Between the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment, and for good reasons. By 13, most if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted and children are entering their rapid growth phase when orthodontic problems that require a child’s growth are best corrected. Orthodontic problems such as crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites almost never correct themselves, and while children are growing rapidly in the teen years, the orthodontic treatment to correct these problems typically progresses faster.
This is also a good time for orthodontic treatment because many negative associations of braces are not present. Many children in this age range undergo orthodontic treatment, and children are very often able to be convinced to wear braces because they see their friends wearing them, too, and want to fit in. The academic and social demands are also somewhat less in the early teen years relative to the later teen year years.
For these reasons the adolescent years is when most parents will want to seek orthodontic treatment.