Maxillary expansion is a procedure that gently widens the upper jaw (maxilla) to correct a narrow palate and create more space for the teeth.
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Braces for kids can help correct problems such as crowded teeth, spacing and certain bite issues, but there is no single age when every child should start orthodontic treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. This does not mean braces automatically start at seven. At this age, an orthodontist can assess how the permanent teeth, baby teeth, bite and jaws are developing and decide whether treatment is needed now, later or not at all.
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!
There is no universal best age for braces. The right time depends on the child’s tooth eruption, bite, jaw development and the orthodontic problem being treated.
A first orthodontic evaluation is recommended by around age 7, when children usually have a combination of baby and permanent teeth. However, many children do not need braces at this age and are simply monitored as they grow.
Some children benefit from early treatment while they still have baby teeth, while others begin braces later when more permanent teeth have erupted. The orthodontist should decide the timing based on development and treatment needs rather than age alone.
Consider an orthodontic evaluation if your child has:
Crowded or overlapping teeth
Large gaps between teeth
An overbite or underbite
A crossbite or open bite
Teeth erupting in unusual positions
Difficulty biting or chewing properly
Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Noticeably protruding front teeth
Jaw growth or bite concerns
Not every one of these signs means braces are required. An orthodontic examination helps determine whether treatment is necessary and when it should begin.
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 to make an informed decision.
When you think of teeth 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 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 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.
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.
The first step is an orthodontic assessment. The orthodontist will examine the teeth, bite and jaw development and may use photographs, scans, dental impressions or X-rays when required.
If braces are recommended, the treatment plan should explain:
The orthodontic problem being treated
The type of braces or appliance recommended
When treatment should start
Expected treatment duration
Follow-up appointments
Fitting braces should not be described as completely pain-free. Children may experience temporary pressure or soreness after braces are fitted or adjusted. This usually improves as the mouth adapts.
Good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment.
Encourage your child to:
Brush carefully around brackets and wires
Clean between the teeth every day
Follow the orthodontist’s instructions for elastics or appliances
Avoid foods that can damage brackets or wires
Attend scheduled orthodontic appointments
Continue regular dental check-ups
Proper care helps protect the teeth and gums while orthodontic treatment is in progress.
There is no single right age for every child to get braces. The important milestone is an orthodontic evaluation by around age 7, which allows developing problems with the teeth, bite or jaws to be identified early.
Some children may benefit from early treatment, while others may simply need monitoring until the right stage of development.
If you are concerned about crowded teeth, bite problems, tooth eruption or your child’s jaw development, an orthodontic assessment can help determine whether treatment is needed and the best time to begin.
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Orthodontics for Children: Developing a Healthy Smile. Supports information about orthodontic assessment for children, braces, clear aligners and other treatment options based on the child’s development and orthodontic needs. Accessed 5 November 2026.
American Association of Orthodontists – Child Orthodontics
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). How Do Braces Work? Supports information about traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and how orthodontic appliances gradually move teeth into better alignment. Accessed 5 November 2026.
American Association of Orthodontists – Braces
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Living With Braces: Food, Oral Hygiene & Care Tips. Supports guidance on brushing, flossing, foods to avoid, orthodontic follow-up and temporary discomfort after braces are fitted or adjusted. Accessed 5 November 2026.
American Association of Orthodontists – Life During Orthodontic Treatment
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Management of the Developing Dentition and Occlusion in Pediatric Dentistry. Supports assessment of developing teeth and bite, treatment timing, mixed dentition, crowding, crossbites, tooth eruption and other orthodontic concerns in children. Latest revision 2024. Accessed 5 November 2026.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Developing Dentition and Occlusion
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