Kids of all ages have braces and treatment varies from child to child. The ideal time for placement is between 8-14 years of age while the head and mouth are still growing and teeth can be more easily straightened. The more complicated the spacing or biting problem and the older your child is, the longer the period of treatment, usually. Most kids can count on wearing full braces between 18-30 months, followed by the wearing of a retainer. The retainer sets and aligns the tissues around the straightened teeth and keeps the teeth from relapsing. Insufficient cleaning/oral hygiene while wearing braces can cause enamel staining around brackets or bands and may cause decay and gum problems.