The most common time for orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 11 and 15. By the age of 12, most of the permanent teeth have erupted and are settled in place.
The adolescent age is also a good time for orthodontic treatment because at this stage in life many of the negative associations children have of braces have not yet developed. Children that undergo orthodontic treatment around this age are often easily convinced to wear braces because they see many of their friends getting them as well.
Major benefits orthodontists have when working with adolescent children is that they are often able to take advantage of the growth spurts and rapid growth of the child and use it to help shape their bite and teeth correctly. Also, because children have such high metabolisms around this age, it can often help reduce the overall treatment time and discomfort of the orthodontic treatment.