We like to see children for their initial orthodontic check-up around the age of 7 so that we can monitor facial and dental development to determine the most effective time to begin treatment if necessary.
The most common time for orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 11 and 15.
This is because by 12, most (if not all) of the permanent teeth have erupted. Bite problems are best corrected when a patient is in their pubertal growth spurt because this can eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments later. This is also a good time for orthodontic treatment because many of the negative associations of braces are not present. At this age, children are often excited to start orthodontic treatment because they see so many of their friends in braces as well.
We will let you know if treatment is needed and, if so, the best time to get started.
We will also outline the treatment plan in detail, the length of treatment required, and the approximate cost of treatment.