The Best Age for Braces (and Why It’s Different for Every Child)
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle
There is no single “perfect” age to start braces. Every child’s teeth and jaw develop at their own pace. What’s important is catching problems early.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7, when permanent teeth begin to appear and growth patterns become clearer.Early visits to your pediatric dentist can make a big difference, even if braces aren’t needed right away.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
There’s no single “best age” for braces, it depends on how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing. Scheduling an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 helps spot potential issues early and create the right treatment plan for a healthy, confident smile.
What’s the Best Age to Get Braces?
While most children begin losing baby teeth between ages 6 and 8, an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 helps your dentist spot early signs of crowding, bite misalignment, or jaw growth issues.
This doesn’t mean braces will go on immediately. Many children start treatment between ages 9–14, once most of their permanent teeth have erupted and jaw growth is steady.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Early orthodontic assessments help guide jaw growth, manage spacing, and address habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing before they cause long-term issues.
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we work closely with our trusted orthodontic partners to provide early orthodontic care that helps your child’s smile grow naturally, often preventing the need for major corrections later.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
It’s easy to assume braces can wait until the teen years, but delaying treatment can sometimes make things more complicated.
As the jaw finishes growing, correcting issues like crowding, overbites, or crossbites can take longer and may require more advanced treatment. Early orthodontic planning can:
- Shorten overall treatment time
- Prevent the need for tooth extractions
- Reduce the risk of uneven wear or jaw pain later on
The earlier your pediatric dentist tracks your child’s dental development, the easier it is to time braces perfectly.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Orthodontic Evaluation
An orthodontic evaluation is simple and noninvasive. Your child’s dentist will:
- Review dental and growth history
- Take X-rays or digital scans
- Assess bite alignment and jaw position
- Discuss treatment options, if needed
If braces or expanders are recommended, the dentist will refer your child to a trusted orthodontist for further evaluation.
A Confident Smile Starts with Early Care
Every child’s journey to a healthy smile is unique. The best age for braces depends on how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing, and that’s why regular visits are so important.
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, our pediatric dentists guide families through every stage of dental development, helping children grow confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, call (214) 618-5200 or visit us at 6801 Warren Parkway, Ste 115, Frisco, TX.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Prosper, TX
FAQ
Early orthodontic treatment begins while some baby teeth are still present. It helps guide jaw growth, correct bite problems, and prevent more complex issues as the mouth develops.
Look for crowding, early or late tooth loss, speech problems, mouth breathing, or difficulty chewing. These are common signs that your child might benefit from an orthodontic treatment plan designed around their unique needs.
Orthodontic care has shifted toward early, or “interceptive,” treatment that focuses on guiding growth rather than waiting for problems to develop. Starting earlier allows dentists to correct jaw alignment, manage crowding, and create space for permanent teeth as they come in. This proactive approach often leads to shorter, less complicated treatment later and helps protect a child’s long-term oral health.