It’s perfectly understandable to have concerns about when your child should start orthodontic treatment.
Why Timing Matters
Orthodontic treatment works best when a child has lost most of their baby teeth but still has some growing to do. At this stage, the jaw is still developing, which makes it easier to guide teeth into proper alignment.
A Two-Phase Approach: Early Evaluation Is Key
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 — even if they still have baby teeth.
This doesn’t necessarily mean treatment will begin at that age. But it helps orthodontists catch issues early, such as:
- Crowding
- Overbites or underbites
- Crossbites
- Jaw growth problems
- Thumb-sucking effects
- Speech or chewing issues
Phase 1 (Early/Interceptive Treatment)
- Ages: 6–9
Goal: Correct serious jaw or bite issues early, before all permanent teeth come in. - This phase is only needed for some children. It may involve limited duration of braces/Aligners or devices like expanders, orthopaedic appliances, etc.
Phase 2 (Full Braces or Aligners)
- Ages: 10–14
Goal: Straighten teeth and align the bite once all or most adult teeth have erupted. - At this age, children are mature enough to follow instructions, and their bones are still growing — making treatment more effective and often quicker than in older teens or adults.
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces or Aligners
Here are some signs you can watch for at home:
• Primary teeth falling out unusually early (before the age of five)
• Noticeable delay or irregular pattern in the development of teeth
• Jaw alignment issues where the upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly
• Habitual mouth breathing or frequent snoring during sleep
• Crowding of the front teeth, typically visible around ages seven or eight
• Trouble with biting or chewing food properly
• The jaw appears to shift position during mouth opening or closing
• Continued thumb sucking beyond the age of five
If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
Teeth Care Centre is the best dental clinic in Ahmedabad, where Dr. Nirav Patel, an aligner specialist in Ahmedabad and best orthodontist in Ahmedabad, brings years of experience and a strong commitment to ethical care to every child’s orthodontic journey. He carefully studies each child’s orthodontic records to create personalized treatment plans that not only improve their smile but also support healthy dental development.