__NUXT_JSONP__("/how-old-do-you-need-to-be-to-start-braces", (function(a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o,p,q,r,s,t,u,v,w,x,y){return {data:[{props:{title:"How Old do you need to be to Start Braces?",slug:e,seo:{page_title:f,page_description:"The age to start orthodontics is dependent on the reason for treatment.  There are two general categories of orthodontic treatment: Two-Phase Treatment (Phase I and Phase II) and Comprehensive Treatment.  Orthodontic treatment includes braces, clear ",page_keywords:a,additional_settings:g,social_meta:{og_meta:{title:a,description:a,image:a}}},blog:{title:f,date:"Aug 19, 2022",image:{src:"https:\u002F\u002Fd1bhomdc1zzbl0.cloudfront.net\u002Fblog\u002Fblog1.jpg",webp:"https:\u002F\u002Fd1bhomdc1zzbl0.cloudfront.net\u002Fblog\u002Fblog1.webp"},body:"The age to start orthodontics is dependent on the reason for treatment. There are two general categories of orthodontic treatment: Two-Phase Treatment (Phase I and Phase II) and Comprehensive Treatment. Orthodontic treatment includes braces, clear aligner systems like Invisalign®, or other intra-oral appliances.\r\n\r\nIn this article, you’ll learn:\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#two-phase\"\u003EWhat is Two-Phase Treatment?\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#phase-i\"\u003EWhat is Phase I Treatment and when does it start?\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#phase-ii\"\u003EWhat is Phase II Treatment and when does it start?\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#ortho-recommend\"\u003EDo all orthodontists recommend two phases of braces?\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#comprehensive-treatment\"\u003EWhat is Comprehensive Treatment and when does it start?\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#treatment-effective\"\u003EIs orthodontic treatment effective for adults?\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\r\n\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"custom-blog-single__image\" style=\"object-position: center center;\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fd1bhomdc1zzbl0.cloudfront.net\u002Fblog\u002Fblog1.jpg\" alt=\"www.garfinkleortho.com image for section - blog main image\" \u002F\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\r\n \r\n\u003Ch2\u003EWhat is Two-Phase Treatment?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\r\n \r\n\r\nTwo-Phase Treatment means that instead of one phase of orthodontic treatment once all of the permanent teeth are in, your child will have two rounds of treatment:\r\n\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: none;\"\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPhase I- \u003C\u002Fb\u003E“Interceptive Treatment,” before all of the permanent teeth have erupted\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPhase II- \u003C\u002Fb\u003EAfter all of the permanent teeth have erupted\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\r\n \r\n\u003Ch2\u003EWhat is Phase I Treatment and when does it start?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\r\n \r\n\r\nThe American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends an \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww3.aaoinfo.org\u002Fblog\u002Fparent-s-guide-post\u002Funderstanding-early-check-ups\u002F#:~:text=The%20American%20Association%20of%20Orthodontists,(primary)%20and%20permanent%20teeth.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003Einitial orthodontic screening at the age of 7 years.\u003C\u002Fa\u003E While this may seem early to start bringing your child to the orthodontist, changes in the developing teeth and jaws should have regular monitoring. Most orthodontists are happy to provide an evaluation if you or your child’s dentist has concerns before age 7. Dental cleanings and check-ups are important, but they are not substitutes for an orthodontic evaluation.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u003Cb\u003EPhase I usually occurs between 7-10 years,\u003C\u002Fb\u003E when there is a mix of permanent and baby teeth. Phase I treatment has specific goals like correcting a crossbite, making room for permanent teeth, or correcting severe jaw imbalance. This treatment usually takes one year or less and involves braces, clear aligners, and other appliances. After Phase I is complete, your orthodontist may provide a retainer for your child to wear to maintain progress.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIf Phase I treatment is not recommended, annual visits are standard to monitor the eruption of your child’s tooth and jaw development.