Parents often ask the same question: does my child need braces, and if so, when should treatment begin? In this podcast conversation, Dr Mumta Jilka speaks with specialist orthodontist Dr Emile Habib from Abbey House Dental about the signs parents should look out for, the best age to seek advice, the different types of braces available, and how children’s braces differ from adult treatment.
The discussion makes one thing very clear: braces are not one-size-fits-all. Some children are best seen once all the adult teeth have come through, while others benefit from being assessed earlier.
Dr Emile explains that the general rule used to be around age 12, or when all the adult teeth have erupted, whichever comes first. However, some children should be assessed sooner, sometimes at age 9 or 10, especially if there are signs that development is not following the expected pattern.
He highlights that regular dental check-ups are very important because dentists monitor the eruption sequence, dental development, and the growth of the upper and lower jaws. These checks can help identify children who may need an earlier referral for braces.
According to the podcast, there are a few situations where earlier assessment can be helpful. These include:
Dr Emile also explains that parents can sometimes spot an issue by watching the order in which teeth come through. For example, if one upper front tooth erupts and the matching tooth on the other side has still not appeared six months later, that may be out of sequence and worth checking with a dentist. Likewise, if the teeth erupt in an unusual order, it may suggest that something is not progressing normally.
If a baby tooth has been lost and the adult tooth has still not appeared within six months, he advises seeing a dentist or booking a consultation with an orthodontist. He notes that sometimes these things take time, but picking problems up late can make treatment more complex.
One of the most useful points in the podcast is that missing or delayed adult teeth can change the treatment plan. Dr Emile says that seeing an orthodontist a little earlier can be an advantage because it may allow the team to hold space, preserve options, or guide development in a way that reduces complexity later.
In some cases, identifying a missing adult tooth at the right time may help avoid the future need for replacement or “fake” teeth. He explains that children’s mouths are very receptive, and when the timing is right, the way the adult teeth come in can help use space more effectively before full brace treatment begins.
The podcast also covers retained baby teeth, which is when baby teeth do not fall out as expected. Dr Emile says that if a child reaches 13 or 14 and still has multiple baby teeth, it is worth seeing the dentist and asking for a screening x-ray to check whether the adult teeth are present and in the correct position.
He also explains that dentists in the UK are taught to check for the position of the upper canines from around age 10 because these teeth can sometimes develop in the wrong place, get stuck, or damage neighbouring teeth. Catching this earlier can save years of treatment and reduce the risk of damage.
A practical point from the conversation is this: if your child keeps being told to “wait” for baby teeth to fall out, it is reasonable to ask whether the adult teeth are there and where they are. That question can prompt the need for a screening x-ray and a clearer treatment pathway.
The podcast explains that there is no single best brace for every child. The right option depends on the teeth, the bite, growth, and the child’s lifestyle.
Dr Emile discusses several options:
These still have an important role. One example he mentions is the functional twin block appliance, a growth-modifying brace used when the lower jaw is set back and the upper teeth are more prominent. It works during the growth spurt to help reduce the gap between the upper and lower teeth.
In Dr Emile’s words, the fixed brace is still “king.” He describes fixed braces as predictable, effective, and able to achieve results that other appliances cannot always match. Another advantage is that they are always working, provided the child maintains good brushing and diet habits.
For some teenagers, aligners may be a good option, especially if they are suitable for the case and can commit to wearing them properly. However, aligners are not ideal for every teenager, and their success depends heavily on consistency.
The main message is that the best braces for a child are chosen not only by looking at the teeth and bite, but also by considering the child’s attitude, school life, and sporting commitments.
When talking about treatment time, Dr Emile says the average for children’s braces is about two years. Some cases may take around a year, while others can take up to three years, depending on how the mouth responds and how complex the problem is.
For example, if a child first needs a functional appliance to guide jaw growth before moving on to fixed braces, treatment can become a two- to three-year plan. He also points out that this is a real commitment for families in terms of appointments, time out of school, brace wear, and ongoing care.
This is one of the strongest parts of the discussion. Dr Emile is very direct that brace treatment without retention is not enough, because teeth can move back afterwards. He says retainers are an equally important part of treatment, and patients should think carefully before starting braces if they are not prepared to commit to retention.
He recommends:
He also says the gold standard for many patients is a fixed retainer used together with a removable retainer, because the combination gives extra reassurance and helps maintain the result more reliably.
The podcast discusses how frustrating this can be for parents. Dr Emile explains that NHS orthodontics is based on functional need rather than aesthetic concern. That means some issues that are very noticeable visually, such as spacing, may still not qualify under the NHS scoring criteria.
He notes that parents sometimes hear that their child does not qualify, but then later discover that private treatment may still involve fixed braces and, in some cases, extractions to achieve the ideal result. He suggests that getting a second opinion can be useful when the situation feels confusing.
For parents of children aged around 7 to 10, Dr Emile shares three practical tips:
He says good toothbrushing twice a day and a decent diet are essential because healthy teeth and gums are the starting point for braces.
If the upper teeth are more forward, this age group may be at greater risk of dental trauma. He specifically recommends considering a mouth guard for contact sports, including football.
If your dentist recommends orthodontic assessment, or if you are concerned, it is worth acting on it. He stresses that there is no harm in being seen a little earlier, but leaving it too late can make things more complicated.
The overall message from this podcast is that braces should be planned around the individual child, not just their age. Some children can safely wait until more adult teeth have erupted, while others benefit from early guidance that can simplify treatment later. Regular check-ups, watching how teeth come through, and asking questions when something seems delayed can make a big difference.
As Dr Emile explains, there is a lot of conflicting advice online, which can make braces feel confusing for parents. His advice is simple: if you are unsure, start with your dentist, and if needed, arrange an orthodontic assessment.
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