How Young Is Too Young for Children's Braces?

When you have a baby, their whole life flashes before your eyes. You see their milestones in life, those key events that shape who they are. That list of essential events often includes childhood braces. 

You may be getting a glimpse of what your baby will look like as a teenager rocking those metal brackets. But wait: how young is too young for children’s braces? After all, you want to be prepared as a parent.

Here at Montclair Orthodontics in Oakland, California, we specialize in treating adults, teens, and kids. Here’s what we want you to know about the “right age” to get braces.

When should kids get braces?

There’s no single right answer to this question since there’s no hard-and-fast rule regarding the age at which children are considered too young for braces. Every child develops differently, and no one is exactly the same. 

That said, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This allows us to identify potential problems early and provide interceptive care to head off issues such as crowded teeth, misaligned jaws, or bite problems. 

We can then do more comprehensive treatment later, usually starting between the ages of 9 and 14.

How to know if you need them

Signs that your child may need an early evaluation (and treatment) include:

• Teeth that are crowded, crooked, or misaligned
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Jaw clicking or popping
• Pronounced overbite or underbite. 

At the first appointment, we’ll conduct an initial set of X-rays and a comprehensive dental exam to assess for any potential issues. Depending on the issue, Dr. Watts may recommend treatments other than braces, such as a dental appliance, as an alternative to full braces.

Our goal is to provide straight teeth and a flattering smile so they’ll be confident. Treating them before their jaw stops growing gives us the opportunity for optimal jaw alignment because we can adjust the jaw’s position as it grows.

What types are available?

Depending on their situation, Dr. Watts recommends various types of braces for kids, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear braces (less noticeable)
• Mini-diamond braces (less bulky)
• Lingual braces
• Damon self-ligating braces

Dr. Watts discusses your options thoroughly based on your child’s specific needs. This may include headgear if the problem is complex, palatal expanders to widen the upper jawbone, and retainers to keep teeth in place long term.

Additionally, many orthodontic appliances serve multiple roles in oral health. For instance, palatal expanders that widen the upper jaw promote healthy nasal breathing and reduce mouth breathing. 

This is because the upper palate (the roof of the mouth) also serves as the base of the nasal cavity. Expanding the upper jaw widens the nasal cavity, which can reduce mouth breathing. This, in turn, can improve sleep and decrease the risk of dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.  

Schedule your child’s evaluation at Montclair Orthodontics by calling our Oakland office or requesting an appointment via our convenient online scheduler.