What Age Should a Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment Gilroy, CA

Orthodontic care is a rite of passage for many children. Your child should receive an ortho evaluation by age seven. During this checkup, the dental provider determines whether your child needs further care. If braces are in your child's future, the orthodontic team can create a treatment plan.

Orthodontics for kids is available at Richard R. Gallagher DDS MSD MSE PhD Inc. in Gilroy and the surrounding area. We guide your family through the first orthodontist visit. Our team offers a range of services, including first braces. Call us at (408) 500-0810 to learn more.

Request An Appointment

    Early Orthodontic Treatment

    Early or interceptive orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 6-9. This stage of treatment is also known as Phase One orthodontics. During this stage, a child may not have permanent teeth. As a result, the orthodontic team usually does not focus on straightening teeth. Instead, they improve jaw alignment and bite. The team might also correct spacing issues.

    The orthodontic team makes sure that permanent teeth can shift into the right position. They also take a close look at the child's jaw size and shape. During each visit, the team takes measurements and tries to anticipate problems that might occur down the road. Interceptive treatments may eliminate the need for braces later on. If a child needs braces, early intervention may shorten treatment duration. Interceptive care protects a child's smile and reduces treatment costs.

    “Interceptive treatments may eliminate the need for braces later on.”

    The Right Time to Receive Braces

    After Phase One is complete, a child enjoys a rest period. The orthodontic team usually pauses treatment for 1-3 years. They wait for the permanent teeth to erupt and for the jaw to develop. Once a child's mouth is ready, the team takes measurements to determine whether that child needs Phase Two treatment.

    Phase Two usually begins around age 11-13. But keep in mind that each child's mouth is unique. There is no ideal age for braces. The orthodontic team considers a family's needs and preferences. They discuss options and explain the advantages of different treatment strategies.

    Older teens and adults are also eligible for Phase Two care. Older patients sometimes have a wider selection of treatment options. Our orthodontic team can help patients explore their options and make an informed choice.

    “There is no ideal age for braces.”

    Clear Aligners

    In recent years, clear aligners have become a commonplace orthodontic treatment. These removable trays have some advantages over traditional braces. Patients can take their aligners out to eat, brush, or attend special events. Aligners are discreet and nearly invisible. As a result, they are a popular option for teens.

    But aligners are not right for everyone. Most dental providers recommend aligners exclusively for older teens and adults. Patients must be responsible and disciplined when using aligners. Younger patients may not be ready for this level of responsibility. Aligners can fix mild-to-moderate problems, but they are not right for severe orthodontic problems. If the patient has complex dental needs, traditional braces might be a better choice. Our team can discuss clear aligners in more detail.

    “Most dental providers recommend aligners exclusively for older teens and adults.”

    Check out what others are saying about our orthodontic services on Yelp: What Age Should a Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment in Gilroy, CA

    Warning Signs of Orthodontic Problems

    Many parents wonder whether their child will need braces. The dental provider can offer an in-depth evaluation. During routine checkups, the provider takes measurements and examines the child's bite. They can also provide a referral for an orthodontic evaluation.

    All children should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. The provider may perform this evaluation in the office, or they may refer the child out. Ask the orthodontic team what to expect during an orthodontic evaluation.

    Certain risk factors can increase a child's chances of needing orthodontic care. Some childhood behaviors can also be a warning sign of underlying orthodontic problems. Parents should talk to the dental provider about the following:

    • Thumbsucking
    • Extended pacifier use
    • Early or late loss of baby teeth
    • Difficulty chewing or biting
    • Mouth-breathing

    Parents should keep an eye on their child's mouth. As a child grows, parents might notice:

    • Crooked or misaligned teeth
    • An uneven bite (crossbite)
    • Jaw cracking or creaking
    • An overbite or underbite
    • Gaps between teeth

    Some of these issues may resolve on their own. But if a parent notices any changes in their child's mouth, they should call a dental provider right away. Early intervention may reduce a child's risk of needing braces later on.

    “Certain risk factors can increase a child’s chances of needing orthodontic care.”

    Other Orthodontic Treatments

    Braces are not the only way to fix an orthodontic issue. In some cases, the orthodontic team may recommend retainers, rubber bands, jaw splints, headgear, or palate expanders. If a child has severe issues, surgery may be required. Our team can review the patient’s options and make a decision about treatment.

