Braces for Kids

We can help your little one smile confidently for a lifetime! Dr. Bolin is your board-certified family orthodontist who has years of experience creating personalized treatment plans for growing smiles.

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When is the best age to get braces?

The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.

Age 7 sounds young, we know, but this doesn’t mean that orthodontic treatment will begin at this age. Dr. Bolin will only suggest the right treatment at the right time for each patient.

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Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about ‘straightening teeth’, it’s about establishing a healthy foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth, and setting the stage for a lifetime of beautiful and confident smiles.

The goal of early treatment is to develop the jaws to allow for ideal dental development. By supporting proper growth of the jaw and correcting certain bite concerns (such as an underbite, crossbite or crowding) early on, we can eliminate the need for more complex, lengthy forms of treatment (such as jaw surgery) in the future.

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Does my little one need treatment?

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we encourage you to request a complimentary consultation with us.

• Persistent mouth-breathing
• Thumbsucking or tongue-thrusting habits
• Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth
• Jaw pain or facial pain
• Jaw shifting, popping or clicking
• Difficult or pain when chewing or biting
• Inability to chew food properly
• Digestive issues caused by improper chewing
• Lack of self esteem or confidence when smiling

An early assessment of your child’s growth gives you the peace of mind that your child is thriving.

Two-Phase Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment is best separated into two phases, designed to work alongside the natural development of the teeth and jaw bones.

What is Phase 1 treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 7 and 10 and is aimed to prepare the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge in a healthy alignment with a sufficient amount of space.

During this phase, your child may be treated with a palatal expander appliance to widen the upper jaw and create enough room for permanent teeth to grow.

What is Phase 2 treatment?
This phase generally begins in the early teen years, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 treatment focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to create a harmonious facial appearance. During this phase, a full treatment of braces is often completed.

Every child develops at a different rate, and your child’s treatment plan will be 100% personalized to his or her needs. At your first visit, we’ll help you make the right choice for your little one!

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