Home > Blogs > Braces for Kids

Braces for Kids and the Right Age to Start Treatment

Published on

April 09

2025

About the Author

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. What is the Best Age for Braces?

3. When Should You Take Your Kid to a Dentist?

4. Types of Braces for Children

5.What to Expect When Getting Braces for Kids?

6. Conclusion

Introduction

If you see that your child has crooked teeth, they need dental treatment. The issue needs to be addressed quickly. Taking the right steps early can prevent complex treatments later. Children may need braces at some point if their teeth are already crooked, non-aligned, and overcrowded. Braces for kids, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances will support them in getting the gorgeous confident smile they dream of. One of the most common questions regarding braces is when is the best age to get one for your child. Several factors play a role in oral health. If you think your kid needs dental care, do not hesitate to move forward and schedule an appointment with a dentist.

Still considering orthodontia for your child but unsure when is the best time to begin? You have landed at the right place. This blog will cover braces for children, what is the best age for braces and what to expect when going forward with the treatment. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

What is the Best Age for Dental Braces?

Any age is right for braces and dental treatment. There is no specific age for dental braces. However, the best age to get braces depends on the child and the orthodontist’s recommendations. It is because everyone grows at different rates. A few children go through puberty earlier than others. The dentist does the check-up and decides whether a child needs braces. If the issue is minor, an orthodontist can recommend a diet chart, change in lifestyle habits, and prescribe medications. Otherwise, an orthodontist can suggest the application of braces.

Nonetheless, a general rule of thumb suggests that the age after 6 is a good time to get braces for kids. Some children may not even need braces. Dentists who consider the age between 9 and 14 as a good time to get braces because almost all of their teeth will be in the proper place, is not thinking about utilizing the growth potential to help the child’s jaws grow more healthy. They will have soft jawbone tissue that makes it effortless to change teeth placement compared to when they grow up.

When Should You Take Your Kid to a Dentist?

Unsure of when to take your child to an orthodontist? It is natural for you to ask this question. Conventionally speaking, braces for kids become important when children have lost all of their baby teeth and most of their permanent teeth have grown in. This usually happens between the ages of 9 and 14. However, new research and technological advancements in materials available are showing the earlier, the better.

If your kid requires dental care, starting the treatment at this age can considerably decrease discomfort, pain, and other oral problems in the years to come. Sometimes, dentists may recommend an interception approach. It is the use of dental appliances early on, even when the kid mostly has baby teeth. When adult teeth grow, the second phase of the treatment begins.

The second phase includes braces for kids and takes less time than traditional braces since the procedure begins quite early. All in all, the right age to start your child’s treatment is based on the severity of your kid’s requirements. It is advisable to consult the dentists and orthodontists of TMJ India to make an informed decision.

Types of Braces for Kids

There are different types of braces for kids. The type that is best for your kid depends on certain factors, including the kind of problem your child faces, the seriousness of the problem, and your personal preferences:

Metal Braces

When you think of braces for kids, conventional metal braces are what comes to mind. Bands, brackets, and wires made of stainless steel are used in metal braces to softly shift your child’s teeth over time. Metal braces are the most standard treatment option for kids. They are also quite affordable.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces for kids are somewhat similar to metal braces. Only the material with which it is made makes them less observable. The brackets are available in tooth-coloured material. This is why they coordinate better with your child’s teeth. Despite tooth-coloured covering, the wire is typically made of metal. Moreover, the material used in this treatment implies that they are generally on the pricier side than metal. Nonetheless, they can be a good option for children who are conscious about their dental treatment.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces for kids use metal brackets and wires. The orthodontist places them behind the teeth and near the tongue. This makes spotting them challenging. Also, stains, which occur due to poor dental hygiene are easily covered up on the back of the teeth. So, lingual braces are another great option for children.

Invisalign

Kids as young as 11 years can undergo the Invisalign treatment, especially if they have lost their baby teeth. The arrangement provides a totally contrasting approach to straightening your child’s teeth. Instead of having fixed brackets, removable aligners guide your kid’s teeth in the right place.

What to Expect When Getting Braces for Kids?

Now that you are aware of the right age for dental braces for children, knowing what to expect is good to know. It is advisable to walk your kid through the basics so that they know there is nothing to be afraid of.

Applying braces is a painless process, but the pain begins when the teeth start moving later. The pain will quickly subside with prescribed medications. Metal brackets rubbing the inside of your mouth could also cause pain. Dentists will provide you with wax to cover up the painful areas and the pain will ultimately subside.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned there is no right age to get braces for kids, getting your child thoroughly checked at regular intervals is the most important thing. If your kid’s dental issues are detected early enough, they can be rectified easily with the help of braces. Neuromuscular orthodontics ensures the right alignment of your child’s teeth, contributing to better oral health. Braces let children straighten their teeth and reduce the risk of long-lasting dental problems.

If you are concerned about finding a good dentist for your child and the right age for dental braces, there is TMJ India in Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Kathmandu and Dubai which houses some of the best dentists and orthodontists who administer the best treatment. Your mind will be at peace knowing they will do everything so your child gets the best results quickly. Our techniques ensure that whoever consults us has a wonderful experience!

To treat the most complex of TMJ problems, contact us at TMJ India and get your appointment with our TMJ experts today!

Our other blogs

How to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, Prevention, and Relief Tips

Tooth sensitivity can turn everyday moments into painful ones. A sip of cold water, a hot drink, or even brushing your teeth may cause sudden

Teeth Whitening vs Teeth Cleaning: Purpose, Process, and Benefits Explained

A healthy smile depends on more than daily brushing. Professional dental care plays a key role in keeping teeth clean, gums healthy, and smiles confidently.

Top Symptoms for Root Canal Treatment and Why It’s Sometimes Necessary

Tooth pain is not always easy to understand. Some pain goes away on its own. Other pain keeps coming back or getting worse over time.