    “If a child has severe issues, surgery may be required.”

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q. What is the best age for braces?

    A. Children can not receive first braces until their permanent teeth have erupted. Many children can begin to receive interceptive orthodontic care around age seven. As permanent teeth shift into place, the orthodontic team can explore other treatments. Many children receive braces around age 11-13. Orthodontic treatment can continue until the patient is in their late teens.

    Q. When should my child receive an orthodontic evaluation?

    A. Children should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, an orthodontist can spot developing problems. The provider can also recommend interceptive treatments and plan for future orthodontic care.

    Q. What kind of orthodontic care will my child need?

    A. Each patient is unique. Our orthodontist takes a close look at your child's mouth to determine what kind of care they need. We help parents explore their treatment options and make an informed decision.

    Q. Can my teen receive clear aligners?

    A. Some teenagers may be eligible for clear aligners. These discreet, removable appliances can correct many orthodontic concerns. But clear aligners are not right for every patient. Sometimes, traditional braces are a better choice. Our orthodontist can determine whether your child is a candidate for clear aligners.

    Q. How can I reduce my child's risk of needing braces?

    A. It is not always possible to avoid braces. Genetic factors can influence jaw size and shape. Sometimes, children develop dental problems without warning. But lifestyle factors can also play a role. Risk factors for orthodontic problems include:

    • Thumbsucking
    • Extended pacifier use
    • Extended bottle-feeding
    • Sleeping face-down
    • Poor dental hygiene

    Changing these habits may reduce your child's risk of needing braces, and early intervention is vital. Ask your orthodontist what changes you can make at every developmental stage.

    Quality Orthodontic Services Can Transform Smiles

    By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need.

    QR code image for What Age Should a Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment in Gilroy, CA

    Scan here to view this page, What Age Should a Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment, on mobile

    Navigation image for our Growth Appliances page
    Navigation image for our Palatal Expansion page
    Navigation image for our Dental Braces page

    Definition of Orthodontic Terminology

    Interceptive Orthodontics
    The correction of potential malocclusion by using usually removable appliances to guide the eruption of teeth so they end up in their ideal position.
    Mouth Breathing
    Mouth breathing refers to when someone primarily breathes from their mouth instead of their nose.
    Orthodontic Appliances
    Orthodontic appliances have multiple forms that can help treat malocclusions, irregularity with the teeth, and disproportionate jaw issues.
    Orthodontic Brackets
    A small metal, ceramic, or porcelain attachment that is bonded directly to the teeth that serve as the fastening point for an orthodontic archwire.
    Orthodontics
    Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that deals with preventing and correcting teeth and jaw irregularities.
    Overbite
    An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
    Palatal Expanders
    Palatal expanders are devices that gradually widen the upper jaw to create more space in a child’s mouth.
    Phase One Orthodontics
    Phase One orthodontics is orthodontic treatment that is performed before the permanent teeth have erupted.
    Thumb Sucking
    Thumb sucking refers to an oral practice common among children where they suck on their thumb out of habit in a way that causes dental problems.
    Tongue Thrust
    A tongue thrust is a reflex in which the tongue thrusts too far forward when swallowing, typically leading to the malocclusion known as open bite.

    Call Us Today

    If you are considering orthodontic care for your child or teen, let Richard R. Gallagher DDS MSD MSE PhD Inc. in Gilroy help. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have. Call us at 408-500-0810 to learn more about our services.

    Helpful Related Links


    About our business, license, and website security

    • Richard R. Gallagher DDS MSD MSE PhD Inc. was established in 2000.
    • We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Checks, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, CareCredit, Apple Pay and HSA/FSA payments.
    • We serve patients from the following counties: Santa Clara County and San Benito County
    • We serve patients from the following cities: Gilroy, San Martin, San Juan Bautista, Morgan Hill, Hollister, Paicines, Los Banos, San Jose, and Watsonville
    • CA (License #42048). View License Information and Specifics
    • National Provider Identifier Database (1467503581). View NPI Registry Information
    • Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
    • Norton Safe Web. View Details
    • Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
    QR code image to open directions to Richard R. Gallagher DDS MSD MSE PhD Inc. in Gilroy, CA on mobile

    Scan here to open directions to Richard R. Gallagher DDS MSD MSE PhD Inc. on mobile

    Back to top of What Age Should a Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment

    QR code for What Age Should a Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment