If braces are for teenagers, why does the orthodontist want to see your 7-year-old?
This question comes up constantly in our office. Your dentist says to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. You look at your second-grader, baby teeth still falling out and permanent teeth barely coming in, and think, already? Then you Google it and find answers ranging from “age 7” to “around 12 or 13.” The confusion is real.
Here’s what’s actually going on: the age for an orthodontic evaluation and the age kids get braces are two different things. Most parents don’t realize this, which is why the timeline feels so murky.
After more than ten years of evaluating kids (and as a mom of four myself), I can tell you exactly what we look for, when braces typically go on, and why that early visit matters. Even if your child won’t need treatment for years.
When Do Most Kids Actually Get Braces?
Most children get braces between ages 9 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have come in to work with. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Not to start treatment, but to identify any issues that benefit from early monitoring or intervention.
That’s the short answer. But the range exists for a reason.
Some kids are ready at 8 or 9. Others aren’t candidates until 12 or 13. A few need two phases of care with some work done early, then a second round once all permanent teeth erupt. And plenty of 7-year-olds we see? They just need periodic check-ins until the timing is right.
What determines when your child actually gets braces? A few factors:
- How many permanent teeth have come in
- Whether the jaw is still growing (and how)
- The specific issue we’re correcting: crowding, spacing, or bite alignment
- Whether early intervention would make later treatment easier
There’s no universal “right age.” There’s the right age for your child, based on what’s happening in their mouth. That’s why we want to take a look early—not to rush into treatment, but to plan it well.
Why Do Orthodontists Want to See Kids at Age 7?
Seven sounds early. Most kids that age still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth (orthodontists call this “mixed dentition”). So what’s the point?
At age 7, we can see things that won’t be obvious later. Or that become harder to fix if we wait.
Here’s what we’re actually evaluating at that first visit:
Jaw growth patterns. The upper and lower jaws are still developing. If they’re growing unevenly (one too narrow, one too far forward or back), we can sometimes guide that growth now. Once the jaw stops growing, our options change.
How permanent teeth are coming in. We can spot crowding before it gets severe. We can see if a permanent tooth is blocked, coming in at a bad angle, or missing entirely. Catching this early means we can plan around it.
Bite relationships. Crossbites, underbites, and significant overbites are easier to address when kids are younger and still growing. Some of these issues, left alone, can affect how the jaw develops long-term.
Habits that cause problems. Thumb-sucking or tongue thrust can shift teeth and jaw position. If a habit is still active at 7, we can talk about timing and intervention before it causes lasting changes.
The American Association of Orthodontists set age 7 as the benchmark because that’s when the first permanent molars and incisors typically appear—giving us enough information to spot red flags without waiting until all the baby teeth are gone.
Most kids we see at 7 don’t need immediate treatment. But we know what to watch, and families leave with a clear picture of what’s ahead.
Evaluation vs. Treatment: Why Most Kids Just Get Monitored
Here’s the part that confuses parents most: getting evaluated doesn’t mean getting braces.
When a child comes in at age 7 or 8, one of three things happens:
Scenario 1: Everything looks good. The bite is developing normally, there’s enough space for permanent teeth, and the jaw is growing well. We say “see you in 6 to 12 months” and keep an eye on things as more teeth come in. No treatment needed, just monitoring.
Scenario 2: There’s something to watch. Maybe the upper jaw is a little narrow, or the permanent teeth are slightly crowded. It’s not urgent, but we want to track it. We schedule check-ins every 6 months or so. If it resolves on its own, great. If it gets worse, we’re ready.
Scenario 3: Early intervention makes sense. This is called Phase 1 treatment, or “early treatment.” It’s typically for specific issues that are better addressed while the jaw is still growing: crossbites affecting jaw development, severe crowding that’s blocking permanent teeth, or significant bite problems that could get worse with time.
Phase 1 isn’t about getting a head start on braces. It’s about solving a specific problem now so that later treatment (if needed) is simpler. Not every child needs it. In fact, most don’t.
Here’s what I tell parents: the goal of that early evaluation isn’t to put braces on your second-grader. It’s to know what we’re working with so we can time everything right. Sometimes the best plan is to wait. And waiting is a lot less stressful when you know you’re doing it on purpose—with a professional keeping watch.
Phase 1 vs. Standard Treatment: What’s the Difference?
| Factor | Phase 1 (Early Treatment) | Standard Treatment |
| Typical Age | 7-10 years old | 11-14 years old |
| Teeth Present | Mix of baby and permanent teeth | Most or all permanent teeth |
| Primary Goal | Guide jaw growth, create space, correct specific issues | Align teeth and finalize bite |
| Common Tools | Expanders, partial braces, space maintainers | Full braces or Invisalign |
| Duration | 12-18 months typically | 18-24 months typically |
| Who Needs It | ~15-20% of kids evaluated | Most orthodontic patients |
| Follow-Up | Often need Phase 2 later | Retainers only |
The key takeaway: Phase 1 addresses growth-related issues that can’t wait. Standard treatment handles alignment once the mouth is ready. Some kids need both. Most only need one phase—and that’s usually the standard route.
