Braces for Kids & Teens
A straighter smile can support better oral health
and build lasting confidence for your child.
Get started with a free orthodontic consultation for kids today.
Braces and care kits designed specifically for kids’ growing smiles
From treatment options to at-home care, we have everything kids need for a healthier smile.
Stainless steel
braces
Durable metal brackets and wires work together to gently straighten your teeth.
Gold
braces
Add some shine with gold-plated brackets that offer the same reliable performance as stainless steel.
Braces care
kits
Support your smile during and after braces with dentist-recommended at-home care kits.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
What to Expect from Start to Finish
Getting braces is a step-by-step process designed to support your child’s growing smile:
- Consultation: Exam of teeth, bite, and jaw development
- Imaging: X-rays, photos, or digital scans
- Plan: Personalized treatment and timeline
- Braces: Placement and a care kit to get started
- Check-ins: Regular visits every 4–8 weeks
- Retention: Retainers to keep their smile in place after treatment
Treatment Options for Growing Smiles
Every child is different, which is why orthodontic care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Options may include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear ceramic braces for a more subtle look
- Removable aligners for qualifying patients
In some cases, early (Phase 1) treatment may be recommended to guide jaw growth and create space for incoming teeth—helping reduce the need for more complex treatment later.
What Parents Should Know
Braces are a safe and effective way to improve your child’s smile and oral health.
Most kids wear braces for 18–24 months, with check-ins every 4–8 weeks. Mild soreness is normal at first or after adjustments, but it’s temporary and manageable.
Factors like genetics, thumb sucking, or early tooth loss can all affect how teeth develop—but orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues and set your child up for long-term success.
Find a Kids & Teens Orthodontist Near You
Life with braces: What to expect
Braces take some getting used to, especially for kids. There’s a lot to learn, from brushing tips and foods to avoid to how to care for braces at home. Our team is here to make the experience easier every step of the way.
Affordable payment
options for dental care
We accept most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Medicaid, and offer financing options to fit your budget. Whether you’re insured or not, we’ll help find a solution that works for you.
Hear what’s making our patients smile
Came to this dentist for my son’s braces and the ortho was really friendly and explained everything nice. I also spoke to Nina and she explained the treatment and the process and pricing she was really helpful I do recommend this dentist place.
I brought my two kids for a cleaning and braces consultation and they give me same day appointments, both needed braces and did all work same day, Nina P. Helped me through all process and got it done in no time, she was really helpful, explained everything with details, awesome service.
We love this dentist, we’ve been here for ten years.My son has had braces at 8yrs and now they’re off.And now my daughter will be receiving her braces at the age of eight.
Braces for kids FAQs
When should my kid have their first orthodontic exam?’ that specifies the common starting age for braces (e.g., typically 12–13, often 11–14) and note that timing depends on tooth eruption and jaw growth.
Following guidance from the American Association of Orthodontists, we recommend children get their first orthodontic exam by age seven. You can book a free orthodontic consultation for your child at a Western Dental location near you.
Here are some common signs that your child may need an orthodontic evaluation:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond early childhood
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Bite that seems off or uneven
- Jaw that shifts, clicks, or looks misaligned
If your child shows any of these signs, schedule a free orthodontic consultation at a Western Dental location near you.
Braces help straighten smiles, fix bite problems like underbites and overbites, and close gaps or adjust teeth that stick out. Braces can also make it easier to keep teeth clean in the long run by fixing spots where food and bacteria can get trapped. A healthier, more aligned smile can also boost confidence.
It’s normal for your child’s mouth to feel sore after getting braces or having them tightened. Braces can take time to get used to and can rub against the inside of the mouth. If discomfort continues, your dentist may recommend remedies like dental wax to help ease irritation.
Western Dental offers children’s dental care at all of our locations, but we also have dedicated pediatric (kids-only) offices. Our pediatric offices provide full-service care for infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs. You can expect friendly and safe dental care from a dedicated team of dentists, hygienists, orthodontists, and specialists trained to support young patients with extra attention and care.