At Frey Orthodontics, we like to believe that the power of a happy, healthy smile can work literal miracles in people’s lives — at any age! Confidence and health can make all the difference, and we’re proud to offer the best in the business when it comes to Naperville and Algonquin orthodontic care. Let’s get into it! 

Why Timing Matters in Orthodontics

Orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth—it’s about working with your body’s natural growth to create a healthy, functional, confident smile. That’s why timing plays such a big role. The right age to start treatment isn’t the same for everyone, but understanding how growth affects outcomes can make a big difference in what treatment looks like and how long it lasts.

Teeth and jaws develop in stages

As children grow, their jaws and facial structures change rapidly. Orthodontists can use this natural growth to their advantage when evaluating spacing, crowding, or bite issues. By monitoring development at the right age, we can spot early signs of problems that may be easier—and faster—to address while the jaws are still growing.

Waiting until all the adult teeth are in may work for some patients, but for others, that could mean missing the window to correct skeletal issues that become more complex later.

Early treatment can reduce the need for future procedures

In some cases, addressing orthodontic concerns early can reduce or even eliminate the need for more invasive treatment down the road. For example, we may be able to guide jaw growth, make space for permanent teeth, or correct crossbites before they cause long-term problems.

Starting treatment at the right time can make the second phase of treatment shorter, simpler, and more comfortable for your child.

It’s about more than just straight teeth

Orthodontic treatment impacts facial balance, jaw health, speech development, and even self-confidence. Choosing the right time to begin care is about optimizing all of those things—not just achieving perfect alignment.

At Frey Orthodontics, we evaluate the big picture, so you can feel confident that the timing and treatment plan are designed for your child’s unique needs.

The Best Age to Schedule a First Orthodontic Visit

You don’t need to wait until all the permanent teeth are in to visit an orthodontist. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age 7—and that guidance is based on decades of research and clinical experience.

It’s not about starting braces—it’s about spotting potential issues early

At age 7, most kids still have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. That makes it the perfect time to assess how their smile is developing. We’re not looking to put braces on immediately—in most cases, we’re just gathering information and planning ahead.

Early exams help us identify concerns like narrow arches, bite misalignments, and severe crowding before they become more complex. It’s a proactive step that gives you more control over your child’s care options.

Growth patterns are easier to guide than correct later

One of the biggest advantages of seeing an orthodontist early is that we can work with your child’s natural growth, rather than trying to undo issues once they’re fully developed. Small, gentle corrections made during this stage can prevent the need for tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or lengthy second-phase treatments later.

It’s about using growth to your advantage—and creating the conditions for a healthy smile before problems get harder to fix.

Most kids don’t need treatment right away—but some do

The first visit is about evaluating, not rushing. Many kids we see at age 7 don’t need any treatment yet—and that’s great news. But for those who do, catching issues early can dramatically improve outcomes.

If early treatment is recommended, we’ll explain exactly why and walk you through the options. And if it’s not needed yet, we’ll schedule simple check-ins to monitor development until the time is right.

Orthodontic Options for Kids, Teens, and Adults

No matter when you start, there’s a treatment option designed to fit your age, goals, and lifestyle. At Frey Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer customized care that meets patients where they are—whether they’re in 2nd grade, high school, or well into adulthood.

Early interceptive treatment for kids

For some younger patients, early (Phase I) treatment can help create a healthier path forward. We might use expanders, limited braces, or space maintainers to address crowding, crossbites, or jaw growth issues while the mouth is still developing.

Early treatment doesn’t mean full braces at age 7—it means strategic, gentle interventions that can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. It’s proactive care that helps kids grow into a healthier smile.

Braces and aligners for busy teens

By the time most permanent teeth have come in—typically around ages 11 to 14—teens are in the ideal phase for full orthodontic treatment. Whether they prefer traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign® Teen, our team works with each patient to find the right fit.

Treatment is designed to work with school schedules, extracurriculars, and life on the go. Teens get the care they need in a way that feels modern, flexible, and empowering.

Discreet and effective options for adults

There’s no expiration date on starting orthodontic treatment. In fact, a growing number of our patients are adults—some starting for the first time, others returning to finish what they began years ago.

Clear aligners, ceramic braces, and low-profile appliances make treatment more discreet than ever. And with flexible financing and personalized plans, there’s never been a better time for adults to invest in their smile.

How to Know When It’s the Right Time

Every smile is different—and so is the right time to begin treatment. While age 7 is the ideal time for a first checkup, many patients start earlier or later depending on what their smile needs. Here are a few signs that it might be time to schedule a consultation.

Visible crowding or spacing

If teeth are overlapping, growing in crooked, or leaving large gaps, it’s a sign that the bite and jaw might need guidance. These issues are easier to treat when addressed early—and catching them now can save time and cost later on.

Even mild spacing or alignment concerns can be worth watching. An early evaluation gives you clarity, even if treatment isn’t needed right away.

Bite issues like underbite or crossbite

When the upper and lower jaws don’t line up properly, it can affect more than just your child’s appearance. Misaligned bites can lead to jaw discomfort, tooth wear, and speech issues over time.

Bite correction is often most effective during periods of growth. If your child’s bite seems off, it’s a good idea to check in with an orthodontist before growth slows down.

Confidence concerns or functional difficulties

Sometimes the clearest sign that treatment is needed is when a child avoids smiling, struggles to chew, or speaks with difficulty. Orthodontics isn’t just about looks—it’s about function and confidence, too.

If you or your child feel self-conscious about their smile, that’s reason enough to come in. We’ll listen, assess, and offer honest guidance with zero pressure.

Call Today to Get Started! 

Dr. Frey and the whole team at Frey Orthodontics couldn’t be happier to offer free consultations to our amazing patient family in and around Naperville and Algonquin. Are you ready to change your life and the life of your family with a smile that looks and feels better than you thought possible? It’s right around the corner!