Best Age to Get Braces: Kids, Teens, or Adults?

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A kid, a boy, and an old man wearing traditional metal braces.

You have finally decided to go for braces treatment. A brave decision indeed, but wondering what the best age for braces is? We’ve got you covered. Orthodontic treatments are suitable for people of all ages, but it's best to have the treatment at an early age when your jaw is still growing.

Explore this blog to know the best age for braces, adult and teen orthodontic treatment, why early orthodontic intervention is important, and discover some painless alternatives to braces.

Braces for Kids

According to the American Association of Orthodontics , 7 years is the best age to see an orthodontist to keep your child’s oral health in check. However, the best age for kids to have braces treatment is between 11 to 14 years. At this age, the permanent teeth are in place, and the jaw is still growing. Braces at this early age allow orthodontists to ensure long-lasting results and an appropriate reduction in overall treatment duration. The following are some common early signs that your kids might need braces:

  • Crowded Teeth
  • Early or Late Lost Baby Tooth
  • Gaps between the Teeth
  • Underbite
  • Thumb Sucking
  • Breathing through the Mouth

Adult & Teen Orthodontic Care – Common Age for Braces

As we discussed earlier, braces treatment has room for people of every age. There isn’t any age restriction in adult and teen orthodontic care. However, braces treatment at an early age is ideal for great results and reduced treatment duration. Teens and adults undergoing braces treatment often ask, “Can I drink coffee with braces?” The answer is yes, but brush regularly to avoid stains.

Braces can feel more uncomfortable at mature ages because the teeth and jawbones are fully developed, making them less responsive to movement. Whether you're 25 or 55, braces for adults in Canada are a proven way to treat complex dental issues. For mild to moderate issues, clear aligners are the best choice for everyone, a painless and affordable way to fix your smile at home.

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Comparing the Pros & Cons by Age

Here is a brief comparison between kids, teens, and adult braces, pros and cons.

Age Group Pros Cons
Kids Teeth and jaws respond quickly to treatment. Might need follow-up treatment as the mouth continues to develop.
Teens Fast results due to ongoing growth; socially acceptable since many peers wear braces. May feel self-conscious due to the visible appearance, and challenging to maintain oral hygiene.
Adults Can treat complex alignment issues effectively; improves overall oral health and confidence. Teeth move slowly due to a denser bone structure.

Why Age Matters in Orthodontics

There isn’t any specific orthodontic treatment timeline. You are never too old for any dental treatment. However, treatment at an early age is more effective as your jaws and teeth are in the growth stage. Treatment progress seems to be delayed in adults as compared to teens and children.

Advantages of Early Intervention

Early orthodontic intervention can prevent age-related dental alignment issues that tend to worsen over time, such as overcrowding, bite problems, or midline shifts. Another advantage of early intervention is that treatment works well when you are at a growing age. It can prevent serious issues that may require extensive treatment later on. Early intervention can also help you feel confident about your looks and enhance your social interaction.

Alternative Options to Braces

Clear aligners are the best alternative to braces as they are painless, offer a discreet look, and are a more affordable option for teeth straightening. Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular, especially among teens, as their discreet features make them feel more confident about their looks.

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners

ALIGNERCO clear aligners with their case
ALIGNERCO clear aligners

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  • Travel-Friendly: Compact and easy to pack, clear aligners are perfect for maintaining your dental routine while on the go. Stay consistent no matter where you are.
  • Long-Lasting Results: With consistent use, aligners help you experience visible improvements and feel confident in just a few months.
  • Custom Making: ALIGNERCO clear aligners can be adjusted to fit your needs, allowing for a customized treatment plan.

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Right Age for the Best Smile

No matter what your age is, the journey to a healthier, straighter smile is always possible. While early treatment, especially between ages 11 to 14, brings faster and more efficient results, braces are not limited to kids or teens. Adults can benefit just as much, though treatment may take slightly longer. What truly matters is proper diagnosis and the right treatment approach, whether it's traditional braces or clear aligners.

While the right age doesn’t matter, maintaining good habits during treatment, like brushing properly, avoiding sticky foods, and knowing how to whiten teeth with braces, can make your journey smoother and your final smile brighter. So, whether you’re a parent considering braces for your child or an adult finally ready to improve your smile, remember: it's never too early or too late to take that first step. But if you are scared of the pain of braces, clear aligners are a go-to option for you, offering a discreet, affordable, and effective solution to all dental problems, ranging from mild to moderate.

FAQs

1. Is it better to get braces as an adult or a teen?

While braces for adults in Canada are becoming more common, kids and teens often have the advantage due to ongoing jaw growth, which allows for quicker and more effective results. However, adults can still achieve excellent outcomes with modern options like clear aligners; it just may take slightly longer.

2. What is the best age for kids to get braces?

The best age for braces in children typically falls between 11 to 14, after most permanent teeth have emerged. However, braces for kids in Canada can sometimes begin earlier if severe alignment issues are detected. An orthodontist may recommend an evaluation as early as age 7.

3. What is the golden age for braces?

The golden age is usually between 11 to 14. This stage of development allows orthodontists to guide teeth and jaw positioning effectively. It's a key part of the orthodontic treatment timeline where early issues can be corrected before they become more complex in adulthood.

4. Is 14 too late to get braces?

Not at all. In fact, 14 is right within the ideal range. Teens are still growing, making their teeth more responsive to movement. It’s never too late to begin treatment, and teen orthodontic care at this age can yield excellent, long-lasting results.

Citations:

Leber, C. (2024, February 8). The Milestone Visit: Why Age 7 is The Best Age For Orthodontic Treatment. American Association of Orthodontists. https://aaoinfo.org/blog/when-should-my-child-see-an-orthodontist-age-7/

Website, N. (2025, April 15). Braces and orthodontics. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/braces-and-orthodontics/

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