Braces can improve bite function, support long-term oral health, and boost confidence at almost any age. Still, timing can make a meaningful difference. Knowing when to schedule an orthodontic evaluation, and how age influences treatment, helps you choose the right moment for your child or yourself. Use this guide to understand recommended ages, what signs to watch for, and how the process works. Many families begin with the question: what is the best age to get braces? This page explains how orthodontists answer that question for children, teens, and adults.

What Is the Best Age to Get Braces?

Orthodontists advise a first check-up around age 7. At this stage, children typically have a mix of primary and permanent teeth, which makes it easier to spot early bite or jaw concerns. Most kids will not start treatment at this visit, but an early evaluation creates a roadmap and ensures that, if treatment is needed, it starts at the ideal time.

Many children begin comprehensive braces between ages 10 and 14, after most permanent teeth have erupted. This timing often aligns with growth spurts that can be used to guide jaw development and tooth movement. Still, the best time varies by child. Some conditions benefit from phase I treatment earlier, while others are best addressed once growth and tooth eruption are further along.

Early assessments are valuable because certain problems are simpler to correct while the jaw is still developing. Addressing issues at the right moment can shorten overall treatment, reduce the need for more complex procedures later, and help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

General guidance includes: schedule the first orthodontic visit by age 7, continue periodic monitoring if no immediate treatment is needed, and begin comprehensive care when growth and dental development offer the best chance for a stable result. If you are asking, what is the best age to get braces, the answer depends on growth patterns, tooth eruption, and the specific bite problem, factors your orthodontist can evaluate early and monitor over time.

Signs Your Child May Need Braces

Parents may notice particular changes that suggest an orthodontic evaluation would be helpful. Crowding, overlapping, or sizable gaps between teeth are common signs. Teeth erupting out of alignment, rotated teeth, or teeth that appear not to fit together correctly are also important to note. Even if teeth look straight, the way they bite together may indicate a problem.

• Overbite: Upper teeth extend significantly over the lower teeth
• Underbite: Lower teeth or jaw project forward
• Crossbite: Upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
• Open bite: Front teeth do not touch when biting down

These bite issues can influence chewing, speech, and enamel wear and may contribute to jaw discomfort. Keep an eye on the timing of baby tooth loss as well. If baby teeth are lost too early, neighboring teeth can shift and crowd the space needed for incoming permanent teeth. If baby teeth persist too long, permanent teeth may erupt in less favorable positions.

Other habits and symptoms to watch for include thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, and difficulty biting or chewing certain foods. Any of these can be good reasons to schedule an orthodontic check-up.

Can Adults Get Braces?

Yes. Teeth can move at any age, and adult orthodontic treatment is increasingly common. Adults seek braces and clear aligners to improve their smile, correct long-standing bite issues, reduce abnormal tooth wear, and make it easier to keep crowded teeth clean. Orthodontics can also support other dental care by creating better spacing and alignment for restorations or periodontal treatment.

Adults have several effective options. Traditional metal braces and ceramic braces provide precise control and are well-suited for a wide range of concerns. Clear aligners offer a discreet, removable option for many mild to moderate cases and some complex situations with the help of attachments and elastics.

Choosing the right approach depends on lifestyle preferences, appearance goals, treatment complexity, budget, and oral health. Adults may need to coordinate with a general dentist or periodontist, especially if there is a history of gum disease, missing teeth, or extensive dental work. While treatment can take slightly longer in adults because the jaw has finished growing, outcomes are dependable with consistent care and good oral hygiene.

What to Expect When Getting Braces

Every treatment starts with a comprehensive evaluation. Your orthodontist will review medical and dental histories, take photos, digital scans or impressions, and X-rays to understand tooth positions and jaw relationships. Using this information, the doctor will create a customized plan and explain recommended options, estimated timelines, and costs.

When it is time to start, brackets are bonded to the teeth and an archwire is placed to apply light, continuous forces that guide movement. If you choose clear aligners, you will receive a series of custom trays designed to progressively move teeth into better alignment.

There is a short adjustment period after getting braces or switching aligners. It is normal to feel pressure or soreness for a few days after initial placement and periodic adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers, orthodontic wax to reduce irritation, and a softer diet for a day or two can help. Most people return to school or work the same day or the next.

Good home care is essential. With braces, brush after meals, clean around brackets and wires carefully, and use floss threaders or interdental brushes to reach under the wire. With aligners, wear trays 20 to 22 hours per day, remove them for eating and drinking anything other than water, and brush before putting them back in. Regular check-ins allow your orthodontic team to track progress and make precise adjustments.

Occasional issues are usually minor and temporary. Sores from friction typically improve within a week; wax, saltwater rinses, and silicone covers can provide relief. If a wire pokes or a bracket loosens, call your orthodontic office for a quick fix to keep treatment on track.

The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early treatment, often called phase I, focuses on developing problems that are best addressed while a child is still growing. Examples include guiding jaw growth to improve overbites or underbites, creating space for incoming permanent teeth, correcting crossbites that can cause asymmetry, and helping to stop habits like thumb sucking that affect tooth and jaw development.

Even if no treatment is recommended at age 7, routine monitoring lets your orthodontist track growth, tooth eruption, and bite changes. This approach ensures comprehensive treatment begins at the most effective time, often shortening the overall timeline and reducing complexity. Timely guidance can prevent the need for extractions, reduce the chance of impacted teeth, and improve long-term stability.

Many families see benefits such as avoiding unnecessary procedures through proper space maintenance, achieving better facial balance by taking advantage of growth, and setting the stage for durable results in the teen years and beyond. For parents wondering what is the best age to get braces, early evaluation provides clarity and keeps options open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Quick Answer
Is age 7 too early to see an orthodontist?	No. It is the recommended time for a first check-up to spot developing issues.
When do most kids start braces?	Typically between ages 10 and 14, once most permanent teeth are in.
Can adults get the same results?	Yes. Teeth move at any age, and treatment is highly effective with healthy gums and bone.
Do braces hurt?	You may feel pressure or soreness for a few days after adjustments, which usually resolves quickly.
How long does treatment take?	Most comprehensive cases take 12 to 24 months, depending on complexity and compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
• Most comprehensive treatments start between ages 10 and 14, but timing is individualized.
• Adults can achieve excellent results with braces or clear aligners.
• Early monitoring helps identify the best moment to begin treatment and may simplify care.
• Consistent home care and regular appointments are essential for the best outcome.

If you are wondering about the right time for braces, an orthodontic evaluation is the best next step. A short visit can confirm whether your child is on track or if early guidance could make treatment faster and easier down the road. Adults can also benefit at any age, with discreet options and predictable results. When deciding what is the best age to get braces for your family, partner with an orthodontist who can tailor the plan to growth, dental development, and personal goals.