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Braces for Kids in Aurora, CO: When Is the Right Time to Start?

Go The Extra Smile!

Garlock Orthodontics
May 9, 2025

When it comes to orthodontic care for kids, timing can make all the difference. Many parents in Aurora, CO, want to know when their child should start thinking about braces — and with good reason. Orthodontic issues affect more than just a smile’s appearance; they can influence speech, eating habits, confidence, and overall dental health for years to come.

While there’s no universal “perfect” age to begin braces, there are well-established guidelines and signs that can help parents understand what to expect and when to take action. The key is being informed and proactive.

When Should Kids First See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. This may seem early, especially since many kids still have baby teeth at this stage. But this initial visit isn’t about jumping into braces right away — it’s about monitoring development and identifying any red flags that could lead to bigger problems down the road.

At this stage, an orthodontist can:

  • Evaluate the relationship between the teeth and jaws
  • Assess space for permanent teeth that haven’t erupted yet
  • Check for bite problems, such as underbites or crossbites
  • Recommend early interventions if necessary

For most kids, the outcome is simple monitoring until more permanent teeth arrive. But for others, early (Phase 1) treatment may help avoid more invasive care later in life.

The Value of Early Evaluation

Early orthodontic evaluation isn’t just about catching problems — it’s about guiding healthy growth. The jaw and facial bones are still developing at a young age, so some corrections are more easily and effectively made in childhood than later in the teen years or adulthood.

Early care can help:

  • Prevent overcrowding by creating space for incoming teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits, like thumb-sucking
  • Improve speech or breathing problems caused by misalignment
  • Avoid the need for tooth extraction or jaw surgery later

Even when no immediate treatment is needed, establishing a relationship with an orthodontist early allows families to plan ahead and feel confident as their child’s smile develops.

Signs Your Child May Need Braces

Some orthodontic issues are obvious — like teeth that are visibly crooked — while others are more subtle and may not cause pain or difficulty right away. However, addressing these concerns sooner rather than later can help avoid complications.

Here are some signs that your child might benefit from a consultation:

  • Teeth that are crowded, overlapping, or spaced far apart
  • Noticeable gaps between teeth that persist after age 6 or 7
  • Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking clearly
  • Frequent mouth breathing or snoring
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Jaws that seem off-center, shift noticeably, or make sounds
  • Thumb-sucking beyond age 4 or use of a pacifier past toddler years

If your child is between the ages of 6 and 10 and showing any of these signs, it’s a smart move to get an expert opinion.

When Most Kids Actually Get Braces

Although early evaluations are recommended, most children don’t start braces until their early teen years, typically between ages 11 and 14. At this point, the majority of permanent teeth are in, which allows for full alignment and bite correction in a comprehensive treatment plan.

However, some children benefit from starting treatment earlier in two phases:

  • Phase 1 — Occurs between ages 7–10, focused on guiding growth
  • Phase 2 — Occurs during the teen years, focused on final alignment

Not every child needs two phases. Some require only one round of treatment as teens. That’s why personalized evaluation is so important — to make sure your child gets the right care at the right time.

What Happens at a Braces Consultation?

An orthodontic consultation is designed to be informative, low-pressure, and tailored to your child’s needs. During this visit, a specialist will:

  • Examine the teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
  • Take digital X-rays or scans (as needed)
  • Discuss your child’s dental history and development
  • Provide a timeline and treatment recommendations

If treatment is needed, the orthodontist will walk you through the available options, whether that’s traditional metal braces, clear braces, or aligners for teens. If it’s too early for treatment, the recommendation may be a growth monitoring plan, with periodic checkups.

The goal is to ensure your child’s smile develops in the healthiest, most efficient way possible — without rushing or over-treating.

Supporting Your Child’s Smile Journey

Understanding when and how to approach orthodontic care empowers parents to make confident decisions. Every child is different, and so is every smile. By knowing what to watch for and when to schedule that first checkup, families in Aurora, CO, can stay ahead of potential problems and set the stage for long-term dental wellness.

Schedule Your Child’s Free Braces Consultation Today

If you’re in Aurora, CO, and wondering whether your child is ready for braces, the best first step is scheduling a consultation with a trusted orthodontic expert. An early evaluation can provide clarity, prevent future issues, and give your child a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

Located in Aurora, CO
(720)-619-8273

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Get Started Today

Today’s a great day to learn more about orthodontic care and how we can help you change your life. It’s time to go the extra smile!

