What's the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment?

When it comes to a beautiful, healthy smile, timing is everything, especially when orthodontic treatment is involved. One of the most common questions Dr. Brian Kraft hears here at Payson Dental and Orthodontics is, “When should my child see an orthodontist?” 

While the answer varies depending on your child’s individual needs and goals, there are some general guidelines we follow here in our Payson, Utah, practice to ensure each of our patients receives the right care at the right time.

Whether you're considering braces for your child or evaluating treatment for yourself, understanding the ideal age for orthodontic care is the best first step. 

Early evaluation: before age five is a key milestone

Dr. Kraft likes to schedule children’s first orthodontic evaluation before age five. By then, most children have an even mix of baby and adult teeth, which helps Dr. Kraft detect subtle problems with jaw growth or emerging teeth.

Early evaluation allows our team to monitor your child’s development and intervene if necessary. Early treatment can:

• Guide jaw growth
• Create space for crowded teeth
• Avoid the need for tooth extractions later
• Improve facial symmetry

If no immediate action is required, we’ll continue to monitor your child’s progress with routine checkups.

The teen years: ages 11-14

The most common age to begin complete orthodontic treatment, like braces or clear aligners, is between 11 and 14. By this stage, most permanent teeth have fully erupted, yet the jaw is still growing, making it easier to guide teeth into their proper position.

At this age, preteens and young teens typically respond well to treatment and feel comfortable with their braces, as many of their peers are also undergoing similar care. Socially and physically, it's a great time to begin the journey to a straighter smile.

Orthodontic options for teenagers include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear aligners (like Invisalign®)
• Vivos technology

If it’s a good fit for your child, Dr. Kraft may recommend our Healthy Start Program, which works to prevent teeth from becoming crooked or crowded in the first place.

Orthodontics for adults: it’s not too late

Think it’s too late for you to do something about your crooked or crowded teeth? Think again. It’s never too late to improve your smile with orthodontic treatment here at Payson Dental and Orthodontics. Whether you're dealing with crowding, spacing, or bite issues, we have solutions to straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably.

With advancements like Invisalign® and other custom options, adult orthodontics can fit seamlessly into your everyday life. As an added benefit, orthodontic care also improves overall oral health, something we emphasize in our general and family dentistry services. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease in the long run.

Ready for a consultation?

At Payson Dental and Orthodontics, we deliver customized care for every age and stage. Whether you're bringing in your child for their first orthodontic evaluation or you're exploring treatment for yourself, we’re here to help you achieve a confident smile.

We combine expert orthodontic care with comprehensive family dentistry under one roof, making it easy and convenient for your whole family.

 Call 801-335-9050 now to book a consultation or request an appointment online.