Dec 16, 2025

When Should Kids Get Braces? A Supportive Guide For Families

If you are wondering when the right time is for your child to have braces, you are not alone. The timing can feel confusing, especially when you hear different opinions from friends, school mums and even dental professionals. This guide explains when to book an orthodontic check, what Phase 1 treatment involves, and how costs and rebates work in Australia. You will also find practical tips and examples from our team at Evolve Orthodontics to help you feel confident about your next step.

The best age to see an orthodontist

• First assessment: Age seven to eight is ideal for an initial orthodontic assessment.
• Why so early: At this age, your child still has baby teeth and growing jaws. An early check lets us spot problems such as crossbites, crowding, underbites or habits that affect growth.
• Not always treatment: Many children do not need treatment right away. We often monitor growth and tooth eruption until the teen years.

In many cases, comprehensive braces or aligners are timed for when most adult teeth have come through, usually between ages 11 and 14. That timing supports efficient tooth movement and stable results. If we see a developing issue that benefits from early correction, we will discuss Phase 1 options.

What is Phase 1 treatment?

Phase 1 treatment is early, targeted care that guides jaw growth and creates space for adult teeth. It is not just about straightening, it is about setting the foundation for a healthier bite. Common Phase 1 options include:

• Palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw and correct crossbites.
• Partial braces on selected teeth to guide eruption.
• Removable plates for minor corrections.
• Habit appliances to help with thumb or finger sucking.

Typical timeframe: 6 to 12 months, followed by a rest and growth phase. Some children then have a simpler, shorter Phase 2 in their early teens, which might be full braces or clear aligners.

At Evolve Orthodontics, we plan all treatment digitally, then tailor appliances to your child. For example, LightForce™ braces are designed from your child’s scan, which can improve comfort and precision.

Signs your child could benefit from an early check

• Crossbite or underbite when biting together
• Crowding or teeth erupting in unusual positions
• Mouth breathing, snoring or speech concerns
• Thumb or finger sucking beyond age six
• Prolonged dummy use
• Early loss of baby teeth due to decay or injury

If you notice any of these, book an early assessment. A quick look can prevent complex problems later.

Braces or aligners, what are the options?

Every child is different. Your Specialist Orthodontist will explain the pros and cons of each option for your child’s bite, lifestyle and goals.

• Braces: Metal, ceramic or LightForce^™ custom 3D-printed braces. These are fixed, efficient and work for a wide range of cases.
• Clear aligners: Invisalign^®, Spark Aligners and Angel Aligners are popular with teens who prefer a discreet, removable option. Success relies on wear time, usually 20 to 22 hours per day.

We also use Dental Monitoring to review weekly progress from home, which helps busy families manage fewer in-clinic visits while keeping treatment on track.

Costs in Australia: what to expect

Exact costs vary based on complexity and time in treatment. To help you plan, here is a general overview:

• Initial consultation: Free at Evolve Orthodontics. This includes a 3D scan, photos and a discussion of options and timelines.
• Digital planning fee: $120 after you decide to start. This covers detailed digital planning by a Specialist Orthodontist.
• Comprehensive treatment: Many families choose interest-free payment plans. As an example, some plans start from about $67 per week depending on deposit and total fee.
• Early interceptive care: Phase 1 varies by appliance and duration. We outline total costs and payment options before you commit.
• Extras: Dental Monitoring is included for eligible patients at no additional cost. Retainers are part of the plan and we explain replacement fees if needed.

Tip: If you have orthodontic cover with your private health fund, ask about your annual limits and rollover dates. Starting before 30 June may allow some families to claim across two financial years, depending on fund rules.

Are braces covered by Medicare?

In most cases, Medicare does not cover elective orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners. Limited exceptions apply where treatment is part of a broader medical condition or eligible public health program. Your GP or Specialist can advise if your child’s situation meets a specific medical criterion, but for most families, private health insurance is the primary rebate pathway.

Can kids get braces for free in Australia?

Fully free braces are uncommon in the private system. Some public dental services offer orthodontic care for children with significant clinical need, often with strict eligibility criteria and wait lists. Access varies by state and territory. If you think your child may qualify, contact your local public dental service for assessment steps. Many families prefer private specialist care for choice of timing, appliances and convenience, supported by health fund rebates.

How private health funds can help

If you have extras cover for orthodontics, your fund may contribute to treatment costs up to an annual or lifetime limit. To prepare:

• Ask your fund about waiting periods for orthodontics.
• Confirm annual and lifetime limits, and when benefits reset.
• Request a written quote from us to submit for a pre-assessment.

Our Treatment Coordinators help you navigate rebates and structure a payment plan that suits your budget.

Real examples of early success

These outcomes are common when we act at the right time. Early does not always mean braces, it means smart, evidence based prevention.

• Crossbite correction: A seven year old with a narrow upper jaw used an expander for several months. The crossbite resolved, breathing improved at night and adult teeth had more space to erupt. Phase 2 later was shorter and simpler.
• Crowding relief: A nine year old with severe crowding had early expansion and limited braces. By the teen years, adult teeth aligned more predictably, which reduced total time in full braces.

These outcomes are common when we act at the right time. Early does not always mean braces, it means smart, evidence based prevention.

How to get started

• Book a free consultation: We will scan, assess and explain your child’s options with clear timelines and fees.
• Ask questions: Bring concerns about sport, school photos, musical instruments or sensory needs. We tailor care for each child.
• Consider convenience: With our remote check-ins, you can save travel time while staying closely connected to your Specialist Orthodontist.

If you are seeking an experienced team close to home, you can book with an Albury orthodontist, visit our Wangaratta or Yarrawonga clinics, or chat to us about aligners and braces for kids. We are here to help you choose the right path at the right time.

Key takeaways for families

• First check around age seven to eight. Many children do not need treatment yet, but early insight matters.
• Phase 1 can guide growth and create space, which often makes teen treatment simpler.
• Costs are transparent, with interest-free plans and health fund support where available.
• Medicare generally does not cover routine braces, and fully free braces are rare in private care.
• Personalised planning and modern tools, including LightForce™ and Dental Monitoring, help deliver efficient, comfortable care.

You do not need all the answers before you book. That is our job. If you are comparing options or ready to start, our Specialist Orthodontists will guide you with clear advice, flexible plans and a warm, family friendly approach.