Kids should generally begin seeing an orthodontist by the age of 7 to assess their dental development and catch any early signs of problems. The typical age to get braces is usually between 8 and 14 years old, with many starting around 10 to 12 years old when most permanent teeth have erupted. Early orthodontic treatment can begin as early as 6 to 7 years in some cases, especially if there are issues like crossbites, overcrowding, or misaligned jaws that are easier to address before all baby teeth are lost. Treatment timing depends on the severity of the child's needs, and orthodontists can recommend the best time to start braces or early intervention to make future treatment easier and more effective.
