At what age can children have braces?
A guide for parents · Sources checked 9 November 2026
The short answer
Many children start a full course of braces around age 12 or 13, but some need an orthodontic assessment or specific treatment earlier. The right time depends on the teeth coming through, the bite, jaw growth and your child’s ability to manage treatment—not their birthday alone.
The current NHS braces guidance says braces are often recommended after the adult teeth have emerged. The British Orthodontic Society describes 12–13 as a common starting age, with earlier referral for selected problems. [1,2]
If your child has crowded teeth, a tooth that sticks out or a bite that looks different, it is natural to wonder whether to act now or wait. An assessment can answer that question without committing your child to braces.
Does a child need braces at age seven?
An orthodontic check-up and having braces fitted are different things. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age seven, or sooner if a problem is recognised. At this stage, a mixture of baby and adult teeth can reveal developing bite problems. This is the AAO’s assessment recommendation, not an NHS rule that every seven-year-old needs treatment. [3]
The outcome may be reassurance, monitoring with a review date, or a discussion about a specific problem. Ask what the orthodontist is watching for and when your child should return.
Why do many children start around 12–13?
By this stage, many permanent teeth have come through, making it possible to plan more comprehensive alignment. However, children develop at different rates. The British Orthodontic Society’s age range is a useful guide rather than a deadline. [2]
Some bite problems are best managed while the face and jaws are growing; other plans are better timed differently. Healthy teeth and gums are also needed before braces begin. Your orthodontist should explain why the proposed timing suits your child. [6]
When should you ask about an earlier assessment?
You do not have to wait until all the baby teeth have fallen out if you or your dentist notice a concern. Reasons to ask include:
- A crossbite, particularly if the lower jaw shifts sideways as your child bites together.
- Lower front teeth biting ahead of the upper front teeth.
- Markedly prominent upper front teeth, especially when there is concern about injury.
- Teeth coming through in an unusual position, or a pattern of eruption that concerns your dentist.
The British Orthodontic Society identifies several problems that merit assessment during the mixed-dentition stage, when baby and adult teeth are both present. These signs are reasons for professional assessment, not a way to diagnose a bite at home. [4]
What does research say about starting early?
Prominent front teeth: a specific benefit, not a universal advantage
A 2018 Cochrane review examined 27 randomised trials involving 1,251 children and adolescents with prominent upper front teeth. It compared, among other approaches, early treatment at ages 7–11 followed by a later phase, with a single course in adolescence. [5]
Earlier treatment reduced new injuries to the upper front teeth. However, the review found no other advantages of routinely using two phases instead of one adolescent course for this particular condition. Evidence quality varied and was low for many outcomes. This finding should not be applied to every type of bite problem. [5]
Crossbites: earlier treatment can be appropriate
A separate Cochrane review, with evidence current to April 2021, included 31 studies and around 1,410 participants. It found that fixed quad-helix appliances and removable expansion plates can correct posterior crossbites in children aged 7–11. A posterior crossbite is where the upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth. [7]
This supports treating selected problems earlier. It does not mean every younger child needs an expander, or that one appliance suits everyone. Ask which finding in your child’s bite makes early treatment worthwhile.
What happens at the first appointment?
The orthodontist assesses the teeth and jaws and discusses the concerns that brought you in. Photographs, scans or X-rays may be used when needed to understand the problem and plan care. Tell the clinician about any previous injury to the front teeth. [1]
Useful questions to bring are:
- What is the problem, and what happens if we monitor it?
- Why is now—or later—the recommended time?
- Would early treatment be followed by another phase?
- What are the options, risks, expected visits and overall costs?
- What cleaning, appliance wear and retainer care would my child need?
Our orthodontics and retainers service explains assessment, treatment options and follow-up. For routine checks and prevention, explore our children’s dental care service.
Parents’ common questions
Can children have orthodontic treatment while they still have baby teeth?
Yes, for selected problems. Mixed-dentition treatment is different from automatically fitting a full set of braces. An orthodontist should explain the specific aim and whether further treatment may be needed. [3–5,7]
Is 14 or 15 too late to ask about braces?
No. The NHS explains that braces are used for teenagers and adults too. A later assessment can still be useful, although the options and timing depend on the individual bite and stage of growth. [1,6]
Does waiting mean doing nothing?
No. Ask for a clear monitoring plan and a review date. Keep regular dental appointments and let the team know about changes or concerns rather than assuming that a previously discussed plan still applies.
Does having an assessment mean my child must start treatment?
No. You can ask for the diagnosis, reasons for the timing and available alternatives before deciding. An appointment should help you understand the next step.
Unsure when your child should be seen?
Contact Smile by Dr Noura in Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, to ask about an orthodontic assessment for your child. Our consultant orthodontist can discuss whether to monitor development or consider treatment.
This article provides general information for parents. It cannot determine whether an individual child needs braces or the best time to start.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Braces. Page reviewed 29 June 2026.
- British Orthodontic Society: Everything you need to know before having your teeth straightened, including when a child should first see an orthodontist.
- American Association of Orthodontists: Child orthodontics and the first check-up.
- British Orthodontic Society: When should I refer for an orthodontic assessment?
- Batista KBSL, Thiruvenkatachari B, Harrison JE, O’Brien KD. Orthodontic treatment for prominent upper front teeth (Class II malocclusion) in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018. CD003452. Evidence searched to September 2017.
- Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Orthodontic treatment FAQs.
- Cochrane: Orthodontic treatment for posterior crossbites. 2021. CD000979. Evidence current to April 2021.
