Orthodontics is the specialized area of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting tooth and jaw irregularities. The primary purpose of braces and other orthodontic appliances is to correct malocclusions—issues with how the upper and lower teeth fit together—and to align teeth for improved function, health, and appearance. The best age to begin treatment depends on the patient’s individual dental and skeletal development, not a single chronological number. Seeking professional guidance at the recommended time ensures the most efficient and successful outcome.
Recommended Age for the First Orthodontic Checkup
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises that children have their first orthodontic screening no later than age seven. By this age, the child’s mouth is in the “mixed dentition” stage, containing a combination of baby and permanent teeth. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted, giving the orthodontist a clear view of the developing bite relationship.
This initial visit is primarily an observational evaluation, not the typical starting point for treatment. The orthodontist uses this screening to identify potential skeletal or bite problems that benefit from early intervention. They look for issues like severe crowding, crossbites, or functional shifts of the jaw that are easier to manage before the jawbones fully mature. If no immediate concerns are found, the child is simply monitored, and treatment is deferred until a later time.
Early Intervention Treatment (Phase I)
Early intervention, known as Phase I treatment, is a targeted approach for children typically between the ages of six and ten. This phase is only performed when severe issues must be corrected while the patient’s jaw is still growing. The goal of Phase I is to guide jaw growth and create space for the permanent teeth to erupt, not to achieve perfect alignment.
Phase I corrects skeletal discrepancies or functional problems that would become much harder to treat later. A posterior crossbite, for example, can cause the jaw to shift, leading to asymmetrical growth. This is often treated with a palatal expander to widen the upper arch before the palate fuses.
This early phase also addresses significant crowding by creating space for incoming permanent teeth, potentially preventing future extractions. Functional appliances may also be used to correct harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking or a tongue thrust. Phase I treatment usually lasts nine to twelve months and is followed by observation while waiting for the rest of the permanent teeth to erupt.
Comprehensive Treatment Timing
Full, comprehensive orthodontic treatment, often called Phase II, typically begins when most permanent teeth have erupted (ages 11 to 14). This coincides with the peak adolescent growth spurt. Treating during this active growth period allows the orthodontist to use natural development to guide jaw relationships and achieve a stable bite.
Dental maturity is more important than chronological age; the ideal time is when the second permanent molars are close to erupting. At this stage, the full set of permanent teeth are ready to be moved into their final positions. Comprehensive treatment focuses on the complete alignment of all teeth, precise bite correction, and achieving an ideal aesthetic and functional result.
If a patient underwent Phase I, the second phase uses full braces or aligners to refine the alignment and bite. For patients who did not require early intervention, this adolescent period is the standard time for their single phase of full treatment. Treatment duration ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the malocclusion’s complexity and patient compliance.