Smile Timing: When’s the Best Time to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?

Smile Timing: When’s the Best Time to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
By Dr. Andrew Sim

A healthy, confident smile is something we all want—for ourselves and our children. But knowing when to start orthodontic treatment can feel like a mystery. Should you wait until all baby teeth fall out? Are braces only for teens? What about those nearly invisible clear aligners?

The truth is, timing plays a big role in how effective and comfortable treatment will be—whether it’s braces or aligners like ClearCorrect®. Let’s break down the best times to begin orthodontic treatment for kids, teens, and even adults, and introduce something called Phase 1 orthodontics, which might be the right step for your growing child.

The Earlier, the Better? Sometimes—Yes.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. That doesn’t mean your child will get braces right away. In most cases, they won’t. But this early visit gives the orthodontist a chance to catch problems that could become more complicated if left untreated.

This is where Phase 1 orthodontics comes in.

What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Phase 1 (also called “early interceptive treatment”) is for younger children—typically between ages 6 and 10—who still have many baby teeth. This stage of treatment isn’t about perfecting the smile just yet. Instead, it focuses on helping the jaw develop properly and making space for permanent teeth to grow in the right way.

Some signs a child might benefit from early treatment include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Difficulty biting or chewing

• Thumb-sucking past age 5

• Speech issues or jaw shifting

If Phase 1 treatment is needed, it often involves a short round of braces, expanders, or other appliances. Then, after a rest period, full treatment (like traditional braces or aligners) can follow in the teen years—often shorter and simpler because of the early head start.

The “Sweet Spot” for Braces and Aligners

For most kids and teens, the ideal time to start full orthodontic treatment is between ages 12 and 15, once most or all of the adult teeth have come in. This is often called the “comprehensive” phase of treatment and is where you’ll see braces or clear aligners come into play.

Braces

Still the gold standard, braces are great for all kinds of alignment problems—from crowded teeth to overbites, underbites, and everything in between. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and come in lots of fun colors for kids and sleeker metal or ceramic options for teens and adults.

Clear Aligners

Aligners like ClearCorrect® have become especially popular with teens and adults. They’re removable, nearly invisible, and don’t come with food restrictions. They work best for mild to moderate cases and require discipline—wearing them 20–22 hours per day is key to seeing results.

What About Adults?

It’s never too late to straighten your smile. Adults of all ages are choosing braces or clear aligners to fix longstanding issues or improve appearance and function. In fact, nearly one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult. Thanks to modern technology and more discreet options, adult treatment is easier and more effective than ever.

Bottom Line: When Should You Start?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a quick guide:

• Age 7: First checkup to spot any early concerns

• Ages 6–10: Consider Phase 1 if serious developmental issues are found

• Ages 12–15: Best time for full treatment with braces or aligners

• Any age: Adults can benefit from treatment too!

Whether you're looking into options for your child or thinking about improving your own smile, the best first step is an orthodontic consultation. An expert can guide you toward the right time, the right method, and the right plan for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Thinking about orthodontic treatment for you or your child? Don’t wait until something feels “off.” A quick consultation could be the start of a better bite and a more confident grin. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Andrew today by clicking HERE! or the contact button above.