Orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers. At Evolution Orthodontics, we treat children, teens and adults every day, using modern orthodontic technology to tailor care to your stage of life, lifestyle and budget.
This guide explains when each age group might benefit from seeing a Specialist Orthodontist, common treatment options, how long treatment can take, and how we help make braces and Invisalign® more affordable. You will also find practical tips for choosing the right option for you or your child.
Orthodontics for children
When should a child first see an orthodontist?
We usually recommend a first orthodontic assessment around age 7 to 9, or earlier if you or your dentist notice concerns. At this age, children still have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which allows us to:
Check jaw growth and bite development
Identify crowding or spacing early
Pick up habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing
Plan the best timing for any future treatment
Many children do not need braces right away. Often, we simply monitor growth and give you advice on brushing, diet and what to watch for.
Early or interceptive treatment
Some children benefit from early, or “interceptive”, treatment. This might include:
Simple plates or expanders to guide jaw growth
Partial braces on front teeth to correct significant problems
Space maintainers to keep room for adult teeth after early tooth loss
Early treatment is not needed for every child. When it is recommended, it can sometimes make later treatment shorter or simpler. Our Specialist Orthodontists will explain whether early steps are likely to help your child or whether it is better to wait.
Common concerns parents notice
Parents often bring children to see us when they notice:
Crowded or overlapping front teeth
Teeth that stick out, especially upper front teeth
Underbites or crossbites when the teeth do not meet evenly
Difficulty biting or chewing
Early or late loss of baby teeth
At your child’s free consultation, we examine their teeth and bite carefully, take any necessary records, and outline whether treatment is needed now or later.
Orthodontics for teenagers
Why teenage years are a common time for braces
The teenage years are a very common time to start orthodontic treatment. Most adult teeth have arrived, but the jaws are still growing, which makes many corrections more straightforward.
For teens, we focus on:
Improving bite and function
Managing crowding or gaps
Supporting long-term dental health
Helping them feel confident with their smile at school and in social settings
Treatment options for teens
We offer several treatment choices for teenagers, including:
Standard metal braces, which are often the most cost-effective option
Ceramic braces, which use tooth-coloured brackets for a more discreet look
Lingual braces fitted behind the teeth in suitable cases
Invisalign® clear aligners for selected teen patients who can wear them as directed
At your teen’s consultation, we explain how each option works, expected treatment time, care instructions and fees so you can decide together.
School, sport and lifestyle
We understand teens are busy with school, sport and activities. Our team:
Schedules appointments to minimise time away from school
Provides mouthguards for contact sports where needed
Offers guidance on eating with braces and looking after teeth
Uses virtual check-ins where appropriate to reduce in-clinic visits
Consistent wear and good hygiene make a big difference to results and treatment length, so we support teens with clear instructions and regular feedback.
Orthodontics for adults
Is it too late for braces as an adult?
Adults often ask if they are “too old” for treatment. In most cases, the answer is no. As long as your gums and bone are healthy, we can usually move teeth effectively at any age.
Modern orthodontic technology makes treatment more convenient and discreet than many adults expect. We regularly see patients who want to:
Improve crowding or spacing they have had for years
Tidy teeth before a milestone event or career change
Support dental work, such as implants or crowns
Reduce the risk of future wear or gum issues linked to their bite
Discreet options for adult patients
Many adults prefer less visible treatments. Options may include:
Ceramic braces that blend with tooth colour
Lingual braces fitted on the inside surface of the teeth in suitable cases
Invisalign® clear aligners that can be removed for eating and brushing
We discuss what will work best for your bite, lifestyle and goals. Some adults choose a combination approach, such as braces for most of the treatment and aligners for finishing.
Time, comfort and work commitments
Adult treatment times vary with case complexity, often ranging from 6 months for minor adjustments to 18–24 months for comprehensive changes. We use contemporary planning and monitoring tools to keep treatment as efficient as possible.
To support busy adults, we offer:
Early and evening appointments
Virtual check-ins where suitable
Clear instructions to minimise emergency visits
Our aim is to fit treatment around your work and family life as smoothly as we can.
Treatment options at Evolution Orthodontics
Across children, teens and adults, we provide a wide range of orthodontic treatments:
Metal braces – A reliable, cost-effective option for many ages
Ceramic braces – Tooth-coloured brackets for a more subtle look
Lingual braces – Hidden behind the teeth in selected cases
Invisalign® clear aligners – Removable, nearly invisible trays suitable for many teen and adult patients
Your Specialist Orthodontist will recommend options that match your age, bite, cosmetic priorities and budget. We explain the pros and cons of each approach, including expected treatment time and care requirements.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment length depends on your individual case, age and the type of appliance used. As a general guide:
Early interceptive treatment for children may last 6–12 months
Comprehensive teen or adult braces treatment often takes 18–24 months
Shorter cosmetic or alignment-only cases can be quicker, where suitable
At your consultation, we give you an estimated time frame based on your diagnosis and chosen treatment.
Making treatment more affordable
We know cost is an important factor for many families and adult patients. To make orthodontic care more accessible, we offer:
Free Specialist Orthodontist consultations, in person or virtual, with no referral needed
Interest-free payment plans with flexible weekly or monthly instalments
A choice of treatments at different price points, including metal braces and Invisalign®
During your consultation, we provide a clear quote tailored to your treatment plan. We also discuss how to structure payments in a way that suits your household budget.
Where we are and how we support you
We welcome patients of all ages at our two locations:
Blacktown – Suite 6, Level 1, 28 Patrick St, Blacktown NSW 2148. Easy access with nearby free parking options, including Kmart parking.
Dubbo – Our Dubbo clinic offers free onsite parking, with Specialist Orthodontist visits scheduled regularly and virtual support between visits when helpful.
Many families appreciate starting with a virtual consultation or our online tools before visiting the clinic in person. You can use our AI-assisted online assessment or quick Fix My Smile questionnaire to share photos and goals, then our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.
FAQs about orthodontics for different ages
What is the best age for braces?
There is no single “best” age. Some children benefit from early treatment, many start comprehensive braces in their early teens, and adults can start at almost any age if their gums are healthy.
Do kids always need early treatment?
No. Many children are monitored until more adult teeth come through. Early treatment is recommended only when it is likely to provide clear benefits.
Can teenagers have Invisalign® instead of braces?
Yes, some teens are good candidates, especially if they can wear aligners as directed. We assess suitability at the consultation.
Are adult results as good as teen results?
Adults can achieve excellent improvements. Some jaw changes are easier in growing patients, but tooth movement works at any age with healthy gums and bone.
Will braces or aligners affect sport or music?
Most patients adapt quickly. We provide advice on mouthguards for contact sports and tips for playing wind or brass instruments.
Take the next step
Whether you are considering treatment for your child, teenager or yourself, we are here to help you plan the right approach.
Book a Free Consultation at our Blacktown or Dubbo clinic, with free parking and evening appointments available. Prefer to start from home? Complete the Fix My Smile questionnaire or try our AI-assisted online consultation for an instant suitability report.