around this age, they begin to lose their baby teeth and develop permanent adult teeth. Before your children transition to adult teeth, it's important to verify that their jaws and teeth are developing correctly to avoid the need for more intense orthodontic treatment. By taking your children for regular dental check-ups from a young age, a dental professional can monitor their development and identify any issues while they're still manageable. This proactive approach can save significant time and effort down the line. The ideal time to get braces varies for each child, as everyone grows at their own pace. Some children mature quicker and earlier than others. However, as a general guideline, children should consider getting braces between the ages of 9 and 14, typically before the onset of puberty. After puberty, adjusting the jaw or teeth becomes more difficult as they've already formed their post-puberty positions.

Is 12 too old for braces?

Happy Smiles Dental in New Hyde Park, NY, is a premier provider of comprehensive orthodontic services for both kids and adults. We offer in-depth consultations to assess the need for braces, employing a personalized approach to ensure each patient receives optimal treatment. Along with providing expert advice, we also specialize in braces installation, guiding their patients through every step of the process to achieve a healthier, more confident smile.