Though braces themselves are very rarely recommended for children under age 7, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by that age to identify potential issues early in a child's development.
Age 7 Matters for Evaluation, Not Treatment
The appropriate age to start braces varies from child to child. However, the age at which to start an early orthodontic evaluation is fairly consistent. This is because, by age 7, most kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist a clear view of how the child’s jaw is developing.
This early checkup doesn't mean your child will need braces right away, or at all. It simply establishes a baseline for monitoring and catches potential issues such as crowding, crossbites, or narrow dental arches while there's still time to guide jaw growth.
When Should Children in Northborough, MA, Get Braces?
For most children, braces or other active orthodontic treatment begin once enough permanent teeth have erupted, which is usually between ages 9 and 14. But this is just a broad guideline.
The best way to know the ideal age for orthodontic treatment in your child's specific case is a professional evaluation of their jaw and bite development.