Fixing crooked teeth or a misaligned bite often comes down to more than just aesthetics — these imperfections can affect everything from how well you chew your food to how confident you feel.
For expert orthodontics care in Chicago, Illinois, turn to Kimberly Chan, DDS, at Moskin Dental Associates. Dr. Chan offers effective treatments, including traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, to enhance the function and appearance of your smile.
What is the best age to start orthodontic treatment? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, but achieving a straighter smile is absolutely possible as an adult.
Seven years old might seem early for an orthodontic evaluation, especially if you haven’t noticed any obvious problems with your child’s teeth. However, this initial appointment isn’t necessarily about immediate intervention.
Instead, it’s a valuable opportunity for Dr. Chan to assess the growth of your child’s jaw and how their permanent (adult) teeth are emerging. Most kids have enough permanent teeth by this age that dentists can identify subtle developmental concerns or habits like thumb sucking that may affect alignment.
Spotting these signs early gives us the chance to explore less complex solutions, potentially saving young patients from more extensive orthodontic work in their teens. For instance, Dr. Chan may suggest a palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw or strategically removing certain baby teeth to guide adult teeth into better positions.
In many cases, no intervention is needed, and Dr. Chan simply monitors your child’s dental development during biannual dental checkups, catching any issues if they arise.
While an early consultation offers important insights, most kids start active orthodontic treatment, such as getting braces, between 9 and 14 years old. By this stage, the majority of permanent teeth have come in, giving Dr. Chan a complete picture of their alignment.
Because the jawbones are still growing during these years, orthodontic appliances can be particularly effective in correcting bite problems (malocclusions) like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. This active growth phase also makes the teeth more responsive to the force applied by the orthodontics.
Addressing oral issues in this age window often means less time spent wearing braces — typically around two years — compared to starting later, when growth is complete. Even if a child still has a few baby teeth, orthodontics may still be the right approach, depending on their individual needs.
Getting started early does have its advantages, but a straighter, more functional smile is achievable at any age — provided your teeth and gums are in good condition. If any periodontal disease or tooth decay is present, Dr. Chan addresses this first before moving forward with orthodontics.
Adults seek orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons, whether it’s addressing long-standing alignment issues, correcting new problems, or simply enhancing their appearance. Effective, discreet options like Invisalign make the process more appealing than ever.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of orthodontics for yourself or your child, contact Moskin Dental Associates in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood today.
