If your child still has baby teeth, you might be wondering if braces are even an option yet. It’s a common question among parents who start noticing things like crooked teeth, overcrowding, or bite issues early on. The good news is that in many cases, kids can start orthodontic treatment while some baby teeth are still in place.
Early treatment can help guide jaw development, make space for permanent teeth, and prevent more serious problems down the line. In this guide, we’ll break down when braces might be recommended and what you should know before getting started.
Can You Put Braces on Baby Teeth?
Yes, braces can be applied to baby teeth in certain cases. This early stage of treatment is called interceptive orthodontics or phase 1 orthodontics. It helps fix bite or alignment problems before all the permanent teeth come in. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests early treatment in some cases to make space for future teeth, prevent crowding, and possibly avoid bigger procedures later.
However, not every child needs braces while they still have baby teeth. It really depends on how their teeth and jaw are developing. An orthodontist will decide if early treatment is right after checking your child’s specific needs.
What Age Do Kids Get Braces?
Most kids get braces between 9 and 14 years old, when most of their permanent teeth have come in. This is the stage when the jaw is still growing, making it easier for orthodontists to guide teeth into the right position. Some kids might start earlier if there are noticeable issues with bite or spacing, while others might wait until their teenage years. The best way to know when your child needs braces is by visiting an orthodontist around the age of 7. They can track your child’s dental development and decide the right time to begin treatment.
What Happens If You Get Braces with Baby Teeth?
Getting braces while baby teeth are still in isn’t as rare as it sounds. Sometimes, orthodontists recommend early or “phase one” treatment to fix specific issues before all the permanent teeth come in. For example, if a child has a serious overbite, crossbite, or spacing problem, early braces can guide the teeth and jaw to grow properly. This can actually make the second phase of braces (when all adult teeth have come in) shorter and simpler.
However, not all kids need early braces. If the baby teeth are falling out normally and there are no major bite issues, the orthodontist might suggest waiting.
Pros and Cons of Braces with Baby Teeth
| Aspect | Pros of Braces with Baby Teeth | Cons of Braces with Baby Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Early Alignment | Helps fix bite problems, spacing, and crowding before permanent teeth come in. | Teeth may shift again once adult teeth erupt, leading to another round of treatment later. |
| Jaw Development | Guides proper jaw growth and can prevent the need for complex procedures later. | If done too early, growth patterns might still change and reduce the long-term effect. |
| Confidence and Speech | Can improve a child’s appearance and confidence, and sometimes correct speech issues early on. | Adjusting to braces at a young age may be uncomfortable or difficult for some children. |
| Treatment Planning | Allows orthodontists to plan ahead and create space for adult teeth to come in correctly. | Requires close monitoring and frequent visits as the mouth continues to change. |
| Overall Cost and Time | May shorten or simplify treatment when full braces are needed later. | Often results in two separate treatment phases, which can increase cost and total duration. |
Alternatives to Full Braces During the Baby Teeth Stage
If your child still has baby teeth but needs some help with alignment, there are several gentler alternatives to full braces:
- Space Maintainers: These help keep the right amount of space open for adult teeth to grow in properly.
- Partial Braces: Used on just a few teeth that need minor correction.
- Expanders: Devices that gently widen the upper jaw to make space for incoming teeth.
- Clear Aligners (in some cases): For mild alignment issues, clear aligners may be an option for older kids.
Each option depends on what the orthodontist finds during the evaluation. The idea is to make small adjustments early so the final stage of treatment becomes easier and faster later on.
Thinking about a more flexible alternative to braces?
Explore how Invisalign works at Brite Orthodontics and see if it’s the right fit for your child’s smile.
Closing Thoughts
If your child still has baby teeth, don’t feel rushed into full treatment. Every smile develops at its own pace. The best thing you can do is get a professional opinion early, usually around age 6 or 7. That way, you’ll know if anything needs to be done now or if it’s better to wait. Early checks don’t always lead to early braces, but they do give you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults get braces with retained baby teeth?
Yes, it’s possible. Some adults still have baby teeth because the permanent ones never came in. Braces can be used in such cases, but treatment will depend on the tooth’s position, root strength, and the overall bite. A full dental exam is needed to plan the best approach.
Are there risks in starting too early?
Starting too early can sometimes lead to longer treatment or the need for a second round of braces later. That’s why it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s advice. They’ll only recommend early treatment if it has clear benefits for your child’s development.
How long does early orthodontic treatment last?
Phase one treatment usually lasts between 9 to 12 months. After that, there’s a resting period while the remaining adult teeth come in. If needed, a second phase of treatment may happen later, which is often shorter and more targeted.