Your 8-year-old’s front teeth came in crooked, and now you’re searching “what age can kids get braces” at 10pm. Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and you’re asking exactly the right question at the right time.
Here’s what most articles won’t tell you: there’s no single magic number. The right age for braces depends less on your child’s birthday and more on what’s happening inside their mouth. Some kids benefit from early care at age 7 or 8. Others do best starting around 12 or 13. And the difference between those two paths? It matters more than you’d think.
After more than 10 years of helping families through this exact decision, here’s what we actually tell parents when they sit down in our office.
What Age Can Kids Get Braces?
Kids can get braces as young as 7, though most children start between ages 9 and 14. The right age depends on your child’s dental development—specifically how many permanent teeth have come in and whether bite or jaw issues need early attention. An orthodontist can determine the best timing during a first evaluation.
That said, “can” and “should” are two different things.
Most kids we see don’t need braces at 7. At that age, we’re looking, observing, and planning. We want to see where permanent teeth are heading before we decide whether to step in early or wait for the full picture. The sweet spot for most families? Somewhere between 10 and 13, when the majority of adult teeth are in and jaw growth is still active enough to work with.
But some kids genuinely need earlier help. And missing that window can make things harder down the road.
Why the AAO Says Age 7 for a First Evaluation
Here’s a number that surprises a lot of parents: the American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7. Not 12. Not when all the baby teeth fall out. Seven.
Why so early? By age 7, most kids have their first permanent molars and front incisors. That mix of baby teeth and adult teeth—called mixed dentition—gives an orthodontist a clear read on how things are developing. We can spot crowding patterns, jaw growth issues, crossbites, and spacing problems years before they become bigger concerns.
Here’s the part that helps parents breathe easier: an evaluation at 7 does not mean braces at 7. For the majority of kids we see at that age, our recommendation is simple—let’s watch and wait. We’ll monitor every 6 to 12 months and step in at the right moment.
As a mom of four, Dr. Wax gets why this feels early. “I’ve sat on both sides of that chair,” she says. “As an orthodontist, I know what we’re looking for. As a mom, I know how overwhelming it feels when someone says your 7-year-old needs to see a specialist. But that first visit? It’s really just a conversation—and it takes the guesswork off your plate.”
5 Signs Your Child Might Need Braces Earlier
Not sure if your child is ready? Here’s what we look for in our office—and what you can watch for at home.
1. Crowding or overlapping teeth
When permanent teeth come in twisted, overlapping, or angled sideways, that’s a sign there isn’t enough room in the jaw. Sometimes this corrects as more teeth erupt. Sometimes it doesn’t. An orthodontist can tell the difference.
2. An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
If your child’s upper and lower jaws don’t line up when they bite down—or if upper teeth sit behind lower teeth on one side—that’s worth checking. Bite problems often get harder to correct the longer they’re left alone.
3. Early or late loss of baby teeth
Kids typically start losing baby teeth around age 6. If your child lost teeth much earlier (from injury or decay) or is still holding onto baby teeth at age 8 or 9, it can affect how permanent teeth come in.
4. Thumb-sucking or mouth breathing past age 5
These habits can reshape the palate and push teeth forward over time. If your child still sucks their thumb past kindergarten or breathes primarily through their mouth, mention it at their evaluation.
5. Difficulty chewing or biting
If your kid avoids certain foods, chews on one side, or complains that biting feels “off,” their bite might not be aligned properly. That’s something we can assess quickly.
If you’re seeing one or two of these signs, don’t panic. It doesn’t automatically mean braces tomorrow. It means a conversation with an orthodontist is a smart next step.
Phase 1 vs. Phase 2—Which Does Your Kid Need?
This is where most online advice falls short. Not all orthodontic care is the same, and the age your child starts depends on which type of care they need.
Phase 1 (also called interceptive or early treatment) happens while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth—usually between ages 7 and 10. The goal isn’t a perfect smile yet. It’s about guiding jaw growth, making room for incoming teeth, and correcting bite issues that could get worse if left alone. Think palate expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers.
Phase 2 is what most people picture when they hear “braces.” Full braces or Invisalign across all permanent teeth, typically between ages 11 and 14. This is the alignment and fine-tuning stage—straightening, closing gaps, and perfecting the bite.
