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What Age Should You Start Braces?
One of the questions orthodontists are asked most often is “What age is best for braces?” In fact, braces can be done at many stages of life, but each age has different advantages and treatment goals.
Having an assessment with an orthodontist early helps ensure treatment is planned appropriately, and may help reduce the complexity of problems in the future.
This article introduces the 3 age groups best suited to braces, and why many people choose to start braces at these ages.
1. Childhood (about 7-12 years old): The Golden Time to Assess Bite Problems
Most orthodontists recommend that children have their first bite assessment at around 7 years old.
This is because baby teeth and permanent teeth are in the process of being replaced, so problems can be detected at an early stage, such as:
- Crowded teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Underbite (lower teeth in front of the upper teeth)
- Abnormal jaw growth
- Spacing problems between teeth
Advantages of Braces in Childhood
- Jaw growth can be corrected more easily
- Reduces the severity of future problems
- Helps permanent teeth come in in suitable positions
- May reduce the need for tooth extraction or jaw surgery in the future
Some children may not need to start braces right away, but an early assessment allows the dentist to monitor their development closely.
2. Teenage Years (about 12-18 years old): The Most Popular Age for Braces
The teenage years are considered the most suitable age, and the age at which the most people get braces.
This is because:
- Almost all permanent teeth have come in
- The jawbone is still growing
- Teeth move more easily than in adults
- Treatment results are often fast and effective
Advantages of Braces in the Teenage Years
- Shorter treatment time in some cases
- Bite problems can be corrected effectively
- Boosts personality and confidence during school years
- Makes oral hygiene easier to maintain
Today there are metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners, so teenagers have more options to choose the approach that suits them.
3. Adulthood (18 years and older): It Is Not Too Late for Braces
Many people mistakenly think braces are only for children and teenagers, but in reality adults can get braces too.
Many adults today decide to get braces in order to:
- Correct bite problems
- Prepare for a dental implant
- Correct tilted teeth caused by tooth loss
- Improve the look of their smile
- Boost confidence at work and in social situations
Advantages of Braces in Adulthood
- Helps adjust the alignment of the teeth appropriately
- Reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay from crowded teeth
- Helps prepare the mouth for other dental treatments
- Natural-looking clear aligner options are available
Although adult teeth move slightly more slowly than those of children and teenagers, with today’s orthodontic technology good results can be achieved just the same.
So Which Age Is Best for Braces?
The answer is “it depends on each person’s problem.”
- Childhood: suited to detecting and correcting jaw growth problems
- Teenage years: generally the most suitable time for braces
- Adulthood: braces can be done effectively with equally good results
The most important thing is to have an assessment with an orthodontist to plan treatment that suits each person’s dental condition and goals.
Consult a Specialist Team About Braces
Braces are not just about making teeth look straight. They also adjust the bite, improve chewing efficiency and support long-term oral health.
At TDH Dental we have a team of specialist orthodontists with digital technology to plan treatment accurately, and a wide range of options, whether metal braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners, to suit every age and lifestyle.
