Let’s Talk Timing: At What Age Can A Child Have Braces?

Unsure about the perfect timing for your child’s braces in the UK? Many parents in the UK struggle to decide the best age for their children to get braces. Traditionally, braces were seen as a teenage rite of passage, but what if there’s a better window for treatment? 

This guide dives into the ideal age for orthodontic work, exploring why waiting might not be the best strategy and how early consultations can set your child up for a straighter, healthier smile

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Braces?

We don’t recommend starting braces before age 7 as below this age, children’s permanent teeth are still getting into position.

The ideal age to get braces is usually between 10 and 14.

That said, it’s worth consulting with an experienced orthodontist from age 7 so they can assess your child’s unique needs and begin discussing treatment options, especially if there are issues with eating or speaking.

Can You Get Braces at Any Age?

The simple answer is yes! Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial at any age (once permanent teeth are in place), and it’s increasingly common for adults to get braces to improve their smiles or correct their bite, often using options like Invisalign to undergo treatment discreetly.

It’s never too late to consider braces, but there are several advantages to starting treatment as early as possible.

The Advantages of Early Intervention

Some issues – including overcrowding, crossbites, and protruding teeth – can worsen with age, so why not tackle them as soon as possible?

• Early detection and prevention: An orthodontist can identify potential problems with jaw growth, tooth eruption, or bite development during the crucial growth stages. This allows for early intervention if necessary, potentially preventing more complex issues from developing later.
• Less invasive treatment: Early intervention can sometimes involve simpler appliances like spacers or expanders to guide jaw growth or create space for erupting teeth. This can achieve desired outcomes with less invasive measures compared to what might be needed if problems worsen without intervention.
• Shorter treatment time: By addressing minor issues early, orthodontists can potentially shorten the overall treatment time needed with braces or other corrective measures later on.
• Improved oral health: Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Early evaluation allows the orthodontist to identify any potential issues with cleaning due to crowding or misalignment and provide guidance on proper oral hygiene during future orthodontic treatment.
• Boosted confidence: Crooked teeth or jaw problems can sometimes affect a child’s self-esteem. Early evaluation can identify these concerns and allow for treatment planning that can address them proactively, potentially boosting a child’s confidence as they grow.
• Peace of mind for parents: Early evaluation provides parents with a clear understanding of their child’s dental development and any potential orthodontic needs. This allows for informed decision-making and proactive planning for future treatment if necessary.
• Birds of a feather: Many of your child’s peers will have braces as pre-teens/teenagers, so they’re less likely to feel self-conscious.

3 Factors Affecting the Ideal Age for Braces

While the ideal age range for braces is 10-14, every child develops at their own pace. Here’s a deeper dive into how individual development can influence the ideal time for braces:

1. Permanent teeth eruption progress: This is a crucial factor. Ideally, most or all permanent teeth should be erupted before starting braces. This allows the orthodontist to properly position all the teeth and achieve a balanced bite. Early intervention might be considered if baby teeth are causing crowding or preventing permanent teeth from erupting properly.
2. Jaw growth patterns: The jawbone is still growing in children. Orthodontists can leverage this growth to gently guide the jaw into a more optimal position. Early evaluation allows them to identify any jaw growth discrepancies and plan treatment accordingly. For instance, if the upper jaw is underdeveloped, an expander might be used during a specific growth phase to create space for teeth.
3. Severity of orthodontic issues: The complexity of the orthodontic problem also plays a role. Simple crowding or minor spacing issues might be addressed with braces at a slightly younger age compared to severe misalignment or bite problems. These more complex cases might require a two-phase treatment approach, with the first phase using appliances to influence jaw growth before braces are placed on the erupted permanent teeth.

Consulting With an Orthodontist

It is essential to consult with an orthodontist before deciding the ideal age for your child to get braces. Your orthodontist will be trained to diagnose various dental misalignments, always considering dental development, oral health, and any personal needs. They will discuss the best way to treat the specific case and lay out a personalised timeline.

Conclusion

While the ideal age for braces in the UK is typically between 10 and 14 when jaws are still growing, orthodontic consultations can begin as early as 7 to assess your child’s unique needs and discuss potential treatment plans. 

Remember, braces are effective at any age with permanent teeth, but there are advantages to early intervention such as faster treatment times and potentially less self-consciousness during teenage years. Consulting with an orthodontist is crucial to determine the best course of action for your child’s specific situation.

If you’re wondering whether it’s the right time to start thinking about orthodontic treatment for your child, our Children’s Braces page is the place to start. Take a look at what we offer and book your free consultation today.

FAQs

What is the most common age to start braces?

The most common age to get braces in the UK is 12 or 13. It’s important to visit the dentist twice a year throughout childhood to receive guidance, but there’s no harm in approaching an orthodontic practice directly.

What is the oldest age you can get wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth can erupt into old age but usually arrive between ages 17 and 25. You don’t need to worry about wisdom teeth when deciding when to get braces. (The orthodontist will decide whether to remove any wisdom teeth on a case-by-case basis.)

What’s the ideal age for jaw surgery to correct an overbite or underbite?

Jaw surgery is only carried out on adults, but many young people with an overbite or underbite will begin orthodontic treatment as a teenager to prepare for a procedure at age 18. There are also non-surgery options for bite correction, so don’t wait until adulthood to speak to an orthodontist.