What Is the Best Age for Braces in WA?

There is no single best age for braces. Many children begin full treatment once most of their permanent teeth have erupted, often during the preteen or teen years. Some orthodontic problems may need attention earlier. The right timing depends on tooth eruption, bite development, jaw growth, and the problem being treated.

At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Lauren Lewandowski checks children at different stages of growth to decide when orthodontic care may be most helpful. An early evaluation can show parents how their child’s teeth and jaws are developing without assuming braces need to start right away.

Is Age 7 the Best Time to Get Braces?

Age 7 is an important time for an orthodontic evaluation, but it is not always the best age to begin braces.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At this age, children usually have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This lets the orthodontist see how the teeth are coming in and how the jaws are growing.

An evaluation may show crowding, unusual tooth eruption, crossbites, underbites, or other bite problems. Finding these issues early can help the orthodontist decide whether care is useful now or whether the child should be checked again later.

Many children do not need braces at age 7. The goal of the first visit is to find the right time for care, not to start treatment for every child.

Why Do Many Children Get Braces During the Preteen or Teen Years?

Many children begin full braces after most of their permanent teeth have come in. This often happens during the preteen or teen years.

At this stage, the orthodontist can see more clearly how the permanent teeth fit together and how the upper and lower teeth meet. There may also be enough growth left to help with some bite corrections.

Braces can help with crowding, gaps, rotated teeth, overbites, underbites, and other alignment problems. Once more permanent teeth are in place, the orthodontist can often plan tooth movement and bite correction more clearly.

Two children of the same age may be ready at different times. One child may have most permanent teeth in place, while another may still have several baby teeth. Jaw growth can also happen at different rates.

The orthodontist looks at each child’s development instead of relying only on age.

When Might Orthodontic Treatment Start Earlier?

Earlier orthodontic care may help when a specific problem could become harder to correct if treatment is delayed. This is sometimes called early or interceptive treatment.

An orthodontist may suggest earlier care for certain crossbites, jaw growth problems, severe crowding, or problems with how permanent teeth are coming in. The goal is not always to straighten every tooth at a young age.

Early care may create space for permanent teeth, improve how the jaws fit together, or guide growth while the child is still developing. In some cases, this can make later treatment easier.

A child who receives early care may still need braces after more permanent teeth have come in. The first stage may address growth or space, while later braces focus on final tooth alignment and bite correction.

If the teeth and jaws are developing well, the orthodontist may recommend waiting and checking progress over time.

Can You Get Braces If You Are Older?

Yes. Braces are not limited to children and teenagers. Adults may also receive orthodontic treatment if their teeth, gums, and supporting bone are healthy enough for tooth movement.

Some adults never had braces when they were younger. Others notice that their teeth have shifted, crowding has increased, spaces have formed, or their bite feels different.

Adults with crowns, implants, missing teeth, gum concerns, or other dental work may need extra planning before treatment begins. These factors do not always prevent braces, but they can affect which teeth can move and how care is planned.

Children and teens may have some advantages because their teeth and jaws are still developing. However, adults can still be good candidates for orthodontic treatment.

Ready to Find the Right Time for Braces?

The right time for braces depends on how the teeth and jaws are developing and what needs to be corrected. Some children may benefit from earlier care, while others may need to wait until more permanent teeth have come in.

At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Lewandowski can check tooth eruption, alignment, jaw growth, and bite development to decide whether care should begin now or whether another evaluation later makes more sense. If you are wondering whether your child is ready for braces, an orthodontic exam can give you a clearer answer.

Find your nearest Advanced Orthodontics office: Bellevue, Kent, Burien, Everett, or Mercer Island. Schedule a consultation to learn whether now may be the right time for your child to begin orthodontic treatment.