What is the best age for braces, and why does early orthodontic evaluation matter for children?
The best age for a child to have their first orthodontic evaluation is between 6 and 8 years old.
At this early stage, an orthodontist can identify developing issues such as crooked teeth, bite problems, jaw misalignment, or habits like thumb sucking. Early orthodontic evaluation is important because it allows for timely intervention that can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and prevent more complex dental problems in the future.
Starting treatment early can reduce the need for extractions, shorten treatment time later, and improve overall oral health and facial development.
