Braces for Kids: Signs Your Child Needs Braces and the Best Age to Start
If you’ve noticed your child’s teeth coming through a little crooked or their bite doesn’t look quite right, you might be asking, does my child need braces? It’s a common question, especially as those baby teeth start making way for permanent teeth.
When it comes to braces for kids, getting an early opinion can be helpful. It doesn’t necessarily mean your child needs braces right away. In many cases, it simply gives us a chance to see how their teeth and jaws are developing and keep an eye on anything that might need attention later.
At AZ Family & Kids Dental, our high-quality dental services extend to your kids, too. With pediatric dental offices conveniently located in Avondale, Phoenix, and Tempe, we provide comprehensive care for children, infants, families, and patients with special needs. Starting regular dental care early can help keep your child’s teeth healthy while identifying potential orthodontic concerns before they become more complicated.
Does My Child Need Braces? 6 Early Signs to Watch For
Not every child develops at the same rate, and orthodontic problems can sometimes become apparent while a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth are still present. In some cases, early treatment may begin once the four permanent upper and lower front teeth have erupted, usually between ages 7 and 9.
An early orthodontic exam can identify problems involving the bite, spacing, crowding or development of the upper jaw and lower jaw. Conditions such as overjet, underbite, deep bite, open bite, crossbite, midline misalignment and excess spacing may benefit from monitoring or treatment.
Some of the most common signs to watch for include:
- Crowded or crooked teeth: If your child’s teeth overlap, twist or erupt in unusual positions, there may not be enough room for the developing permanent teeth. Crowding can also make brushing and flossing more difficult.
- Gaps between teeth: Some spacing is completely normal as a child’s mouth develops. However, unusually large or persistent gaps may indicate an alignment or tooth-development issue that should be assessed.
- Overbite or underbite: If the upper teeth extend significantly beyond the lower teeth, or the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, your child may have a bite problem requiring orthodontic treatment.
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them. Early assessment can be particularly useful because the jaws are still developing.
- Losing baby teeth too early or too late: The timing of tooth loss can influence how the adult teeth emerge. See our guide to the baby teeth schedule to learn more about normal dental development.
- Thumb sucking beyond age 3: Persistent thumb sucking can affect tooth and jaw development, potentially contributing to an open bite or other alignment problems. Learn more about thumb sucking and your child’s teeth.
Other signs worth mentioning to your dentist include difficulty chewing, frequent cheek biting, jaw discomfort and persistent mouth breathing.
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What you notice |
What it may mean |
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Crowded or misaligned teeth |
Not enough space for permanent teeth |
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Large or persistent gaps |
Spacing or eruption concerns |
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Upper or lower teeth protruding |
Overbite, overjet or underbite |
|
Upper teeth sitting inside lower teeth |
Crossbite |
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Early or delayed loss of baby teeth |
Changes to normal eruption patterns |
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Persistent thumb sucking |
Possible bite or jaw-development changes |
What Is the Best Age for Braces for Kids?
There isn’t one perfect age for every child. The right time depends on how their teeth and jaws are developing, the type of orthodontic problem present and when their permanent teeth erupt.
Why Age 7 Is the Right Time for a First Orthodontic Care Check
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean your seven-year-old will automatically need braces.
At this age, enough permanent teeth have usually emerged for an orthodontist to assess how the teeth and jaws are developing. Most children will simply be monitored until the appropriate time to begin treatment. For others, identifying a developing problem early can create an opportunity to guide jaw growth or make space for incoming teeth.
Can Kids Get Braces With Baby Teeth?
Yes. Children do not necessarily need to lose all their baby teeth before beginning orthodontic care.
Phase 1 or interceptive early treatment may be recommended when a specific developmental problem could become harder to correct later. Depending on the issue, treatment may address jaw development, significant crowding, crossbites or protruding teeth.
After Phase 1, there is often a monitoring period while the remaining permanent teeth emerge. A second phase of treatment may then involve braces to achieve the final alignment.
Types of Braces for Kids and Teens
Traditional braces are still one of the most reliable ways to straighten teeth and correct a wide range of orthodontic issues. Today’s metal braces are also smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, while giving your orthodontist plenty of control over how the teeth move. This can make them a particularly good choice for kids with more complex alignment or bite problems.
