Should My Child See an Orthodontist? The Best Age for Braces

Parents often ask about the right age for braces, what happens at the first visit and how costs work in Australia. In this guide, we explain the Australian Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation for first checks at age 6 to 7, what signs to watch for, the interceptive options we use, and how we help families plan treatment around school and budgets.

Why Early Checks Around Age 6 to 7 Matter

The Australian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic assessment when your child is around 6 to 7. By this age, the first permanent molars and front teeth are usually coming through. This lets us assess jaw growth, crowding, crossbites, extra or missing teeth and habits like thumb sucking that may affect development.

An early visit does not mean early braces. In many cases we reassure families and set up simple review visits as adult teeth erupt. When we do see an issue that could worsen with growth, timely interceptive care can reduce the need for extractions, shorten future treatment or lower the risk of dental trauma to prominent front teeth.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from an Orthodontic Check

Every child is different, and a quick specialist look can clarify concerns. Book a visit if you notice any of the following:

• Crossbite, where upper teeth bite inside the lowers
• Crowding or large gaps that persist as adult teeth erupt
• Early or late loss of baby teeth, or teeth that look stuck or not erupting
• Mouth breathing, snoring, or persistent thumb or finger sucking
• Underbite, overbite or front teeth that protrude and are prone to knocks
• Jaw shifting, clicking, or chewing difficulty

We welcome families from Norwest, Tallawong and the wider Hills District, including Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill and Blacktown.

What Happens at the First Visit

Your child’s first visit is friendly and low stress. A Specialist Orthodontist examines the teeth and bite, reviews dental and medical history and discusses goals. If needed, we use simple radiographs X-rays to check tooth positions, eruption paths and jaw relationships. These tools help us identify impacted or missing teeth early and plan the most efficient path forward.

You leave with clear guidance. This may be reassurance and review timing, or a written plan outlining interceptive options, likely timelines and an itemised quote. Child consultations start from AUD 80. We also offer free virtual screening through SmileSnap if you prefer to begin with remote photos.

Common Phase One Options and Timelines

Interceptive or Phase One treatment uses gentle, age-appropriate appliances to guide growth and prevent problems from escalating. Options include:

• Expansion plates or fixed expanders to correct a narrow upper jaw and crossbites
• Space maintainers to hold room for adult teeth after early loss of baby teeth
• Limited braces or partial aligners to correct specific tooth positions that risk damage or blockage of eruption
• Functional or orthopaedic appliances to influence jaw growth where indicated

Phase One usually runs for several months, often 6 to 12, depending on the goal. After this, most children have a rest period while teeth continue to erupt. Comprehensive treatment with full braces or Invisalign^® Teen often begins later, commonly in early to mid teens when most adult teeth are in. Full treatment duration typically ranges around 18 to 24 months, but it can vary with complexity and cooperation.

We plan appointments to minimise school disruption. Many families choose starts or key adjustments in school holidays. Remote monitoring tools can reduce in-person visits where appropriate.

The Best Age for Braces in Australia

There is no single perfect age for every child. For many, the ideal time for comprehensive braces is once the majority of adult teeth have erupted, usually between 11 and 14. That said, the best age for braces depends on growth, eruption sequence and the type of problem. The most reliable approach is an early check around 6 to 7, followed by periodic reviews so we can time treatment for maximum effect with minimal disruption.

Costs, Health Funds and Payment Plans

Families want clarity on fees. In Sydney, comprehensive orthodontic treatment commonly ranges from about AUD 3,000 to 9,000 depending on appliance type, complexity and duration. Exact fees are quoted after a specialist assessment and imaging. We offer interest-free payment plans through DentiCare to spread costs with no interest and no credit checks. Some private health funds provide orthodontic rebates. Benefits vary, often with annual and lifetime limits, so it is best to check your policy.

Braces are not typically free in Australia through the public system, except in limited hospital or public dental programs for specific medical or severe needs, which have strict criteria and wait lists. Most families access private Specialist Orthodontist care with or without private health fund support. Our team helps you navigate item numbers and prepare quotes for your fund.

For more on pricing and options, see our overview of the cost of braces in Sydney.

Local Care in Norwest and the Hills District

We are proud to care for families across the Hills District and North-West Sydney. Our Norwest clinic is close to Norwest Metro and parking, and our modern Tallawong clinic offers convenient access with free parking in Tallawong Village. If you are searching for a trusted orthodontist in the area, learn more about Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic and book at a time that suits your family.

If you are considering discreet options later on, you can explore clear aligners for teens and adults, including Invisalign^®, with our team. We are an Invisalign Diamond Provider and offer free in-house assessments with a Treatment Coordinator.

Learn more about braces for kids and teens on our treatment page. Considering clear options later? Read about Invisalign^® for adults and teens.

Quick FAQs for Parents

What Is the Best Age to Get Braces for a Child?

Often early to mid teens, when most adult teeth are present. The smartest first step is an assessment around age 6 to 7, then we time treatment to growth and eruption.

Can Kids Get Braces for Free in Australia?

Generally no. Public programs are limited to specific medical or severe cases. Most families use private Specialist Orthodontist care, sometimes with private health insurance rebates.

Can You Get Braces for Free in Australia?

Only in limited public settings for eligible cases. For most people, treatment is privately funded. We provide clear quotes, interest-free payment plans and help with health fund claims.

Next Steps

If your child is 6 to 7, or you have noticed bite or eruption concerns, an early check can make all the difference. Book a consultation at our Norwest clinic or arrange a free virtual assessment through SmileSnap to get personalised advice and a plan that suits your family and schedule.