Yes, children can get braces while they still have baby teeth. This type of early treatment, called Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontics, addresses developing problems before all permanent teeth come in. Not every child needs early braces, but for some, starting treatment with a mix of baby and permanent teeth leads to better long-term results.
Many parents assume their child must lose all baby teeth before seeing an orthodontist. This is a common misconception. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when most children still have several baby teeth remaining.
Why Age 7 Is the Right Time for a First Evaluation
Dr. Boris Pinhasov emphasizes that “7 is the golden number for getting evaluated for the first time by an orthodontist.” At this age, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth that allows orthodontists to identify developing problems.
What the orthodontist can see at age 7:
By age 7, the first permanent molars and front teeth have usually come in. This provides enough information to evaluate jaw growth patterns, spacing issues, and how the bite is developing. Problems that are difficult to see with baby teeth alone become visible once permanent teeth start appearing.
Early evaluation does not mean early treatment:
Most children evaluated at age 7 do not need immediate treatment. The orthodontist may recommend monitoring your child’s development with periodic check-ups until the right time for braces. Early evaluation simply ensures that if a problem exists, it can be addressed at the optimal time.
If your child is younger than 7 and you notice concerning signs, you do not need to wait. Schedule an evaluation as soon as you suspect a problem with your child’s teeth or bite.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontics, also called interceptive orthodontics, is early treatment that occurs while a child still has baby teeth. This treatment typically happens between ages 7 and 10.
Goals of Phase 1 treatment:
Guiding jaw growth to create space for permanent teeth. Correcting bite problems like crossbites that can affect jaw development. Addressing harmful habits like thumb sucking that impact tooth and jaw position. Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth. Creating a better environment for permanent teeth to emerge.
What Phase 1 treatment may include:
Palate expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw. Partial braces on some teeth to correct specific issues. Space maintainers to hold room for permanent teeth. Appliances to correct crossbites or guide jaw growth. Habit-breaking devices for thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9 to 18 months. After Phase 1 is complete, most children take a break from active treatment while they continue losing baby teeth and growing. Phase 2, which involves full braces, usually begins once most or all permanent teeth have come in.
When Do Children Need Early Braces?
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. Many orthodontic issues can wait until all permanent teeth are in. However, certain problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing.
Conditions that often benefit from early treatment:
- Crossbites: When upper teeth sit inside lower teeth, the jaw can grow unevenly. Early correction prevents asymmetric jaw development.
- Severe crowding: When there is not enough room for permanent teeth to come in properly, early intervention can create space.
- Protruding front teeth: Teeth that stick out significantly are at higher risk for injury. Early treatment can reduce this risk.
- Underbites: When the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, early treatment can guide growth while bones are still developing.
- Harmful oral habits: Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use past age 4 can affect tooth and jaw development.
- Early or late loss of baby teeth: Losing baby teeth too early or too late can signal problems that may need intervention.
If your child’s orthodontist recommends waiting rather than starting Phase 1 treatment, that is often the best approach. Early treatment should only be done when there is a clear benefit that cannot be achieved by waiting.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Parents often notice signs that suggest their child should see an orthodontist, even if baby teeth are still present.
Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
Difficulty chewing or biting food. Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing. Thumb sucking or finger sucking past age 4. Speech difficulties or lisping. Teeth that do not meet properly when biting. Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth. Jaws that shift, click, or make sounds. Protruding teeth that stick out from other teeth. Early or late loss of baby teeth (typically baby teeth start falling out around age 5-6). Facial imbalance or asymmetry.
Many of these signs are easier to address when caught early. If you are unsure whether your child needs an evaluation, it is always better to check. Most orthodontists offer free or low-cost consultations for children.
What Happens If You Wait Until All Baby Teeth Fall Out?
For most children, waiting until all permanent teeth come in is perfectly fine. Many orthodontic issues can be successfully treated with braces during the preteen or teenage years.
However, waiting can complicate treatment when:
A crossbite is causing the jaw to grow unevenly. Severe crowding is causing permanent teeth to come in at odd angles or become impacted. Protruding teeth are at risk of injury during sports or play. Bad habits are affecting jaw development during critical growth periods.
In these cases, delaying treatment can make the problem harder to correct later. What might have been addressed with a simple appliance at age 8 may require more complex treatment or even surgery if left until the teenage years.
The key is having your child evaluated by age 7 so the orthodontist can determine whether early treatment is beneficial or whether waiting is the better choice for your child’s specific situation.
Phase 1 vs. Waiting: How the Orthodontist Decides
Your orthodontist considers several factors when recommending whether to start Phase 1 treatment or wait for full braces later.
Factors that favor early treatment:
The problem is related to jaw growth, not just tooth position. The condition will worsen if left untreated during growth. Early treatment can reduce the complexity of later treatment. There is a risk of damage to teeth or the jaw.
Factors that favor waiting:
The problem is primarily cosmetic and can be corrected later. All issues can be addressed in one phase of treatment during the teenage years. There is no risk of the condition worsening. Waiting will not complicate future treatment.
Many children who receive Phase 1 treatment still need Phase 2 (full braces) later. However, Phase 2 is often shorter and less complex because the groundwork was laid during Phase 1.
Early Orthodontic Care at BP Smiles
At BP Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Boris Pinhasov provides expert evaluations for children of all ages, including those who still have baby teeth.
“Everyone deserves our best, all the time,” says Dr. Boris Pinhasov. “Early evaluation allows us to identify problems while we can still influence jaw growth. For some children, this makes a significant difference in their treatment and results.”
Dr. Boris is a board-certified orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics with 20 years of experience treating children, teens, and adults. As the Director of the Orthodontic Program at Maimonides Medical Center, he stays at the forefront of orthodontic techniques for patients at every stage of dental development.
BP Smiles has earned over 170 five-star Google reviews from Queens families who appreciate the thorough evaluations and child-friendly approach. The office uses digital 3D scanning technology to create precise images of your child’s teeth and jaw, allowing for accurate assessment and treatment planning.
Located at 208-09 Union Turnpike in Flushing, BP Smiles offers free consultations for children of any age. Evening and Sunday appointments are available to accommodate busy family schedules. If you are wondering whether your child needs braces, schedule an evaluation to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child get braces?
Children can get braces as early as age 7 if early treatment is needed. However, most children get full braces between ages 9 and 14, after most permanent teeth have come in. The right age depends on your child’s specific orthodontic needs.
Do all baby teeth need to fall out before braces?
No, children can get braces while they still have baby teeth. Phase 1 treatment is specifically designed for children with a mix of baby and permanent teeth. However, most children wait until more permanent teeth are in before getting full braces.
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
Signs that may indicate a need for early evaluation include difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, thumb sucking past age 4, crowded teeth, crossbites, protruding front teeth, and early or late loss of baby teeth. The best way to know is to schedule an evaluation with an orthodontist by age 7.
Is Phase 1 treatment necessary?
Phase 1 treatment is not necessary for every child. Many orthodontic issues can be successfully treated later with full braces. Your orthodontist will recommend Phase 1 only if early treatment provides clear benefits that cannot be achieved by waiting.
Will my child need braces again after Phase 1?
Most children who receive Phase 1 treatment will need Phase 2 (full braces) later to complete their orthodontic care. However, Phase 2 is often shorter and less complex because early treatment addressed developing problems.
Disclaimer
Medically reviewed by Dr. Boris Pinhasov, Board-Certified Orthodontist.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
