Can a Child Get Braces with Baby Teeth?
Yes, they absolutely can—and in many cases, they should.
If you’re a parent wondering whether it’s too early for your child to get braces because they still have baby teeth, you’re not alone. A lot of parents in the U.S. are surprised to learn that early orthodontic treatment—while baby teeth are still present—is not only common but often recommended. This is called Phase One Orthodontics, and it’s designed to guide your child’s jaw and dental development before their permanent teeth have fully come in.
We’ll walk you through exactly why, how, and when this happens—so you can feel confident making the right decision for your child’s smile.
✅ Key Takeaways (In a Nutshell)
- Yes, kids can get braces with baby teeth. It’s called early orthodontic treatment or Phase One treatment.
- Ideal age for evaluation: Around age 7—while your child still has baby teeth.
- Benefits: Prevents serious problems later by guiding jaw growth, reducing crowding, and correcting bite issues early.
Why Start Braces Early If Baby Teeth Are Still There?
It might feel counterintuitive—why treat teeth that are going to fall out anyway?
But here’s the deal: early orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening the baby teeth. It’s about shaping the path for how your child’s adult teeth will come in and how their jaws grow.
🦷 Real Examples of Early Treatment Benefits:
- Fixing Crossbites: A posterior crossbite (where upper back teeth bite inside the lower ones) can lead to jaw misalignment. A palatal expander gently widens the upper jaw, correcting the issue and creating more room for adult teeth.
- Preventing Overcrowding: If your child’s mouth is small, a space maintainer or partial braces can help preserve space for the permanent teeth that haven’t erupted yet.
- Correcting Bite Problems Early: Devices like functional appliances can help a lower jaw that’s growing too slowly or too quickly. These appliances encourage the jaw to grow forward or hold it back for better alignment later.
When Should a Child Be Evaluated?
Orthodontists in the U.S.—including the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)—recommend that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. That’s usually when they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth.
Why age 7?
- It’s early enough to detect growth and bite issues
- Jaw bones are still soft and responsive to change
- Treatment at this stage can prevent more complex, expensive treatment later
Even if your child doesn’t need braces right away, the orthodontist can create a growth monitoring plan and act only if issues arise.
What Types of Braces or Appliances Are Used with Baby Teeth?
Here’s a breakdown of what orthodontists may use during Phase One treatment, even when baby teeth are still present:
| Appliance Type | How It Works | What It Treats | Typical Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Braces | Attached to selected teeth (not full mouth) to guide alignment | Crooked front teeth, spacing issues | Ages 6–10 |
| Palatal Expander | Fits in the roof of the mouth, gently expands the jaw | Posterior crossbite, narrow upper jaw | Ages 6–9 |
| Space Maintainers | Hold space for adult teeth after early baby tooth loss | Prevents crowding and misalignment | Ages 5–10 |
| Functional Appliances | Help jaws grow in balance using guided movements | Overbite, underbite, small lower jaw | Ages 7–11 |
Each device is chosen based on what your child needs now to help their mouth develop in the healthiest way possible.
What Happens After Early Treatment?
After Phase One is complete, there’s usually a resting period—no braces, but not quite done yet either.
Here’s what happens next:
- Monitoring Period: Your child may wear a retainer or growth guidance appliance to hold the corrected position.
- Jaw and Tooth Tracking: Regular visits help the orthodontist check how permanent teeth are coming in.
- Phase Two Planning: Once all permanent teeth have erupted (around age 12–13), your child may begin Phase Two—full braces or aligners—if still needed.
This two-phase approach helps shorten the second round of treatment and improves final results.
How Much Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Prices vary, but here’s what you can expect in the U.S.:
| Treatment Type | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Palatal Expander | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Partial Braces | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Functional Appliances | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Space Maintainers | $300 – $1,000 |
💡 What Affects the Cost?
- Appliance Type: Expanders and functional appliances are usually less than full braces
- Complexity of the Case: More severe alignment or jaw issues may require longer or more complex treatments
- Geographic Location: Orthodontic costs vary widely between states and even cities
- Insurance Coverage: Some dental plans cover early treatment if it’s medically necessary
Always ask your orthodontist for a breakdown before starting treatment.
Choosing the Right Orthodontist for Your Child
Not all orthodontists specialize in early childhood treatment, so it’s important to ask the right questions.
Here’s what you should ask:
- “How many children have you treated with Phase One orthodontics?”
- “Have you used palatal expanders to treat crossbites? What were the outcomes?”
- “Do you have before-and-after cases of children around my child’s age?”
- “Will my child need Phase Two later, and what would that look like?”
You want an orthodontist who understands growth patterns, uses child-friendly equipment, and has a solid track record in early intervention.
conclusion:
To say it again: yes, a child can get braces with baby teeth. In fact, early orthodontic care can prevent bigger problems down the road. It’s not about rushing into treatment—it’s about stepping in at the right time to guide healthy jaw and dental development.
So if your child still has baby teeth but shows signs of crowding, misalignment, or bite issues—don’t wait. Book a consultation with a trusted orthodontist near you. Early action now can mean fewer issues (and less time in braces) later on.