Should orthodontic treatment be started during childhood?

I took my older elementary school child to the dentist for a check-up, and they said that his front teeth are chipped and need orthodontic treatment. They also mentioned there is a malocclusion.

It's not urgent, but it's better to do it sooner rather than later, because as you get older, extraction might be necessary. Looking at my friends around me, I notice some of them have started orthodontic treatment...

I think in the past, we just managed to get by even if things were a bit crooked, but these days, is it because there's more focus on children's appearance and health? Or is it because it's medically necessary, and we were just ignorant about it before?

Honestly, hearing about orthodontics makes me feel uneasy about not doing it. Should I start soon?