Braces for Kids: What age to start?
Orthodontic treatment isn't just for teens or adults. Children should begin having evaluations at a young age because braces not only help teeth align beautifully but also promote jaw development and reduce the risk of future bite problems.
Whats the best age for kids to get braces?
The ideal age to bring a child for an orthodontic check-up is around 7 years old, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
Why age 7?
- Permanent teeth begin to emerge, baby teeth start falling out.
- Jaw structure and bite alignment issues become noticeable.
- Its a stage where jaw growth can still be easily guided.
Bonus: Answer popular questions What age is best to get braces?
What types of braces are available for kids?
- Invisalign First (clear aligners for Kids)
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Damon braces
Why should children have an orthodontic check-up early?
The benefits of early evaluation are greater than you might think:
- Early diagnosis of issues like crooked teeth, crowding, or jaw abnormalities.
- Reduces the risk of complex problems needing costly or complicated treatment later.
- Allows the use of appliances suited to the childs development.
- Supports facial growth and speech if there are articulation or swallowing issues.
Tip: Children who start treatment early often spend less time and money on braces than those who begin later.
How to prepare before taking your child for braces
Good preparation helps the dental visit go smoothly:
- Observe your childs teeth and habits. Are teeth protruding, crowded, or oddly spaced?
- Ask your child about chewing and speaking. Any issues? Pain or chewing discomfort?
- Gather dental history. Frequent cavities? Any extractions or past retainer use?
- Prepare questions for the dentist: treatment duration, costs, and available options.
What types of treatments might children receive?
After evaluation, the dentist may recommend these treatments:
- Palatal expander to create more space for permanent teeth.
- Retainer or removable appliance for minor issues.
- Braces when all permanent teeth have erupted and full orthodontic treatment is needed.
The appliances and technology used depend on each childs specific issues. The dentist will design a treatment plan tailored to every child.
Benefits of starting orthodontic treatment in childhood
Parents who plan early for their child will gain many benefits:
- Teeth align beautifully from a young age, avoiding major corrections later.
- Bite and speech develop normally.
- Lowers the risk of cavities or gum disease in the future.
- Boosts the childs confidence from an early age.
If childhood is missed, can braces still be done later?
Absolutely! Even if the child becomes a teen or adult, braces are still possible.
Read more: Adult braces at age 30+: What do you need to know?
Key differences:
- Once jaw growth stops, structural adjustments become harder, may take longer, or might require additional methods such as surgery.
But the advantages today:
- There are orthodontic options designed for adults, such as Invisalign clear aligners or Damon braces, which cause less discomfort and deliver faster results.
