Every parent wants to see their child smile with confidence — but how do you know when it’s the right time to take them to the orthodontist?
At Faces & Braces, one of the most common questions we hear from parents is:
“What age should my child get braces?”
The answer might surprise you — it’s earlier than you think!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn’t mean your child will get braces that early — but it helps us spot potential issues while their jaw is still developing.
Catching orthodontic problems early can prevent bigger issues later. Here’s what we look for during a child’s first visit:
If needed, we may suggest interceptive treatment (also known as Phase 1 braces) to guide jaw development and create space for permanent teeth — making future treatment faster and easier.
Keep an eye out for these smile clues:
🔹 Teeth coming in crooked or overlapping
🔹 Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing
🔹 Difficulty biting or chewing food
🔹 Clicking or shifting jaw movements
🔹 Persistent thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
If you notice one or more of these, it’s time for a check-up!
While early evaluation is key, most kids get braces between ages 11–14. By this age, most permanent teeth are in, and treatment can be more precise.
At Faces & Braces, we make teen treatment FUN with:
Whether your child is 7 or 17, the best time to take action is now. A quick consultation can give you clarity — and your child, confidence.
At Faces & Braces, we specialize in gentle, child-friendly orthodontic care that makes kids excited to visit the dentist (yes, really!).
📞 Book your child’s first smile assessment today — and let’s build their future, one tooth at a time!