\r\n\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"custom-blog-single__image\" style=\"object-position: center center;\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fd1bhomdc1zzbl0.cloudfront.net\u002Fblog\u002Fage_to_start_braces.JPG\" alt=\"www.garfinkleortho.com image for section - ages infographic\" \u002F\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\r\n \r\n\u003Ch2\u003EWhat is Phase II Treatment and when does it start?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\r\n \r\n\r\nPhase II treatment is the final correction of the bite (how the teeth fit together when you bite down) and tooth position for optimal function, aesthetics, and health. \u003Cb\u003EPhase II treatment usually begins between 12-14 years\u003C\u002Fb\u003E after all permanent teeth erupt. This phase of treatment usually takes 12-24 months using braces or clear aligners.\r\n\r\n \r\n\u003Ch2\u003EDo all orthodontists recommend two phases of braces?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\r\n \r\n\r\nBecause every doctor is a little different, you will likely get varying recommendations from each orthodontic consultation. Orthodontists usually fall into one of three categories for recommending early treatment:\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003EAll young patients receive Phase I orthodontic treatment\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003EAll patients wait until all of the permanent teeth have erupted before starting any treatment\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n \t\u003Cli aria-level=\"1\"\u003EPhase I treatment is recommended if it can achieve a better outcome now than waiting until all the permanent teeth are in (this is Dr. Garfinkle’s preference)\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\r\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\r\nIf you’re unsure about your orthodontist’s recommendation, seek a second opinion to learn what options are available to you while also gaining a better understanding of what is best for your child.\r\n\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" class=\"custom-blog-single__image\" style=\"object-position: center center;\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fd1bhomdc1zzbl0.cloudfront.net\u002Fblog\u002FBraces_and_PHI_PHII.JPG\" alt=\"www.garfinkleortho.com image for section - AAO\" \u002F\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003EAmerican Association of Orthodontists (AAO)\u003C\u002Ffigcaption\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\r\n \r\n\u003Ch2\u003EWhat is Comprehensive Treatment and when does it start?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\r\n \r\n\r\nComprehensive treatment is a single round of orthodontics that occurs after all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Like Phase II treatment, the goal is to correct the bite and tooth position for optimal function, esthetics, and health. \u003Cb\u003EComprehensive treatment can start anytime after all the permanent teeth have erupted, around 12-14 years.\u003C\u002Fb\u003E Some orthodontists may recommend treatment before the second molars have erupted, but we have found that this generally leads to longer treatment times.\r\n\r\n \r\n\u003Ch2\u003EIs orthodontic treatment effective for adults?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\r\n \r\n\r\nMany people think orthodontic treatment is just for kids, but according to the AAO, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww3.aaoinfo.org\u002F_\u002Fadult-orthodontics\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E1 in 4 orthodontic patients are adults.\u003C\u002Fa\u003E Adults seek orthodontics to improve the alignment of their teeth, correction of their bite, or even in conjunction with jaw surgery to treat sleep apnea. Orthodontics is safe and effective for adults under the care of a trained Orthodontic Specialist, ideally one that is Board Certified. While there is no age limit for orthodontics, your doctor will evaluate your needs to see if clear aligners or braces will help you achieve your goals.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u003Cb\u003ETeeth continue to move throughout our lives,\u003C\u002Fb\u003E so if you don’t like the appearance of your teeth, you can choose orthodontic treatment to improve your smile, or you can get a nighttime retainer to keep your teeth from shifting further.