Last updated September 25, 2026. This reference brings together current U.S. figures on orthodontic care, treatment need, and children’s oral health. Every figure links to its source and date.
For an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation, schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Population data cannot determine what is right for one person.
7
is the recommended age for a first orthodontic check-up.
The American Association of Orthodontists says children should see an orthodontist no later than age 7. An evaluation is not a recommendation for braces. It is a chance to assess growth, bite development, and erupting teeth.
Source: American Association of Orthodontists, 2026 →About 1 in 2
U.S. adolescents were found to need orthodontic treatment in the last national surveillance study.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that the 1988–1991 national study found about half of 12–17-year-olds needed orthodontic treatment. It remains the latest national surveillance estimate, so it should be read in that historical context.
Source: Oral Health in America, National Academies Press, 2021 →12%
of adolescents in that national study had no front-tooth misalignment.
The same review reports that only 12% of children ages 12–17 had no misalignment of the upper or lower front teeth. Crowding alone does not determine whether treatment is needed, but it is a common reason families seek an evaluation.
Source: Oral Health in America, National Academies Press, 2021 →50%
of U.S. children ages 6–9 had experienced tooth decay.
CDC surveillance found that about half of children ages 6–9 had at least one decayed, filled, or missing primary or permanent tooth in 2017 through March 2020. Regular dental care remains essential before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
Source: CDC Oral Health Surveillance Report, 2024 →16.9%
of U.S. children ages 6–9 had untreated tooth decay.
The CDC’s nationally representative estimate covers children with at least one primary or permanent tooth during 2017 through March 2020. Orthodontic treatment planning begins with a full assessment of dental health.
Source: CDC Oral Health Surveillance Report, 2024 →70%
of people in orthodontic treatment were treated by orthodontists in a 2024 consumer study.
The AAO’s 2024 Orthodontic Landscape Consumer Study reported that orthodontists treated 70% of patients in treatment, including 78% of teen patients and 78% of patients ages 7–12. This is consumer-study data, not a national clinical census.
Source: American Association of Orthodontists, 2025 →9.5
was the average age consumers believed a child should first see an orthodontist.
That average was later than the AAO’s age-7 recommendation, showing why clear early-evaluation guidance still matters. A first visit can simply mean monitoring growth until the timing is right.
Source: American Association of Orthodontists, 2025 →What these figures mean for families
Orthodontic care is not one-size-fits-all. An early evaluation can identify concerns in tooth eruption, bite development, crowding, or jaw growth, but it does not mean every child needs treatment right away. Many children benefit most from observation until more permanent teeth come in.
Healthy teeth and gums are the foundation for any orthodontic plan. A dentist and orthodontist may work together when cavities, gum concerns, or other dental needs need attention before active treatment begins.
Caruso Orthodontics provides board-certified specialist care for children, teens, and adults. Families can learn what an age-7 evaluation involves or request a complimentary consultation.
Methodology and sources
This page uses named, publicly available sources from the American Association of Orthodontists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s Oral Health in America report. Figures are reported as published, along with the source’s data period where available. Consumer-survey findings are identified as such, and the older national treatment-need estimate is labeled with its original study period.
- American Association of Orthodontists: age-7 check-up guidance, 2026
- American Association of Orthodontists: 2024 Orthodontic Landscape Consumer Study, published 2025
- CDC: 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report
- Oral Health in America: Adolescents, National Academies Press, 2021
Cite this page
Caruso Orthodontics. “Orthodontic Statistics and Oral Health Facts.” Updated September 25, 2026. https://carusoortho.com/patient-resources/orthodontic-statistics/