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What is the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontist Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates in Forest Hills, NY

For some patients, orthodontic treatment may be appropriate as they’re beginning elementary school. For others, the right timing may be closer to the start of high school. The appropriate time to start orthodontic treatment isn’t based on a specific age. Instead, it depends on the type of problem that exists and the physical development of the patient.

Emanuel Mizrahi, DDS, of Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates in Forest Hills, New York, provides professional orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults. After a thorough examination, Dr. Mizrahi develops a customized treatment plan and timeline to deliver the best possible results.

Whether treatment involves traditional braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, or Damon Clear® self-ligating braces, Dr. Mizrahi has the expertise necessary to help patients achieve stunning smiles. In this blog, Dr. Mizrahi, explains how timing affects orthodontic treatment.

Early evaluation

Whether your child is exhibiting visible orthodontic issues or not, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have an initial orthodontic exam by age 7 unless their dentist advises a visit at an earlier age. While an evaluation is recommended at this age, it doesn’t mean that your child will require treatment.

At age 7, most children have enough permanent teeth to allow an orthodontist to evaluate how their teeth and jaws are developing. Even though your child may still have some baby teeth, starting some types of orthodontic treatment at this stage may prevent issues from becoming more complex problems.

When necessary, treatment at an early age may be easier, because your child’s jawbones are still developing, so they’re softer and more malleable. This means it may be easier to treat some conditions before the jawbones become denser with age.

Beginning treatment

An early evaluation can help an orthodontist identify the following conditions that may require early intervention:

  • Underbite, overbite, crossbite, or another abnormal bite pattern
  • Excessively spaced teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Missing or extra teeth
  • Improper growth of jawbones or facial bones
  • TMJ disorders

If your child has a problem that requires early intervention, it may require correction with braces or another type of dental appliance. Treatment at this stage is often called “Stage 1” or interceptive orthodontics, and it usually doesn’t involve straightening crooked teeth.

Stage 1 treatment may include the use of fixed or removable appliances that can change the position of the jaw, move teeth, or hold teeth in their proper positions. A palatal expander is one example of a Stage 1 appliance. This can be used to expand the roof of the mouth to make room for permanent teeth to erupt.

Most children who undergo Stage 1 treatment return for Stage 2 treatment, which typically involves straightening their teeth once their permanent ones are in place. For many children, having Stage 1 treatment can make Stage 2 treatment faster and less complicated.

If your child doesn’t need Stage 1 treatment, their orthodontic treatment will likely begin when most of their permanent teeth have erupted, typically between ages 8-14.

Teens and adults

While it’s considered optimal to begin orthodontic treatment while a child’s jaws are still developing, you can correct orthodontic problems at any age. Today’s dental technology can correct all types of cosmetic and functional orthodontic problems for patients in their teens and older. In fact, adults represent one in four orthodontic patients.

Leaving orthodontic problems untreated can cause damage to your teeth, gums, and jawbones, and it can also make it more difficult to maintain daily dental hygiene. But with treatment options that are less noticeable and more convenient than traditional braces, orthodontics can be a manageable process for older teens and adults.

Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child or yourself, there’s no time like the present to take the first step. To get a personal consultation, book an appointment over the phone with Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates today.

Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates in Forest Hills, NY

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Experience 5-Star Care

Creating lasting relationships with our patients means we’ve been able to see the smiles of multiple family generations. 

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tsvi P.
True professional. Guided us well about treatment options and possible outcomes. Well organized office. His crew was supportive and friendly as well. Highly recommended.
Melina R.
i was very pleased with my visit at Emanuel Mizrahi clinic. i needed to get a serious check up for my teeth. first, i was very well greeted by the receptionist. them during the check up everything was throughly explained to me in regards to what i need to get done by Dr. Emanuel Mizrahi ,he is a very trustworthy and professional dentist and i will be coming back for my dental needs🦷✨
ELI N.
I could not have been more happier and satisfied with how my teeth came out from dr Mizrahi! Thank you to him and his team for making my smile great again!!
rita L.
Dr. Mizrahi is knowledgeable and patience. Facility is clean and organized, I would've recommend my friends to come here.
Naoko M.
Great doctor, great stuff and great vibes. Highly recommended!!
I had my teeth alignment fixed with Invisalign and they looks great now. I could say my case was a bit complicated with implant, although Dr.Mizrahi and stuff did wonderful job with what I wanted to do which was fixing my teeth alignment before putting implant for my front left tooth that I got damaged by the accident. Because it was front, I worried that how it will look with Invisalign but they fill the tooth well and no one noticed that I was wearing it or tooth missing. First day for Invisalign, the stuff got out of her way and made sure I received it immediately. After finished with treatment, successfully able to put implant and my teeth looks great! Also, last but not least, their office is always clean and gives me good feeling. Probably something to do with the place and people who work there. I am always feeling great when I leaving the office. Thank you so much for such a great works.
Yamil B.
Doctor Emanuel was able to avoid surgery with aligner treatment and the assistants were very nice
Lauren
I can’t thank Dr. Mizrahi and his lovely staff enough. I’ve been a patient of his for 7yrs now and each visit has been always pleasant. The office is always clean & very spacious. Dr. Mizrahi and his assistants are very professional. I loved when I got my braces & I must say loved coming every time for my monthly check ups. Had a great experience with my braces ( actually kind of miss them lol ) but overall I’m so happy with my outcome it’s been a few years now and I’m still HAPPY with my results 😁😁😁😁 if your looking for GREAT WORK & Service don’t hesitate to book appointment for yourself or your little ones you won’t be disappointed Trust me. I highly recommend Dr. Mizrahi and his staff to anyone in need. Thank so much again for turning my shy smile to a big smile 😃😁🦷
Anna G.
*Update May 2025*

Dr. Mizrahi is a brilliant and compassionate orthodontist. As someone who grew up with no dental care my case was rather complicated. He helps you to navigate through your case with profound knowledge and experience. I have worked with quite a few dentists in the past few years, so I can tell the difference. His office is also clean, organized and brings you a sense of warmth. His staff are all courteous and caring.

Dr. Mizrahi and his team are truly the best.
Kenesha Traynham- C.
Dr. Emanuel Mizrahi is absolutely amazing ! The office is so professional and accommodating. They’re more like our family and they’ve been with her all throughout her junior hs and prepared her well for her first hs year. We are so appreciative and happy with his work!
Nahomy Felicita A.
amazing orthodontist
Patient Testimonial Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates in Forest Hills, NY
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