A straight, healthy smile not only boosts a child’s confidence but also plays an important role in their overall oral health. Many parents wonder — what is the right age for children to start orthodontic treatment or get braces? Understanding when and why braces are needed can help ensure your child gets the best results with minimal discomfort.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment for Children?
Orthodontic treatment helps correct issues like crooked teeth, gaps, overbites and misaligned jaws. For children, early intervention (also called interceptive orthodontics) can guide proper jaw growth and make future treatments simpler and shorter.
The goal is not just to improve appearance but to ensure your child can bite, chew and speak comfortably.
When Should Children First See an Orthodontist?
According to the research and dental experts from different bodies children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7 — even if their teeth look straight.
At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth, allowing the dentist to detect early signs of problems such as:
- Crowding or gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Protruding front teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing habits
Early assessment helps the orthodontist plan the best time to begin treatment, if necessary.
What Is the Best Age to Start Braces?
While every child is different, most children start braces between ages 10 and 14, when most of their permanent teeth have come in.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Ages 6–9 (Early or Phase 1 Treatment): Used for guiding jaw growth, correcting bite issues or creating space for adult teeth. This may involve partial braces, space maintainers or other appliances.
- Ages 10–14 (Comprehensive or Phase 2 Treatment): Full braces are applied to align teeth and improve bite once most adult teeth have erupted.
Starting at the right time can make treatment more effective and reduce the need for extractions or surgery later.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Early intervention can prevent more complex dental problems in the future. Benefits include:
- Correcting bite and alignment issues early
- Preventing tooth crowding or jaw imbalance
- Making space for incoming permanent teeth
- Boosting confidence and oral hygiene habits
Without timely care, issues like severe misalignment or jaw irregularities can worsen as your child grows.
How to Know If Your Child Might Need Braces
If you notice any of the following, it may be time to schedule an orthodontic consultation:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Crooked, overlapping or spaced teeth
- Mouth breathing or speech problems
- Jaws that shift or make sounds when opening or closing
An early visit doesn’t always mean your child will need braces immediately — but it helps your dentist monitor growth and intervene at the right time.
Types of Braces for Children
At Dental Clinic Thomson, we provide a range of orthodontic options based on your child’s needs:
- Metal Braces: Durable and effective for complex cases.
- Ceramic Braces: Tooth-coloured for a more natural appearance.
- Clear Aligners (for teens): Removable and discreet, suitable for mild to moderate alignment issues.
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable type after a thorough examination.
Duration and Aftercare
The average duration of braces treatment for children is 18–24 months, depending on the case.
After braces, children may need to wear retainers to maintain their results. Good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and a healthy diet are key to keeping their smile straight and healthy.
How Dental Clinic Thomson Can Help
At Dental Clinic Thomson, we provide personalised orthodontic care for children in a comfortable, caring environment. Our dentists carefully assess each child’s dental growth and recommend the best timing and treatment for long-term results.
We aim to make the process stress-free — from the first consultation to the final smile reveal. Whether your child needs early orthodontic evaluation or full braces, our clinic in Thomson, Singapore, offers gentle and effective care every step of the way.
📅 Book an appointment today and find out the best time to start braces for your child!
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