When Should a Child Start Braces?
01 May 2024
A child is ready for braces when their teeth, bite and jaw development have reached the right stage for their treatment needs-not simply when they reach a certain age. Orthodontists consider which permanent teeth have erupted, how the jaws are growing and what needs to be corrected.
As a result, two children of the same age may start braces at very different times. One may be ready for treatment while another may benefit from waiting and being monitored.
Is It the Right Time for Braces?
We can assess your child’s smile and help you understand when treatment should begin.
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When Might Earlier Orthodontic Treatment Be Recommended?
Earlier treatment may be considered when an orthodontic problem could benefit from intervention while a child’s teeth and jaws are still developing. The need for early treatment should be determined through an individual orthodontic assessment.
Many children do not require early treatment and can instead be monitored until they are ready for comprehensive braces.
When Might an Orthodontist Recommend Waiting for Braces?
- Additional permanent teeth need to erupt.
- Growth needs monitoring.
- Treatment would not yet provide additional benefit.
- Oral hygiene or treatment-readiness considerations, where clinically appropriate.
Later Treatment
While early intervention has its advantages, later treatment is also common, typically beginning around the ages of 11 to 15 when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
During this stage, orthodontists can still effectively address misalignment issues and bite problems. However, the treatment approach may differ from early intervention, focusing more on aligning the permanent teeth and addressing any remaining orthodontic concerns.
Is It the Right Time for Braces?
We can assess your child’s smile and help you understand when treatment should begin.
"*" indicates required fields
What Happens Once Your Child Is Ready for Braces?
Once your orthodontist determines that your child is ready for braces, the next step is to create a treatment plan based on their teeth, bite, and orthodontic needs. While the exact process can vary from patient to patient, it typically includes the following stages:
- Orthodontic assessment
The orthodontist examines your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development to understand what needs to be corrected and confirm that it’s the right time to begin treatment. - Records and imaging
Photos, digital scans, X-rays, or other orthodontic records may be taken as needed. These provide a more detailed view of tooth position and development and help with treatment planning. - Treatment recommendation
The orthodontist will explain the recommended treatment approach, what it is intended to correct, and the expected treatment timeline. This is also an opportunity for parents and children to ask questions before moving forward. - Braces placement
Once the treatment plan is confirmed, an appointment is scheduled to place the braces. The orthodontic team will also explain how to care for them, which foods to avoid, and how to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. - Regular adjustments and monitoring
Your child will return for follow-up appointments throughout treatment. During these visits, the orthodontic team monitors progress and makes adjustments as needed to gradually guide the teeth into their planned positions.
How long your child will need braces depends on their individual treatment needs. Learn more about how long braces treatment typically takes or speak with the Kids Dental Group orthodontic team for a personalized treatment plan.
How Does an Orthodontist Know When a Child Is Ready for Braces?
An orthodontist looks at several factors before recommending that a child start braces. These include permanent tooth eruption, available space, bite alignment, jaw growth and the specific problem treatment needs to correct.
The goal isn’t to start braces as early as possible. It’s to begin at a time when treatment is appropriate for the child’s development and orthodontic needs.
5 Factors That Determine When Braces Should Start
- How many permanent teeth have erupted
- How the permanent teeth are coming in
- Your child’s bite
- Jaw development
- The orthodontic treatment goal
Does a Child Need All Their Adult Teeth Before Getting Braces?
Not necessarily. Some children can benefit from orthodontic treatment while they still have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth. Others may be advised to wait until more permanent teeth have erupted.
Whether treatment should start depends on the orthodontic problem being addressed rather than a rule that every baby tooth must be gone.
