Overbites. Crossbites. Underbite. Open bites. Crooked teeth and gaps are all common reasons parents come into our Upper East Side orthodontist’s office seeking kids’ braces. Smiles change over time, and it’s best to correct many issues while jaw development takes place.
At what age do kids get braces? When do they need them? We’ll explain below.
Book your appointment with Smiles+Grins in Upper East Side, NYC and we’ll examine your child’s tooth structure.
Why Age Matters When It Comes to Braces
Braces straighten teeth and correct bite problems. But at what age can kids get braces? It depends.
Age matters.
Your child’s jaw will continue developing until the age of 14 or so. During this development stage, braces can help:
- Prevent bite issues
- Guide teeth to proper alignment
But more important than asking “how long do braces take?” is whether the child has most of their permanent teeth. Between ages 10 and 14, most adult teeth erupt and allow for braces to work properly.
We want to make sure that there’s enough tooth structure available to correct alignment or bite issues without the risk of relapse.
Aside from the cost of braces for kids, we must consider:
- Placement too early: Treatment of baby teeth takes longer and may need repeating if we apply them too quickly.
- Placement too late: Teen and pre-teen years are best for braces because late teens and beyond limit what we can achieve with braces alone. Surgery or extractions may be necessary.
Adults can and do get braces, but for parents, we encourage you to seek earlier treatment. Teenage years go by quickly, and while the child’s jaw is still growing, we can achieve the perfect smile with less advanced treatment.
What Age Do Kids Usually Get Braces?
You might be wondering why we recommend a certain age group for braces because your friend or family member had them at 7 or another at 32. At what age should kids get braces? We normally recommend the ages of 10 to 14.
In rare cases, we may see a child at the age of 7 and recommend braces.
But these cases involve a partial brace in many cases and not a full brace. We try to wait until all permanent teeth erupt before treating issues that may return if we place them too early.
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces
You know that braces straighten your smile. It’s the most common reason parents come into our office, but it’s only half of the equation. Children may need orthodontic treatments at the youngest age for braces because of jaw development issues.
Signs that your child might benefit from braces are:
Crooked or Crowded Teeth
Brushing and flossing are harder when teeth are crooked or crowded. If teeth are allowed to stay crooked or crowded, it increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. We’ll notice this issue during routine exams and will monitor progression.
Gaps Between Your Teeth
Small teeth, jaw growth differences and missing teeth can all cause noticeable spaces between their teeth. Braces will improve the appearance of the child’s smile and offer better function overall.
Bite Problems
Does your child have teeth that:
- Stick out too far on top?
- Sit in front of the top teeth?
- Crossbite, where teeth sit inside rather than outside a tooth?
- It won’t close properly so that the top and bottom teeth don’t touch.
Bite and Chewing Issues
Children should have an easy time eating. Your child shouldn’t bite on just one side of their mouth or have difficulty with their bite or chewing.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to book an appointment with us.
Early treatment is always better than hoping these issues will resolve on their own.
At What Age Should Kids First See an Orthodontist?
We agree with the American Dental Association (ADA) that the earliest age for braces and seeing an orthodontist is 7 years old.
Why?
It’s the perfect time when jaw development is occurring and adult teeth will start emerging shortly after. We prefer seeing children at the age of 7 because it allows us to correct small issues before they grow into severe problems.
Can You Get Braces at Any Age?
Yes, or close to it. You know the ideal age for braces on teeth, but there are times when we recommend placement between ages 7 and 9.
Otherwise, you can go to the dentist and have braces put on at any age from 10 – 60+, if it is a dental necessity or something we can fix with bracing.
Key Takeaways for Parents
We can correct a child’s smile, fill in gaps and prevent crowding. Your first step in ensuring that your kid’s smile is bright and that they have good dental hygiene is to schedule an appointment with us.
We help children as young as seven years old correct their smile.
Board-certified orthodontist at Smiles + Grins on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, offering personalized Invisalign, braces, and early orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults.
FAQs
What age do kids usually get braces?
Every child’s tooth structure is different. The recommended age for braces is usually between the ages of 10 and 14.
What is the youngest age to get braces?
Your orthodontist is the best person to address this question. For a general “best age for braces,” Colgate reminds us that it’s best for the child to have all of their permanent teeth in before getting braces.
But you can visit your ortho at around age 7 to identify any underlying issues with your child’s jaw or tooth development.
Can I get braces at any age?
Yes. Despite the average age for braces, it’s possible to place interceptive orthodontics as early as age 6 or 7. A growing number of adults, approximately 25% or 1 million people, in the US have braces.
We can help you enjoy a perfect smile at any age.
What is the best age to get braces for a child?
Once permanent teeth have erupted, it’s often a good time to consider braces. Ages of 11 to 13 are the “sweet spot,” or best age for braces, because the jaw is still developing. Adjustments are easier at these ages while the development is still taking place and all permanent teeth are in place.
Can you get braces with baby teeth still present?
We do not recommend full braces until the majority of a child’s teeth are permanent. Partial braces or appliances may be an option for serious issues of crowding or crossbites.
Can a 7-year-old get braces?
You know the average age for braces, but there are times when we recommend early treatment. It’s rare to use full braces at this age, but we may help guide jaw growth with applications or braces on just a few teeth.
