Orthodontics For Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives Dr. Rachel the best opportunity to detect developing problems and guide jaw growth before more complex issues arise. That said, if you notice something that seems “off” before age 7, don’t wait — contact us for a free consultation at any time.

Your child’s first visit at 605 Orthodontics is a complimentary consultation — no obligation and no pressure. Dr. Rachel will examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite, and may take X-rays or photos to get a complete picture. You’ll leave knowing whether treatment is needed now, whether it’s best to monitor and wait, or whether early intervention is recommended.

Yes! Orthodontists are specialists in tooth and jaw alignment, and they often detect issues that a general dentist isn’t specifically looking for during a routine checkup. Because consultations at 605 Orthodontics are free, there’s no downside to having a dedicated evaluation. Early detection almost always leads to simpler, shorter — and often less costly — treatment.

There are several signs that suggest your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation: early or late loss of baby teeth; difficulty chewing or biting; mouth breathing; finger or thumb sucking that persists past age 4–5; crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth; jaws that pop or make sounds; teeth that don’t come together properly; or jaws and teeth that appear disproportionate to the face. If you notice any of these, schedule a free consultation — even if your child hasn’t yet turned 7.

Phase 1 (or early) treatment refers to orthodontic care that begins while a child still has some baby teeth — typically between ages 7 and 10. It’s not necessary for every child, but in specific cases — like crossbites, underbites, severe crowding, or jaw development concerns — early treatment can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and reduce the need for extractions or surgery later. Dr. Rachel will advise whether Phase 1 treatment is appropriate for your child or whether monitoring and waiting is the better approach.

It can be. Prolonged thumb or finger sucking (past age 4–5) and chronic mouth breathing can affect how the jaws and teeth develop over time. Orthodontic appliances exist specifically to help correct these habits and minimize their long-term impact. The sooner these patterns are addressed, the more effectively treatment can guide healthy development.

We offer several treatment options so every child — and family — can find a solution that fits their lifestyle and budget: Traditional metal braces (the most durable and cost-effective option); Clear or ceramic braces (less noticeable, tooth-colored brackets); Self-ligating braces (no rubber bands needed, often more comfortable); and clear aligners (removable trays, ideal for older kids and teens who can commit to wearing them 20–22 hours per day). Dr. Rachel will help you determine which option is best suited to your child’s specific needs.

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case and how well your child follows instructions. Most full-treatment cases (Phase 2) take between 18 and 24 months, though some cases are shorter and others may take up to 3 years. Children who are in early (Phase 1) treatment will typically need a second phase of treatment once most permanent teeth have erupted. Dr. Rachel will give you a personalized estimate at the consultation.

The process of putting braces on is painless — no shots, no drills, no numbing. However, it’s completely normal for your child to experience some soreness or pressure for a few days after getting braces placed and after each adjustment appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen and soft foods (think mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies) can help ease any temporary discomfort.

Children with braces need to steer clear of hard, crunchy, and sticky foods that can damage brackets or wires. This includes popcorn, hard candy, ice, pretzels, nuts, caramel, taffy, and chewing gum. Foods that are okay include most soft or cut-up foods. Broken brackets can extend treatment time, so following these guidelines closely makes a real difference.

Good oral hygiene is especially important with braces because food gets trapped easily. Your child should brush thoroughly after every meal and floss at least once daily — we can provide special orthodontic flossers to make this easier. We also recommend asking about fluoride toothpaste or varnish to help prevent white spots on the enamel once braces come off. Keeping up with regular dental cleanings during treatment is equally important.

Most patients come in for a progress visit every 6–10 weeks. These appointments allow Dr. Rachel to make adjustments, monitor tooth movement, and ensure treatment is progressing on schedule. Appointments are typically short — about 20–30 minutes — and the team works hard to stay on time so your schedule isn’t disrupted.

Yes — retainers are a critical part of keeping your child’s new smile in place. Once braces are removed, teeth naturally want to drift back toward their original positions. Retainers prevent this. We offer both bonded (fixed) retainers that are attached behind the teeth, and removable retainers. Dr. Rachel will discuss which option is best for your child and explain how long and how often they’ll need to be worn.

The results of orthodontic treatment are designed to be long-lasting, but consistent retainer wear is essential — especially in the first year after braces are removed. Teeth can shift at any age, so most orthodontists recommend some form of retainer wear indefinitely (typically just at night). Skipping the retainer is the most common reason patients see their teeth move after treatment.

The cost of treatment depends on the type of appliance used, the complexity of the case, and the length of treatment. At your free consultation, we’ll provide a full, transparent cost breakdown with no surprises. We also work with most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans to fit a wide range of budgets.

Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit, and some plans cover a larger portion for children than for adults. Our team will help verify your benefits before treatment begins so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes — absolutely. Your child’s first visit to 605 Orthodontics is always free, with no obligation to begin treatment. We believe every family deserves clear information to make the best decision for their child, without any financial pressure. Call us at (605) 978-9000 or use the form on our website to schedule your complimentary consultation today.