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Decision Engine

Is Your Child Ready for Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7, even when no treatment is needed yet. Answer five questions about your child's age, tooth development, presenting issues, parent goal, and any bite concerns to see whether an evaluation now is appropriate or watchful waiting is the right call.

Last updated: May 2026

Pediatric orthodontic readiness combines the child's age, tooth development stage, presenting issues, parent goals, and any bite concerns into a yes-now versus monitor recommendation. Ready Now = (Age 7+ With Some Permanent Teeth) + (A Presenting Issue or Referral) + (Parent Intent). First orthodontic check recommended age typically target By age 7.

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What is Pediatric Orthodontic Readiness?

Pediatric orthodontic readiness combines the child's age, tooth development stage, presenting issues, parent goals, and any bite concerns into a yes-now versus monitor recommendation. The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check at age 7 regardless of presenting issues; readiness for active treatment is a separate question.

The Formula

Ready Now = (Age 7+ With Some Permanent Teeth) + (A Presenting Issue or Referral) + (Parent Intent)

A dentist referral alone usually justifies the consult; absence of presenting issues does not rule out the AAO age-7 check.

Worked Example

An 8-year-old with first permanent molars and incisors in, noticeable crowding, the family dentist mentioned watching closely.

Age: 8, scores toward ready for evaluation
Dentition: first permanent molars and incisors, scores toward ready
Issues: noticeable crowding, scores toward evaluation
Dentist note: watching closely, scores toward evaluation

📌 The verdict is Ready for an Orthodontic Evaluation Now. Treatment may not start immediately; the consult sets a baseline and a timeline.

Why This Matters

Earlier evaluation, not earlier treatment

The age-7 visit identifies bite issues that respond to short interceptive treatment and rules out unnecessary later interventions. Most children leave that visit without braces.

Growth is a treatment lever

Some orthodontic issues are easier to address while the jaw is still growing. Missing that window can mean a more involved adult treatment later.

Common Mistakes

❌ Waiting for all permanent teeth before any evaluation

By the time the second molars erupt, some growth-dependent treatment options have closed. The AAO age-7 check exists precisely to catch those.

❌ Starting phase-one treatment without a clear goal

Phase-one treatment is most valuable when it targets a specific issue (crossbite, severe crowding, habit correction). Generic early treatment without a target rarely shortens phase two.

Industry Benchmarks

Category	Good	Average	Poor
First orthodontic check recommended age	By age 7	Ages 7-9	After age 12
Phase-one treatment duration	9-12 months	12-18 months	18+ months
Children needing phase one	About 20-30%	Practice-dependent	Over-prescribed in some markets

Source: American Association of Orthodontists Patient Census 2025

Benchmark data sourced from American Association of Orthodontists Patient Census 2025.

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One of the most common mistakes we see when working with clients: waiting for all permanent teeth before any evaluation. By the time the second molars erupt, some growth-dependent treatment options have closed. The AAO age-7 check exists precisely to catch those.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child see an orthodontist for the first time?

The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. Most children do not need treatment at that point; the visit confirms that the bite is developing normally and flags any early intervention opportunities. Early issues like crossbites or significant crowding can sometimes be addressed with shorter, less invasive phase-one treatment.

What is phase-one orthodontic treatment?

Phase-one treatment uses appliances during the mixed-dentition years (typically ages 7 to 11) to guide jaw growth or correct specific bite problems like crossbites and severe crowding. It is followed by a rest period and, if needed, a shorter phase-two with braces or aligners. Not every child needs phase one.

Does my child need braces if their baby teeth are crooked?

Crooked baby teeth do not always predict crooked adult teeth. Children gain enough space when permanent molars erupt and the jaw grows. An orthodontic exam can tell you whether the underlying development is on track even when the visible smile looks crowded.

How long do kids usually wear braces?

Most pediatric orthodontic cases run 18 to 24 months, similar to adult cases. Phase-one interceptive treatment is usually shorter (9 to 12 months) followed by a rest period. Retention with retainers continues long after active treatment ends.

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