Braces aren’t just for teenagers. In fact, many orthodontists recommend that kids see a specialist as early as age 7. But that doesn’t mean every 7-year-old needs braces.
So, what’s the right age to get braces? The short answer: it depends.
Every child’s smile develops differently. Some kids may benefit from early intervention, while others won’t need treatment until they’re older. The key is timing—getting braces too early (or too late) can affect how well the treatment works and how long it takes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how early braces can start, what signs to watch for, and how to know when it’s the right time to begin orthodontic care.
What’s the Best Age to Get Braces?
Most kids in the Bellevue area start orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 14, when their adult teeth have come in and their jaw is still developing. But timing isn’t just about age—it’s about your child’s unique smile.
At Washington Orthodontics, we recommend scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. That doesn’t always mean we’ll recommend braces right away, but it gives us a chance to spot any early issues and decide if Phase 1 treatment might help.
Some kids benefit from starting early—especially if they have:
- Bite problems (like an underbite or crossbite)
- Severe crowding
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Habits like thumb-sucking
For many families we see in Bellevue and the surrounding Eastside neighborhoods, starting treatment at the right time means fewer complications and shorter treatment overall. And if your child isn’t quite ready, we’ll simply keep an eye on their growth with regular check-ins.
Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for Braces
Not sure if it’s time for braces? You’re not alone—most parents aren’t sure what to look for. Here are a few everyday clues that your child’s teeth might need orthodontic attention:
- They struggle to bite into or chew certain foods
- Their teeth stick out, overlap, or look tightly packed together
- You’ve noticed their jaws click or shift when they talk or eat
- They’ve developed a lisp or other speech habits
- They often breathe through their mouth
- Their smile just “doesn’t look quite right” as they grow
At Washington Orthodontics, we often hear from parents who weren’t sure if something was off—until they saw their child side-by-side with friends. If you’ve noticed something and aren’t sure what it means, we’re happy to take a look and walk you through your options.
What Happens During the First Ortho Visit?
If you’re thinking about braces for your child, the first step is a simple consultation. No tightening wires, no impressions—just a conversation, a few scans, and a game plan.
At Washington Orthodontics, your child’s first visit includes:
- A free consultation with Dr. Moon
- An assessment of your child’s smile and treatment goals
- Getting a digital scan and photos of their teeth
- Creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your child’s orthodontic health, the best timing for treatment, and what options might make sense down the road.
If braces are needed now, we’ll walk you through everything—from what kind to expect (metal, clear, or even early appliances) to how long it might take. And if it’s better to wait, we’ll simply schedule check-ins and monitor progress as your child grows.
Find Out the Right Age—Book a Free Consultation
Every child is different. Some need braces early, others don’t need them at all—and the only way to know for sure is to check in with an orthodontist.
At Washington Orthodontics, we make that first step easy. Our free consultation includes a full smile assessment, growth monitoring, and personalized recommendations tailored to your child’s needs.