Here’s the honest truth: most kids only need Phase 2. Phase 1 is reserved for specific situations where waiting would make care longer, more expensive, or more involved later.
| Factor | Phase 1 (Early Care) | Phase 2 (Full Braces) |
| Typical age | 7–10 | 11–14 |
| Teeth present | Mix of baby + permanent | Most or all permanent teeth |
| Primary goal | Guide jaw growth, correct bite, make room | Straighten, align, perfect the bite |
| Common tools | Expanders, partial braces, space maintainers | Full braces or Invisalign |
| Duration | 6–18 months | 12–24 months |
| Who needs it? | Kids with crossbites, severe crowding, jaw discrepancies | Most kids and teens needing alignment |
| Followed by | Monitoring, then often Phase 2 | Retainers to maintain results |
Here’s what we’ve learned after thousands of cases: the families who get the smoothest results are the ones who came in early enough for us to choose the right path—not the ones who came in late and had fewer options.
What Happens When Families Wait Too Long?
Let’s be real: if your child is 11 or 12 and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, you haven’t missed the boat. Most orthodontic care happens at exactly that age, and outcomes are excellent.
But there are specific situations where waiting does make things harder.
Jaw growth issues—like a crossbite or a significant underbite—are easier to correct while the bones are still developing. Once jaw growth slows down (usually mid-teens), what could have been handled with an expander might require longer care or, in rare cases, surgical options in adulthood.
Crowding can also worsen over time. While some mild spacing or flaring during the mixed-dentition stage can improve on its own, significantly crowded or crooked permanent teeth rarely self-correct. That’s one of the most common myths we hear—”they’ll straighten out as they grow.” In reality, crowding tends to get more pronounced as the remaining adult teeth come in and compete for space.
The bottom line? It’s rarely too late. But earlier awareness gives you more options—and often a shorter, simpler path to a confident smile.
How to Know It’s the Right Time for Your Kid
If you’ve read this far, you already know the answer isn’t a single age. It’s a conversation.
Here’s a simple framework:
If your child is 7 or older and hasn’t seen an orthodontist: Schedule an evaluation. It might be quick—just a look and a plan. No commitment, no pressure. You’ll leave knowing whether to act now or check back in 6 months.
If your child is 9–13 and showing signs of crowding, bite issues, or spacing: Now is a great time to get started. Their jaw is still growing, permanent teeth are coming in, and there’s a real window to work with.
If your child is a teenager and you’re just getting started: That’s completely fine. Teens are the most common age group we see for braces. You’re right on time.
The most important step? Just getting the information. Once you know what’s going on, the “what age” question answers itself.
Since 2014, we’ve partnered with thousands of families through exactly this decision. We’ll walk you through what we see, explain what it means, and help you figure out the best path for your child—on your timeline, within your budget.
Ready to find out? Book a free consult—no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 7-year-old get braces?
Yes—though it’s not common. Some 7-year-olds benefit from Phase 1 care, which might include partial braces, expanders, or other appliances to correct bite issues or guide jaw growth. Most kids at that age are evaluated and monitored rather than starting active care right away.
How do I know if my child needs braces or just needs to wait?
An orthodontist can tell you during a first evaluation—usually around age 7. They’ll check how permanent teeth are coming in, whether the bite is developing properly, and if the jaw has enough room. If everything looks good, they’ll recommend check-ins every 6–12 months until the time is right.
Is it too late for braces if my child is already a teenager?
Not at all. The majority of kids start braces between ages 11 and 14, and teens respond very well to orthodontic care because their permanent teeth are in but jaw growth is still happening. Adults can also benefit from braces or clear aligners—it’s never too late for a healthier smile.
Ready to take the guessing out of the equation? At Dr. Wax Orthodontics, your first visit is free—and it’s really just a conversation. We’ll look at what’s happening with your child’s smile, answer every question you have, and give you a clear picture of what comes next. No sales pitch. Just a plan that makes sense for your family.
About the Author
Dr. Nicole Wax, DDS, MS Dr. Wax is a board-trained orthodontic specialist with over 10 years of experience helping kids, teens, and adults achieve confident smiles. A Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider and graduate of The Ohio State University (DDS) and University of Detroit Mercy (MS, Orthodontics), she founded Dr. Wax Orthodontics in 2014. As a mom of four, she understands firsthand what families need from orthodontic care. Dr. Wax was named to Flint & Genesee Group’s 40 Under 40 in 2024 and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists.