What Is the Best Age for Kids to Get Braces?
30 Dec 2019
There isn’t one perfect age for every child to get braces. Many children begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment during the preteen or early teen years, once most permanent teeth have come in. However, the best time depends on your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development.
It’s also important to distinguish between having an orthodontic evaluation and getting braces. A child may be evaluated years before treatment is necessary. An orthodontist can monitor their development and recommend braces when the timing is right.
The Recommended Age for Braces
What Age Do Most Kids Get Braces?
Many children who need comprehensive braces start treatment between approximately ages 11 and 14, when most permanent teeth have erupted and the jaws are still developing.
That doesn’t mean 11 to 14 is the correct age for every child. Some orthodontic problems may benefit from earlier treatment, while other children can start later. The right timing depends more on dental development and the orthodontic problem being treated than on a specific birthday.
What Is the Difference Between the Best Age for an Orthodontic Evaluation and Braces?
An orthodontic evaluation can happen well before a child is ready for braces. Around age 7, an orthodontist can assess how the permanent teeth and jaws are developing and identify problems that may need monitoring or earlier treatment.
Most children evaluated at this age will not necessarily start braces right away. Think of the first evaluation as an opportunity to determine whether a problem exists and when treatment would be most effective.
Not Sure When to Start Braces?
An orthodontic evaluation can help you find the right time for your child.
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Can Kids Get Braces If They Still Have Baby Teeth?
In some cases, orthodontic treatment can begin while a child still has some baby teeth. This is sometimes part of early or interceptive orthodontic treatment.
Early treatment isn’t necessary for every child. An orthodontist may recommend it when a developing bite, jaw or tooth-position problem could benefit from being addressed before all permanent teeth have erupted.
Other children are monitored until more permanent teeth come in before comprehensive braces begin.
What Determines the Best Age for Braces?
- Permanent teeth – whether enough permanent teeth have erupted.
- Bite development – whether an overbite, underbite, crossbite or other bite issue is developing.
- Crowding and spacing – how much room is available for permanent teeth.
- Jaw growth – whether ongoing growth affects treatment timing.
- The type of orthodontic problem – some conditions can be treated effectively later; others may warrant earlier attention.
Braces by Age – What Parents Should Know
| Age/stage | What it usually means |
| Around age 7 | Time for an initial orthodontic evaluation; braces are not automatically needed |
| Ages 8–10 | Some children may receive early/interceptive treatment |
| Ages 11–14 | A common period for comprehensive braces as permanent teeth erupt |
| Teen years | Braces remain an effective treatment option |
| Adulthood | Orthodontic treatment remains possible if teeth and supporting tissues are healthy |
These are general stages rather than treatment rules. An orthodontist should recommend timing based on the individual patient.
Not Sure When to Start Braces?
An orthodontic evaluation can help you find the right time for your child.
"*" indicates required fields
How Do You Know What Age Is Right for Your Child?
The best age for braces is the age at which treatment can most effectively address your child’s specific orthodontic needs. An assessment can determine whether your child is ready for braces, needs early treatment or simply needs to be monitored as they grow.
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready to begin treatment, read our guide to when a child should start braces or schedule an orthodontic consultation with Kids Dental Group.
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