Is your child ready for braces?
There is no single right age for braces. It depends on how your child's teeth and jaws are growing, and the honest answer is often not yet, or not quite. A specialist orthodontist can tell you exactly where your child is at, whether it is time to start, and whether waiting is the smarter move. The first check is free.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviews · Specialist orthodontist · First check from around age 7 · No referral needed
Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
When is the right time?
Most parents worry about leaving it too late. In truth, starting too early can mean treatment drags on for no reason. Here is how the timing usually works.
A first check by about 7
Orthodontists suggest a first look around age 7, while baby teeth are still in. Most children will not need anything yet, but it is the age problems first show up.
Often 9 to 13 for braces
Comprehensive braces usually start once enough adult teeth are through, often between about 9 and 13. Growing jaws help us get the best, most stable result.
Some do best starting early
A smaller number of children benefit from early treatment at about 7 to 10, to guide jaw growth or make room. We will only ever recommend it if it genuinely helps.
The only way to know which applies to your child is a proper look. A free Smile Assessment tells you exactly, with no pressure to start.
Signs it is worth getting checked
You do not need a dentist to refer you. If you notice any of these in your child, a free check is worthwhile, even just for peace of mind.
Early treatment, done gently
Real young Milk Orthodontics patients, treated by a specialist and shared with their permission. Caught at the right age, some problems are simple to put right.
See the full range of conditions we treat, more before and after results, or read about children's orthodontics.
Honest pricing, quoted up front
Early interceptive treatment starts from $4,500. If your child is likely to need both an early phase and later braces, we quote both together, usually $11,900 to $12,500, with an interest-free plan spread over around 30 months. Straightforward later treatment follows our standard pricing from $9,900, all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare. Family discounts apply for siblings, and you get an exact written quote after the free assessment.
Answered honestly
What is the best age for braces?
There is no single best age. Orthodontists suggest a first check by about age 7, most comprehensive braces start between about 9 and 13 once enough adult teeth are through, and a small number of children do best starting earlier. It depends on how your child is growing, and a specialist check tells you exactly which applies.
Is 7 too early to see an orthodontist?
No. Around 7 is the age orthodontists recommend a first look, while baby teeth are still in. Most children will not need any treatment yet, but it is when problems first show up, and a few things are much easier to fix while the jaws are still growing.
Should we start braces now or wait?
Sometimes waiting is the smarter move, and we will tell you honestly. We never start treatment that is not needed. A free Smile Assessment tells you whether it is time, too early, or worth watching, with no pressure either way.
Will my child need braces twice?
Some children have an early phase to guide growth or make room, then braces later once more adult teeth are through. That is called two-phase treatment. Many children only ever need one round. If two phases are likely, we quote both together so there are no surprises.
How much does early treatment cost?
Early interceptive treatment (Phase 1) starts from $4,500. If both an early phase and later braces are likely, we quote both together, usually $11,900 to $12,500, with an interest-free plan over around 30 months. You get an exact written quote after the free assessment.
Do we need a referral?
No. You can book directly, no referral needed, and the first Smile Assessment is free.
Find out if it is time, or not
A free 20 minute Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. No referral, no obligation, just an honest specialist answer on whether your child needs anything yet, and when.