What Age Can Kids Get Braces?.

By Charlie Sung | Updated: August 2026 | 7:34 min read

Most kids can start braces somewhere between 10 and 14 years old, but the conversation with your dentist should begin much earlier than that. If you have been wondering whether it is time to think about orthodontic treatment for your child, you are asking exactly the right question at exactly the right time.

This guide walks you through everything a parent needs to know: when to book that first check, what signs to look out for, which types of braces suit children best, and how to make it all financially manageable.

The Short Answer: What Age Can Kids Get Braces?

The honest answer is that it depends on your child, not their birthday. There are, however, two separate milestones that every parent should understand, because confusing them is one of the most common mistakes families make.

First Assessment vs. Actually Starting Braces

An orthodontic assessment and actually getting braces fitted are two very different things. The assessment is a check to see how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing. Getting braces is the active treatment phase, which usually comes later. Many parents wait until their child is already a teenager to even consider booking that first appointment. By then, opportunities for simpler and earlier corrections can already be missed.

Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number for a First Check

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic assessment by around age 7. At this stage, your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which gives a dentist or orthodontist the clearest window to spot any developing problems with the jaw, bite, or tooth spacing.

This does not mean your 7-year-old will walk out wearing metal brackets. For most children, the outcome of an early check is simply a monitoring plan. The dentist will watch how the teeth come through and advise you on the right time to act.

Signs Your Child May Need Braces

You know your child better than anyone. Here are a few things worth watching at home that could indicate a visit to the dentist is overdue.

Bite and Jaw Issues to Watch For

A malocclusion is the clinical term for when the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. Common types include overbites, underbites, and crossbites. If you notice your child’s jaw shifts to one side when they bite down, or their top and bottom teeth do not align naturally when the mouth is closed, it is worth getting a professional check.

Tooth Spacing and Crowding Signs

Crowding happens when there is not enough room in the jaw for all the adult teeth to sit properly. You might notice teeth coming through twisted, overlapping, or appearing behind baby teeth that have not yet fallen out. Early spacing issues, where teeth are too far apart, can also affect your child’s speech development and confidence at school.

When to Act Sooner Rather Than Later

Some children lose baby teeth earlier than expected due to decay or injury. This can cause the surrounding teeth to drift and crowd the space where adult teeth should emerge. If your child has lost teeth prematurely, do not wait for a routine schedule. Mention it to the dentist at your next visit and ask whether an orthodontic check would be worthwhile.

Understanding the Two Phases of Children’s Orthodontic Treatment

Not every child needs two phases of treatment, but it helps to understand how orthodontists think about timing before you walk into a consultation.

Phase 1: Early Interceptive Treatment (Ages 7 to 10)

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating space for adult teeth while the child is still actively growing. This phase does not always involve full braces. It might include a palate expander, partial braces, or simple appliances that help redirect how the jaw develops.

The goal is to prevent complex problems from forming in the first place, rather than fixing them once they are fully established. Early treatment can often shorten or simplify the second phase significantly.

Phase 2: Full Braces Treatment (Ages 10 to 14)

This is what most people picture when they think about kids getting braces. By age 10 to 14, most or all of the permanent teeth have come through, and full orthodontic treatment can begin. According to Orthodontics Australia, the majority of children who need braces start this phase somewhere between 10 and 14 years old, though there is no rigid cutoff. Treatment at this stage typically takes between 12 and 24 months depending on the level of correction needed.

What Type of Braces Are Best for Kids?

Here is where parents often feel overwhelmed, because there are several solid options and each one suits a different situation. At Choice Dental in Browns Plains, we offer a full range so your child’s treatment can be tailored to their specific needs, comfort level, and budget.

Metal Braces: The Tried and Tested Option

Traditional metal braces use brackets bonded directly to the teeth and connected by a wire that gradually shifts them into the correct position. They are the most effective option for complex corrections and work consistently because they cannot be removed. They are also the most affordable type, which makes them the most commonly chosen option for children.

Damon Braces: A More Comfortable Modern Choice

Damon braces use a self-ligating slide mechanism instead of the rubber bands used in traditional braces. This reduces friction on the wire and often means fewer adjustment visits are needed. They come in both metal and clear versions, making them a popular middle-ground option for children who want something a little less visible but still reliable.

Clear Braces: For Kids Who Care About Appearance

Clear ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-coloured or transparent brackets. They are far less noticeable during everyday life and do not stain easily, which makes them a great option for older children or teenagers who are conscious about how they look in photos or at school.

Invisalign: Is It Right for Children?

Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. They work well for children who are responsible enough to wear them consistently for 20 to 22 hours per day. The removable nature means brushing and flossing stays easy throughout treatment, but it also means the aligners will not work if they are regularly left sitting on the kitchen bench. Your dentist at Choice Dental will help you decide whether Invisalign is the right fit based on your child’s age, dental needs, and lifestyle.

How Much Do Kids’ Braces Cost in Australia?

Cost is one of the first questions parents ask, and rightly so. Here is what you need to know for families in Queensland.

Typical Cost Range

At Choice Dental, the ballpark cost for braces sits between $6,900 and $8,000 for most cases. The exact figure depends on the type of braces chosen, the complexity of treatment, and how long your child will need to wear them.

Private Health Insurance and Orthodontic Cover

Many private health insurance plans offer orthodontic cover under their extras policies. Cover levels vary significantly between funds, so it is worth calling your insurer before booking a consultation. Choice Dental is a preferred provider for BUPA, NIB, HCF, and TUH, which can make a meaningful difference to your out-of-pocket costs.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a program that provides eligible children aged 2 to 17 with up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years. Braces themselves are not covered under the CDBS, but the program does cover general dental care including checkups, x-rays, and cleanings, which keeps your child’s overall oral health on track before and during orthodontic treatment. Choice Dental is a registered CDBS provider.

Flexible Payment Plans

If the upfront cost feels out of reach, flexible payment options through Zip are available at Choice Dental, allowing you to spread the cost over time without a large lump-sum payment at the start.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Getting Braces

Is 7 too young to get braces?

Seven is the right age for a first orthodontic assessment, not for starting treatment. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends this early evaluation so that developing issues can be identified while the jaw is still growing. Actual braces treatment rarely begins before age 10.

Can a 10-year-old get braces?

Yes, absolutely. Many children begin full orthodontic treatment around ages 10 to 12, particularly when most of their adult teeth have come through. The right timing depends on your individual child’s development, which is why a professional assessment is always the best starting point.

Does my child need a referral to get a braces consultation?

No referral is needed at Choice Dental. You can call the team directly on (07) 3809 3320 and they will organise the initial assessment from there.

How long will my child need to wear braces?

Treatment duration varies depending on how much correction is needed, but most children wear braces for between 12 and 24 months. Your dentist will give a more specific estimate after reviewing your child’s teeth and x-rays at the consultation.

What happens after braces come off?

Once braces are removed, a retainer is usually required to hold the teeth in their new position while the surrounding bone settles. This step is critical and should not be skipped, as teeth can shift back without a retainer in place.

Is It Time to Book That First Check?

If your child is approaching age 7, or if you have already noticed crowding, bite issues, or unusual jaw movement, the best thing you can do right now is book an assessment. The earlier a problem is identified, the simpler and more cost-effective the solution tends to be.

At Choice Dental in Browns Plains, we offer orthodontic care for children and families across Browns Plains, Logan City, Heritage Park, Regents Park, Marsden, Park Ridge, Crestmead, Drewvale, and surrounding suburbs.

Call us on (07) 3809 3320 or book your appointment online today.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.