At some point most parents find themselves wondering the same thing. When is my kid actually ready for braces?
The answer usually surprises people, because the right time to ask is earlier than you would expect, and the first visit often has nothing to do with braces at all.
Why Age 7 Is the Number That Matters
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you have your child evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 7. By this age, enough of the permanent teeth are fully in, allowing the orthodontist to check for problems with your child’s bite that should be addressed early in order to prevent the development of more serious complications in the future.
On average, the permanent incisors (front teeth) and first molars (back teeth) have all erupted by 7 years of age. That is what makes it a useful checkpoint rather than an arbitrary one.
What an Orthodontist Looks For
The bite is established when the permanent molars erupt. An orthodontist can begin evaluating the front-to-back alignment of the bite for discrepancies, which could correlate with problems with the alignment of the jaws.
Crossbites in the Back Teeth
An orthodontist will be able to check the molars for crossbites, where the top teeth sit inside of the bottom teeth.
Crowding, Spacing and Oral Habits
When the permanent front teeth or incisors finish erupting, an orthodontist can also begin evaluating your child for crowding, spacing, and oral habits.
Deep Bites and Open Bites
In addition, the vertical overlap between the front teeth can be evaluated to check for deep bites (excess vertical overlap) and open bites (lack of vertical overlap).
Protrusion and Underbites
Likewise, the horizontal overlap between the front teeth can be evaluated to check for discrepancies in the alignment of the bite, which could correlate with problems with the alignment of the jaws. Too much horizontal overlap, or protrusion, usually corresponds with the lower jaw being positioned further behind than normal.
When that pattern shows up, it is often corrected later using a bite corrector that works alongside braces to encourage the lower jaw forward while a child is still growing.
On the other hand, insufficient horizontal overlap or overlap in the opposite direction (where the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth), may indicate a crossbite on a front tooth or an underbite (if all of the front teeth are involved). An underbite is usually associated with the lower jaw being positioned too far forward and is one of the most difficult things to treat. We prefer to discover them early and follow their progress for a long time.
What Happens If We Find Something
Finding a problem at 7 does not mean treatment starts at 7. For most of what is listed above, the question is not whether to fix it but when, and the answer depends on how much growing your child still has left to do.
Some problems genuinely do respond better to an early round of treatment. A crossbite that is pushing the jaw off to one side, or a habit that is moving the front teeth, are both easier to correct while the bones are still developing. Dr. Hsu will walk you through what he sees, whether it needs attention now, and what waiting would cost you.
What Happens If Nothing Needs Treating Yet
Most kids will not require any intervention at that age and can be monitored periodically until they are older. This is the outcome for the majority of children we see at 7, and it is a good one.
Monitoring means short check-ins as the permanent teeth come in and the jaws grow. There is no treatment attached to them and no obligation. Their whole purpose is timing, so that when braces do make sense, they start at the right moment rather than a year too early or two years too late.
When Braces Do Come Into the Picture
For most children that lands somewhere between ages 10 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have arrived. By then there is usually more than one way to get where you are going. Traditional metal braces, clear braces and clear aligners all move teeth, and which one suits your child depends on what needs correcting and how they will realistically handle it day to day.
You can read more about the treatment options we offer whenever you get to that stage. At 7, none of it needs deciding.
Common Questions From Parents
How early can a child get braces?
Most children who need braces get them between ages 10 and 14, once enough permanent teeth are in. A smaller number benefit from an earlier round of treatment, usually to correct a bite problem that gets harder to fix later. Catching that difference is exactly what the age 7 visit is for.
My child still has baby teeth. Is it too early for a visit?
No. Baby teeth are expected at that age. What matters is that the permanent first molars and front teeth have come in, because those are what let an orthodontist read the bite. The remaining baby teeth coming out on their own schedule is normal.
Does an early visit mean my child will need braces?
Usually not. Most children seen at 7 need nothing at that point and are simply monitored as they grow. The visit is a screening, not a commitment.
What is an underbite and why is it treated early?
An underbite is when the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth, usually because the lower jaw is positioned too far forward. It is one of the harder problems to correct and it responds far better when it is caught while a child is still growing, which is why we like to find them early and follow them.
What happens between the first visit and treatment?
We check in periodically as the permanent teeth erupt and the jaws grow. Those visits are short and exist only to get the timing right.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Dr. Hsu is always happy to take a look and tell you honestly where things stand.