When Is the Right Time to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
Insights from Dental Experts for a Healthy, Confident Smile
Knowing the right time to begin orthodontic treatment (like braces or aligners) can make a big difference in both oral health and treatment outcome. At Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham, we often get asked by parents and adults when to start treatment — and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
🦷 Early Dental Development: Why It Matters
Healthy primary (baby) teeth hold space for adult teeth and help guide them as they erupt. Regular dental check-ups from a young age help us monitor this development and spot potential concerns early. Early dental monitoring is crucial so that issues that affect the bite can be detected and addressed promptly.
📆 When Should a Child First Be Assessed?
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) recommends that most children have an initial orthodontic assessment around the age of 7. At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives dentists and orthodontists a good opportunity to identify how the jaws and teeth are developing. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean immediate treatment, but it helps clinicians plan the right timing for intervention if needed.
Key point: Early assessment is often about monitoring rather than starting treatment straight away.
🧠 Why Not Start Treatment Too Early?
Many orthodontic treatments are most effective when the permanent teeth are in place and the jaws are still growing — typically during the late mixed to early permanent dentition stage, between about 10 and 14 years. This is when most orthodontic movements can take advantage of natural growth and yield stronger, more stable results.
Starting active treatment too young can mean:
- Longer treatment times
- Less predictable outcomes
- Potential need for additional treatment stages later
🔍 Exceptions: When Early Intervention Helps
There are situations where earlier treatment is beneficial, and an orthodontic assessment can help identify these. Examples include:
- Severe bite problems (like underbites or crossbites)
- Difficulties with jaw growth or noticeable asymmetry
- Gaps due to missing teeth or extra (supernumerary) teeth
- Early crowding that may complicate later development
In these cases, early interceptive treatment may prevent more complex issues later.
👨👩👧 Adults and Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children — adults at any age can benefit from straighter teeth and an improved bite. On the NHS, treatment for patients aged 18+ is generally only funded for complex skeletal or dental needs. Private treatment remains widely available and can be tailored to aesthetic and functional goals.
🦷 Summary: What to Remember
| Stage | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Around age 7 | First orthodontic assessment recommended |
| Ages 10–14 | Most common and “optimal window” for active treatment |
| Adults | Still possible — often through private care |
| Early/complex cases | Early assessment and possible interceptive treatment |
📝 Final Thoughts
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham, we believe in timely, personalised orthodontic care. The “right time” is unique to each patient — guided by a careful professional evaluation. Early assessment helps inform the best path forward, while appropriate timing ensures treatment is efficient, effective, and kind to your smile.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time for an orthodontic assessment — for a child or an adult — book a consultation with our team today. Let’s create a treatment plan that’s right for you.