As a parent, you want to make sure your child has a healthy, confident smile—and that often means asking the right questions at the right time. One of the most common questions we hear from families is: “When should my child get braces?”
While every child is different, there are general guidelines orthodontists follow when it comes to timing. Some kids benefit from early treatment, while others may be better off waiting until more adult teeth come in.
Understanding the best age for braces—and what signs to look for—can help you make informed decisions and set your child up for long-term oral health.
Why Timing Matters for Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about guiding proper jaw development, correcting bite issues, and ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong dental health.
Treating problems at the right stage of development can make a big difference in:
- Treatment time
- Cost
- Complexity
- Comfort
In some cases, early intervention can reduce or even eliminate the need for more extensive treatment later.
What’s the Best Age for a First Orthodontic Evaluation?
Most orthodontists, including the American Association of Orthodontists, recommend a child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age 7.
At this stage:
- The first adult molars have usually erupted
- Your orthodontist can evaluate jaw alignment, bite function, and spacing
- It’s easier to detect problems with how the teeth and jaws are developing
This doesn’t mean your child will get braces right away. Many evaluations lead to observation only, where your orthodontist checks in every 6–12 months to monitor growth.
Early Treatment (Ages 7–10): Who Might Need It?
Some children benefit from early orthodontic intervention, often called Phase 1 treatment. This usually happens between the ages of 7 and 10 and is focused on guiding jaw growth and making room for incoming permanent teeth.
Common reasons for early treatment include:
- Bite misalignment — Crossbite, underbite, or open bite
- Severe crowding — Not enough space for adult teeth to erupt
- Narrow palate — May require expansion to improve airway and bite
- Oral habits — Thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting affecting development
- Protruding teeth — At higher risk of injury during play or sports
- Speech concerns — Related to jaw positioning or tooth placement
Early treatment is usually more limited in scope and may involve appliances like expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers.
Braces for Kids (Ages 11–14): The Most Common Age Range
Most kids who need braces start full treatment between the ages of 11 and 14. By this time:
- Most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted
- The jaw is still growing, which makes movement easier
- Kids are more emotionally mature and can better handle care routines
This is the ideal time for comprehensive treatment using:
- Traditional braces
- Clear ceramic braces
- Clear aligners (for some teens, depending on responsibility and case complexity)
Treatment during this age range tends to be more efficient because it lines up with the natural pace of growth and development.
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces
Whether you’re in the early evaluation stage or considering full treatment, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Teeth that don’t meet properly (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Jaw shifting or clicking
- Thumb sucking past age 5
Your child doesn’t need to have every symptom—but even one or two may be reason enough to schedule an evaluation.
How Long Will My Child Need to Wear Braces?
Most kids wear braces for 18 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the case and how well they follow instructions (like avoiding sticky foods or wearing rubber bands).
If your child had early treatment, their second phase of treatment as a teen is often shorter and more straightforward.
After braces are removed, retainers are essential to keeping their smile in place long-term.
What Parents in Los Angeles Should Know
In a city as active and image-conscious as Los Angeles, kids often juggle school, sports, social lives, and extracurriculars—all while navigating growing self-awareness.
That’s why modern orthodontics offers flexible, lifestyle-friendly options, including:
- Clear braces — Aesthetic alternatives to traditional metal brackets
- Clear aligners — For responsible teens who prefer a removable option
- Shorter, more efficient treatment plans — Thanks to advanced technology
- Remote monitoring tools — Making it easier for busy LA families to stay on track
Getting braces in LA doesn’t have to mean disrupting your child’s schedule—it’s all about finding a treatment plan that fits into it.
It’s About Timing, Not Just Age
There’s no “perfect” age for every child to get braces. Some may benefit from early intervention, while others are best treated in their teen years. The key is to start the conversation early and work with an orthodontist who tailors treatment to your child’s needs.
With the right timing and a supportive care team, your child can enjoy a smooth orthodontic experience—and a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation?
If you’re in the Los Angeles area and wondering when to get started, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is here to help. Our team offers early evaluations and customized treatment plans for growing smiles of all ages.
Let’s find the right time to begin your child’s smile journey. Contact us today to schedule their first visit.