The Recommended Age Although age does not always determine when one should have braces, certain broad criteria apply in the majority of situations. For starters, most orthodontists believe that braces are optimal for children between the ages of 10 and 14. Braces move teeth and correct bites, which is why receiving braces at a young age is recommended. At this age, a child will usually have all of his permanent teeth, which influences when braces should be applied. Another important consideration is the condition of the jawbone. A child's jawbone will not be fully formed at this age. The jawbone will continue growing and maturing at this time. In this state, a jawbone is appropriate for braces. Teeth shift more easily when the jawbone is not fully grown, and a jawbone in this state also makes most sorts of bite abnormalities much easier to repair with braces. How Your Dentist Can Assist You in Determining the Most Appropriate Time. Many people base their age decision on wha...