Learn more in our guide to why traditional braces may be the better choice for your orthodontic needs.
Ceramic braces work in a similar way but use clear or tooth-colored brackets, making them less noticeable. Some adults may also consider lingual braces, which are positioned behind the teeth, although suitability varies by patient.
Clear aligners such as Invisalign can also be an option for some responsible older children and teenagers. Because the aligners are removable, patients need to be disciplined about wearing them for the recommended time each day. Read our article to see if they’re worth it.
Orthodontic treatment commonly lasts around 18–24 months, although this varies considerably depending on the case. After treatment, your child will usually need a retainer to help maintain their straight teeth.
Read our guide to how long to wear retainers after braces for more information.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
Your child’s first orthodontic visit is really about getting a clear picture of how their smile is developing. The dentist or orthodontist will take a look at your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development, and may recommend X-rays or other diagnostic tools to get a closer look at what’s happening below the surface.
From there, it might simply be a case of keeping an eye on things as your child grows. If there’s an issue that would benefit from early treatment, they’ll talk you through the options. Or, they may recommend waiting until more permanent teeth have come through before starting braces.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions, such as:
- Does my child need treatment now, or can we wait and monitor their development?
- What type of braces or treatment would suit them best?
- How long could treatment take?
- What should we expect the braces cost to be?
Cost can vary depending on treatment complexity, duration and the type of braces selected. Dental insurance may cover some orthodontic expenses, depending on your individual plan. Our team can help you understand available payment options and ways to afford braces before treatment begins.
Read our helpful guide to Braces Budgeting to understand costs, insurance coverage, and payment options.
Braces for Kids in Tempe, Avondale and Phoenix
At AZ Family & Kids Dental, families can access general, pediatric and orthodontic care under one roof. Dr. Jason Judd provides orthodontic care at our Tempe, Avondale and Phoenix offices, helping children, teenagers and adults find treatment suited to their individual needs.
As a family-owned practice, we aim to make dental and orthodontic care as convenient and comfortable as possible. We accept most insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing, free second opinions, modern dental technology, special-needs and allergen-friendly options, and Spanish-speaking services.
Our patient-focused approach means we take the time to explain your options rather than assuming every child needs the same treatment. Whether your child needs monitoring, traditional metal braces, another orthodontic solution, or a regular checkup, you can manage their ongoing dental care with a team you already know.
If you need help deciding where to take your child for their dental care, check out our helpful guide on How to Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist Near Me.
Braces for Kids FAQs
Can a 7-year-old get braces?
Yes, some seven-year-olds can receive braces or another form of early treatment when a specific orthodontic problem is identified. However, an evaluation at age 7 does not mean treatment will begin immediately. Many children are simply monitored as their jaws develop and more permanent teeth emerge.
Do kids need braces if their teeth look straight?
Possibly. Straight teeth don’t always mean the bite or jaw is developing correctly. An orthodontic exam can identify less obvious concerns involving jaw alignment, spacing, tooth eruption or how the upper and lower teeth come together.
Is there an orthodontist near me in Tempe, Avondale or Phoenix?
Yes. AZ Family & Kids Dental provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults at our Tempe, Avondale and Phoenix locations. Dr. Jason Judd can assess your child’s smile and recommend whether monitoring, early intervention or braces would be appropriate.
Choosing What’s Best for Your Child
Recognizing the early signs of orthodontic problems can help you make informed decisions about your child’s dental development. While many children eventually benefit from braces, having an orthodontic assessment around age 7 allows developing problems to be identified without automatically committing your child to treatment.
When braces are appropriate, families now have more choices than ever. Clear aligners have become popular for their discreet appearance, but they aren’t necessarily the most effective solution for every child or teenager. Traditional braces remain a dependable option for complex dental issues because they offer excellent control, durability and cost efficiency.
At AZ Family & Kids Dental, we’re committed to helping parents understand their options and choose treatment based on their child’s individual needs. From routine pediatric checkups through to orthodontic care, our goal is to support healthy teeth and confident smiles at every stage of development.
Schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation today and find out whether it’s time for braces or simply time to keep watching their smile develop.