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces Sooner—or Later
Parents often ask what they should look for at home. While nothing replaces an orthodontic evaluation, certain signs can hint at whether your child might need braces on the earlier or later end of the spectrum.
Signs That May Point to Earlier Treatment
Crossbite occurs when upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This can affect jaw growth if not addressed.
Severe crowding means permanent teeth are coming in with nowhere to go, overlapping significantly or pushing other teeth out of position.
Underbite or significant overbite is when the lower jaw juts forward, or the upper front teeth stick out well past the lower teeth.
Difficulty biting or chewing can signal a bite problem. If your child avoids certain foods or chews awkwardly, it’s worth checking out.
Early or late loss of baby teeth can signal spacing issues. Losing baby teeth much earlier or later than typical is something to watch.
Signs That Usually Mean Waiting Is Fine
Mild spacing between baby teeth is actually normal and often means there’s room for larger permanent teeth.
Slight crowding with baby teeth still in place often changes once permanent teeth finish coming in.
Your child is younger than 7 with no obvious bite issues. There’s no rush. The evaluation can wait until age 7 unless something concerns you.
When in doubt, a quick check gives you answers. There’s no cost for a consultation with us, and no pressure. Just information so you can plan.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get Braces?
This is the fear underneath all the timing questions: What if I miss the window?
Here’s the honest answer: it’s rarely “too late” for braces, but waiting longer can make treatment more complex.
If certain bite issues aren’t addressed while the jaw is still growing, we lose the ability to guide that growth. What could have been handled with an expander at age 8 might require jaw surgery at age 18. That’s an extreme example, but it illustrates why timing matters for specific problems.
More commonly, waiting too long means:
- Treatment takes longer because we’re working with a fully developed jaw
- Crowding becomes more severe and may require extractions
- Habits have more time to cause lasting changes
But here’s what I want you to hear: if your child is 10 or 12 and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, you haven’t failed. Most orthodontic issues are still very treatable in the preteen and teen years. That’s the most common time for braces, and outcomes are excellent.
The point of early evaluation isn’t to make you feel behind. It’s to give you options and sometimes peace of mind that waiting is exactly the right call.
What Should You Expect at Your Child’s First Visit?
If you’ve never been to an orthodontist’s office, here’s what happens. No surprises.
We start with a conversation. I want to know what brought you in, what your child’s dentist mentioned, and whether you’ve noticed anything at home. Your observations matter.
Next, I’ll take a look. We examine the teeth, the bite, and how the jaw is developing. If needed, we’ll take X-rays or digital scans (quick and painless) to see what’s happening beneath the surface.
Then we talk through what I’m seeing. I’ll explain everything in plain language. No jargon, no pressure. If your child doesn’t need treatment yet, I’ll tell you. If early intervention makes sense, I’ll explain why. And if we’re in “watch and wait” mode, I’ll lay out what we’re watching for and when to come back.
The whole visit usually takes about an hour. Kids often leave feeling relieved because it’s a lot less intimidating than they expected. (The coffee bar helps.)
Ready to find out where your child stands? Book a free consultation—no pressure, just answers. If you’re curious about the full process, check out our guide to what to expect at your first visit or learn more about expanders and early-phase treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age for a child to get braces?
Most children get braces between ages 9 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have erupted. The ideal timing depends on your child’s specific needs—jaw development, crowding severity, and bite issues all factor in. An orthodontist can determine the best age after an evaluation.
Is 7 too early for braces?
Age 7 is typically too early for full braces, but it’s the recommended age for a first orthodontic evaluation. Most 7-year-olds don’t need treatment—they just need monitoring. However, some specific issues like crossbites or severe crowding benefit from early intervention at this age.
Can you get braces at any age?
Yes, braces work at any age. While childhood and teen years are most common because the jaw is still growing, adult braces are increasingly popular. The main difference is that adult treatment may take slightly longer since jaw growth is complete.
How do I know if my child needs braces?
Signs your child may need braces include crowded or overlapping teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, teeth that don’t meet properly, early or late loss of baby teeth, and mouth breathing. An orthodontic evaluation by age 7 can identify whether treatment will be needed.
How long do kids typically wear braces?
Most children wear braces for 18-24 months, though treatment length varies based on the complexity of the case. Phase 1 early treatment typically lasts 12-18 months. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.
Ready to Get Answers for Your Child?
The confusion between “evaluation age” and “braces age” trips up almost every parent. Now you know: most kids get braces between 9 and 14, but seeing an orthodontist by age 7 helps us catch issues early and plan treatment at exactly the right time.
Whether your child needs braces next year or in five years—or turns out not to need them at all—an early look means you’re making decisions with real information, not guesswork.
We’d love to meet your family. Schedule a free consult today, and let’s figure out the right plan together.
About the Author
Dr. Nicole Wax, DDS, MS — Orthodontic Specialist
Dr. Wax is a board-certified orthodontist with over 10 years of experience creating confident smiles for children, teens, and adults in Genesee County. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy. As a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider and a mom of four, Dr. Wax understands what families need from orthodontic care—and why it matters to feel supported, not sold.