\r\n\r\n \r\n\u003Ch2\u003EThe Takeaway\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\r\n \r\n\r\nThe AAO and Dr. Garfinkle recommend an orthodontic evaluation starting at seven years of age, with annual check-ups to evaluate tooth and jaw development. At Garfinkle Orthodontics, these visits are complimentary until your child begins treatment, giving you an excellent opportunity to gather information and consider the timing for orthodontics. Comprehensive treatment can begin anytime after all of the permanent teeth have erupted.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWith photos, measurements, and a discussion with your orthodontist, you can learn if orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners would benefit you or your child. No referral is necessary, but you can ask your dentist for recommendations or search for a board-certified orthodontist on the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aaoinfo.org\u002Flocator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003EAAO website.\u003C\u002Fa\u003E",tagline:"We're conveniently located in SW Portland, serving Beaverton, the Pearl District, Lake Oswego, and surrounding areas.",author:{image:{src:"https:\u002F\u002Fd1bhomdc1zzbl0.cloudfront.net\u002Fblog\u002FErin.png",webp:"https:\u002F\u002Fd1bhomdc1zzbl0.cloudfront.net\u002Fblog\u002FErin.webp"},description:"\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003EErin Fortman\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E is a long-time employee of Garfinkle Orthodontics, working as our Marketing and Treatment Coordinator. She is a mother of two young children and a former patient of Dr. Garfinkle, which provides her with a unique and in-depth understanding of the orthodontic process as it relates to the concerns of our patients and their parents."},second_author:{image:{src:a,webp:a},description:a}}},global:{title:b,slug:b,phone:{number:c,href:d},email:h,company_name:i,address:{text:j,href:k},emergency_phone:{text:l,href:m},fax:n,hours:o,socials:[{icon:p,link:q},{icon:r,link:s},{icon:t,link:u},{icon:v,link:w},{icon:x,link:y}],google_phone:{href:d,number:c}},blogs:[{link:"\u002Fdr-garfinkle-the-best-orthodontist-in-portland",slug:"dr-garfinkle-the-best-orthodontist-in-portland"},{link:"\u002Faffordable-invisalign-in-portland-by-dr-garfinkle",slug:"affordable-invisalign-in-portland-by-dr-garfinkle"},{link:"\u002Ftooth-decay-and-oral-hygiene-during-orthodontic-treatment",slug:"tooth-decay-and-oral-hygiene-during-orthodontic-treatment"},{link:"\u002Funderstanding-your-orthodontic-insurance-coverage",slug:"understanding-your-orthodontic-insurance-coverage"},{link:"\u002Fclear-aligners-vs-traditional-metal-braces",slug:"clear-aligners-vs-traditional-metal-braces"},{link:"\u002Fmental-health-and-oral-hygiene",slug:"mental-health-and-oral-hygiene"},{link:"\u002Fmedical-and-dental-insurance-for-orthodontics",slug:"medical-and-dental-insurance-for-orthodontics"},{link:"\u002Fwhat-can-i-eat-with-braces-and-invisalign",slug:"what-can-i-eat-with-braces-and-invisalign"},{link:"\u002Fcrafting-smiles-that-elevate-the-spirit-a-chat-with-dr-judah",slug:"crafting-smiles-that-elevate-the-spirit-a-chat-with-dr-judah"},{link:"\u002Fhow-much-does-orthodontic-treatment-cost",slug:"how-much-does-orthodontic-treatment-cost"},{link:"\u002Fis-phase-i-and-phase-ii-orthodontic-treatment-necessary-for-everyone",slug:"is-phase-i-and-phase-ii-orthodontic-treatment-necessary-for-everyone"},{link:"\u002Fhow-old-do-you-need-to-be-to-start-braces",slug:e}]}],fetch:{"0":{isMobile:g,props:{title:b,slug:b,phone:{number:c,href:d},email:h,company_name:i,address:{text:j,href:k},emergency_phone:{text:l,href:m},fax:n,hours:o,socials:[{icon:p,link:q},{icon:r,link:s},{icon:t,link:u},{icon:v,link:w},{icon:x,link:y}],google_phone:{href:d,number:c}},lastScrollPosition:0,debounceLastTimeout:null}},mutations:[]}}("","global","503 • 246 • 9802","tel:+15032469802","how-old-do-you-need-to-be-to-start-braces","How Old Do You Need to Be to Start Braces?",false,"info@garfinkleortho.com","Garfinkle Orthodontics","1820 SW Vermont St., Suite O\u003Cbr\u003EPortland, OR 97219","https:\u002F\u002Fgoo.gl\u002Fmaps\u002FDqzyspobVrsGz6PD6","503 • 430 • 9207","tel:+15034309207","503 • 246 • 9995","M - Th: 8a - 5p","facebook","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fgarfinkleortho\u002F","instagram","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fgarfinkleortho\u002F","youtube","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fchannel\u002FUCYVVyUenl1jK8-RzPwS11Jw","google-simple","https:\u002F\u002Fg.page\u002Fr\u002FCePxl0rYtLT-EAE","tiktok","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tiktok.com\u002F@garfinkleortho?lang=en")));