What Age Should Kids Get Braces? (2026 Guide)

Most kids get braces between ages 9 and 14 — but the American Association of Orthodontists says the first check-up should happen much earlier, by age 7. Here's what that means for timing and cost.

Parents often assume braces are a teenage milestone and don't think about orthodontics until all the adult teeth are in. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) takes a different view: children should have their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. That early visit rarely leads to immediate treatment — but it changes the timing, and sometimes the total cost, of everything that follows.

This guide covers the logistics of orthodontic timing for kids: what the age-7 check involves, when treatment typically starts, and how early versus later treatment affects what you pay. Clinical decisions belong to your orthodontist; the scheduling and cost logic here helps you plan.

The age-7 check-up: what actually happens

By age 7, enough permanent teeth have erupted (particularly the first molars and incisors) for an orthodontist to spot developing problems with jaw growth and tooth eruption — while there's still time to influence them. The check-up itself is usually quick and often free or low-cost:

A visual exam of tooth alignment, bite, and jaw relationship
Sometimes X-rays or photos to see unerupted teeth and growth patterns
A simple verdict: treatment now, treatment later, or just periodic observation

For most 7-year-olds, the verdict is "not yet" — the orthodontist simply monitors growth with check-ins every 6–12 months until the timing is right. Those observation visits are typically free. The value of the early check is information: you learn whether your child is on a straightforward path or one where timing matters, years before braces would start.

Why age 7 matters for cost: some developing issues are simpler (and therefore less expensive) to address while the jaw is still growing. Catching them at 7 doesn't always mean early treatment — but when early treatment is indicated, starting at the right developmental window can shorten or simplify the later phase. An orthodontist can explain whether that applies to your child's case.

Typical treatment ages, phase by phase

Ages 7–10: early (Phase 1) treatment — only when indicated

Some children begin limited early treatment during this window — often to guide jaw growth, hold space for unerupted teeth, or correct issues that get harder to address later. Not every child needs this; many go straight to a single phase of treatment in the preteen years. When early treatment does happen, it's usually shorter (often around a year) and is followed by a resting period before any second phase.

Ages 9–14: the most common window for full braces

This is when the majority of kids get comprehensive treatment. Most permanent teeth are in, growth is still active (which orthodontists can work with), and treatment typically runs 18–24 months for most cases. Starting in this window is logistically convenient too: appointment scheduling around school is a known routine for practices, and many offer after-school hours.

Ages 14–18: still very common

Starting braces in the mid-to-late teens is completely ordinary. The main logistical differences: less remaining growth to work with, busier school/extracurricular schedules to plan appointments around, and — relevant for cost — teens are more likely to be candidates for clear aligner options, which some families consider for appearance. See Invisalign for teens cost for the price logistics.

How timing affects what you pay

Two-phase vs. one-phase: if early treatment is followed years later by a second phase, you're paying for two rounds of treatment. Sometimes that total exceeds the cost of a single well-timed phase; sometimes the early phase prevents a more expensive outcome later. Ask the orthodontist to quote both phases separately so you can see the full picture — and check how your insurance lifetime maximum (often $1,000–$3,000) applies across phases. Our insurance guide explains the details.
Treatment length: most cases run 18–24 months regardless of start age; mild cases can finish in 6–12 months and severe cases can run 24–36 months. Starting earlier doesn't automatically mean finishing earlier — duration follows complexity, with most cases running 18-24 months regardless of start age.
Missed windows can cost more later: in cases where early guidance was indicated but deferred, the later treatment may be longer or involve more complex mechanics. This is a key question for the age-7 visit: "What happens cost- and time-wise if we wait?"
Adult teeth and extractions: timing can affect whether there's enough space for all teeth — a logistics factor your orthodontist evaluates at the check-up.

What about adults?

There's no age limit on orthodontic treatment — adults start braces and aligners every day, and published adult price ranges are the same ranges tracked on this site (metal $3,000–$7,000, Invisalign $3,500–$8,000). The main cost difference for adults is insurance: many dental plans exclude adult orthodontics, so verify coverage before assuming. Treatment logistics differ slightly (no growth to work with, denser bone can mean longer timelines in some cases), but the pricing structure — quote, payment plan, retainers — works the same.

Planning checklist for parents

Schedule the AAO-recommended check-up by age 7 — it's usually free or low-cost and sets the timeline.
Ask for the full roadmap in writing: is observation enough, is one phase expected, or are two phases likely? Get each phase quoted separately.
Check insurance timing: confirm the lifetime orthodontic maximum and whether it covers phased treatment, adult treatment later, or both children if you have more than one.
Compare local prices: published ranges vary by market — look at braces prices in Tampa, braces prices in Seattle, or braces prices in Boston to ground your expectations before consultations.
Budget for retainers: whatever the treatment timeline, retention follows — see retainer costs after braces so the post-treatment expense doesn't surprise you.

If cost is the barrier to the age-7 check itself, call ahead: many orthodontists offer the initial consultation free, and university orthodontic programs often provide low-cost evaluations.

Prices vary by case complexity and location — always confirm current pricing directly with the practice. This guide provides price information only and is not dental or medical advice.

Common questions

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have erupted for an orthodontist to evaluate growth and development. Most 7-year-olds need only periodic observation — the visit sets the timeline, it rarely starts treatment immediately.

What is the most common age to get braces?

Most children get comprehensive braces between ages 9 and 14, when most permanent teeth are in and growth is still active. Typical treatment in this window runs 18-24 months. Starting in the mid-to-late teens is also very common, and adults begin treatment at any age.

Does starting braces earlier cost less?

Not automatically — cost follows case complexity and treatment length, not start age. However, when early treatment is clinically indicated, addressing a developing issue during growth can sometimes simplify the later phase. Ask the orthodontist to quote each phase separately so you can compare total costs.

What is two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Two-phase treatment means an early limited phase (often ages 7-10) followed by a resting period and then a second comprehensive phase in the preteen years. Not every child needs it. Because you pay for two rounds, always get both phases quoted separately and check how insurance applies across them.

Can adults get braces, and does it cost more?

Yes, adults get braces and aligners routinely, at the same published price ranges as younger patients. The main cost difference is insurance: many dental plans exclude adult orthodontics entirely. Verify your plan's age limits before assuming coverage, and budget for the possibility of paying the full fee on a payment plan.