Many parents inquire about how old their child must be to receive orthodontic treatment. The answer is that there is no single answer to this question. Instead, it depends on a number of factors, including the child’s age, the severity of the problem, and the child’s overall dental health. In general, however, dentists usually recommend that children be at least seven years old before starting orthodontic treatment. This gives them time to develop enough teeth so that we can get an accurate picture of their bite and correct any problems early on. Additionally, seven-year-olds are generally more cooperative during treatment and have fewer gum and tooth problems than younger children. If you’re unsure about whether your child is ready for orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your options.