When is the Best Time to Get Braces: Younger or Older?

The ideal age for wearing braces is during early adolescence, between the ages of 10 and 14. This is because preteens and younger teens have all (or almost all) of their permanent teeth in place, and the softer jaw tissue still responds quite a bit to repositioning. From a dental point of view, teens are at an ideal time in their lives to receive orthodontic treatment since nearly all of their permanent teeth are already in place. At this age, a child will generally have all of their permanent teeth, which is a factor that affects when braces are placed. Children should have lost most of their baby teeth and have grown most of their permanent teeth, but they can still start wearing braces with a combination of both.

New orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign removable aligners, provide discreet and effective orthodontic care and have become more popular among working professionals. For patients who give in to the temptation to remove their aligners, it may be best to delay treatment or opt for conventional orthodontic appliances. Invisalign aligners cannot replace braces (such as expanders and masks), but they can be used instead of braces (braces). Young patients with braces (ages 9 to 1) can generally expect faster results and longer lasting alignment than older patients.

Using braces to straighten your teeth and improve their spacing can substantially reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and ultimately tooth loss, as you age. Orthodontic treatment should ideally begin when the child has lost most of their primary teeth and most of the adult's permanent teeth have grown. While a significant number of children begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 12 and 14, many children don't wear braces until their mid-teens. Early adolescence is considered to be the ideal time to wear braces because preteens and younger teens have all (or almost all) of their permanent teeth in place, and the softer jaw tissue still responds quite a bit to repositioning.

Treatment with braces can generally be completed more quickly in children and adolescents than in adults because bones and teeth are still growing and are therefore easier to reposition. This means that, in general, your child will wear braces for longer, which will increase the cost and possible side effects of orthodontic treatment.