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PATIENT REVIEWS

Our 5-Star Garlock Experience

We will always take time to make sure you’ve been seen, heard, and treated with the highest level of care. You’ll notice that you are treated like family right away. Hear what our patients have to say about their 5-star Garlock experience!
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Addie B.
Garlock orthodontics is amazing. Super friendly staff. Amazing office. My kids love going here.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Addie! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids enjoy visiting us. Our team is dedicated to providing a friendly and welcoming environment for all our patients. We appreciate your kind words!
Claudia G.
My son always feels comfortable here, and the staff is so kind and helpful. The office has given us great experience overall, and we are very happy with the care.
Highly recommend !!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Claudia! We're thrilled to hear that your son feels comfortable and well cared for. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent service, and your recommendation means a lot to us.
B W
Dr. Garlock is an exceptional orthodontist! The front desk staff are delightful and welcoming!
Response from the owner:I appreciate the kind and constructive words. Being treated like a lump of clay is 100% contradictory to how we want our patients to feel and be treated. I'm so sorry and we will be addressing this immediately. I can't see your name on the review, so I don't know who this is, but if you could speak with me at your next appointment that would be super helpful. Thanks! Dr G.
Deanna S.
Dr Garlock and his staff are welcoming, professional and very accommodating! Love the results my 2 kids have had!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Deanna! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kelsi D.
I cannot recommend Dr. Garlock and his team enough! They helped me through double jaw surgery. Dr. Garlock’s knowledge, skill, and demeanor always put me at ease. I honestly don’t think my surgery would have been as successful without their help. I was terrified to have to go through the surgery and everyone was so compassionate during all of it.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Garlock and the team made your experience comfortable and successful. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We appreciate your recommendation!
Eric K.
Had to show up unannounced for an expander adjustment at 3:30 on a Friday afternoon and they brought us in immediately, no questions asked and even switched my kid into a retainer instead, on the fly, with no extra cost. Really great experience with my kids ortho here overall!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to serve your family's orthodontic needs.
Brianna L.
So far my Invisalign experience has been nothing but amazing & very informative! Highly recommend 😊
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Brianna! We're thrilled to hear about your positive Invisalign experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We're here to support you throughout your journey!
Katie A.
Dr Garlock and his staff have been absolutely wonderful - look forward to working with them through our son’s braces journey!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Katie, for your kind words! We're excited to be part of your son's braces journey and look forward to providing exceptional care every step of the way.
Ang “Truth” M
Great atmosphere, Great attitudes, overall a great place. Staff are welcoming and friendly. Doc is laid back and just as friendly and welcoming. Im 9mths in treatment and so far so good.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Ang! We’re thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying your treatment experience. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Keep up the great progress!
Leah L.
Absolutely amazing! Highly recommend Garlock. Appointments are super efficient. One of my kids did Invisalign and has finished treatment And my other is going to get them soon.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Leah! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your recommendation. It’s great to know your children are benefiting from our efficient Invisalign treatment. We're here for your next appointment!
Marie Q.
I love Garlock Orthodontics. The entire staff is friendly and makes you feel welcome. The environment is clean and refreshing. I also trust the advice we get as there is no pressure. My son has had an expander and head gear in the past and there were no issues. He just started his braces.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the wonderful review, Marie! We're delighted to hear that you and your son appreciate our friendly staff, clean environment, and trusted care. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
Emily C.
This office has been so welcoming and nice. They’re very explanatory about processes and answer all questions promptly and with lots of detail. Very happy with my braces journey so far, I’m 6 weeks in and very happy I chose this office.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Emily, for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying your braces journey with us. Our team is dedicated to providing detailed explanations and exceptional care. We appreciate your trust!
Brandi M.
Dr. Garlock and his staff are wonderful. My daughter has really loved her experience so far.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Brandi! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter is having a great experience with us. Our team's goal is to provide excellent care and support, and we're glad it's being recognized. We appreciate your trust in us!
Ashlee S.
This place is great! Staff is kind, Dr. Garlock is thorough. They took care of our insurance with no issues. When my daughter broke her wire they got her in same day and were so nice about it.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Ashlee! We're thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our staff and Dr. Garlock. Providing excellent care, especially in urgent situations, is our priority. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you again!
royce R.
Always professional, courteous and helpful. This is now a family affair and we could not be happier. We highly recommend Garlock and his staff!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Royce, for your generous review! We are thrilled to hear that you and your family are pleased with our services. Your recommendation means a lot to us! We look forward to seeing you again.
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