What Are Braces for Kids?
Braces for kids are orthodontic appliances that gently straighten teeth and guide jaw development in growing children. At Garlock Orthodontics, we help families across Aurora, CO give their kids the foundation for a healthy, confident smile. Our orthodontic specialists create personalized treatment plans for children ages 7-14, addressing everything from crowded teeth to bite concerns during the ideal window when young bones are still growing.
Kids’ braces work through a system of brackets bonded to teeth, connected by archwires that apply gentle pressure over time. Colorful elastics let your child express their personality while their smile changes. Unlike adult orthodontics, treating children allows us to work with natural growth patterns. This means we can often get better results in less time because we’re guiding development rather than correcting fully formed structures.
Children’s braces tackle common concerns like crowding, gaps between teeth, and bite issues including overbites, underbites, and crossbites. When jaw growth isn’t quite ideal, early treatment can make a real difference. Your child’s care addresses not just how teeth look, but how they function together for chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Starting orthodontic treatment during childhood offers advantages you simply can’t replicate later. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Why so early? Because this is when we can spot developing concerns and, in many cases, guide growth before things progress further.
Guiding Growth the Right Way
Young jaws are still forming. Early treatment lets our orthodontic specialists influence how bones develop, creating space for permanent teeth and helping the upper and lower jaws fit together properly. This proactive approach often prevents more extensive treatment down the road.
Correcting Bite Issues Before They Escalate
Overbites, underbites, and crossbites are easier to address when your child is still growing. Left alone, these concerns can worsen over time and may require jaw surgery in adulthood. Treating them now typically means shorter, more comfortable care with better long-term outcomes for your child.
Improving Daily Function
Proper tooth alignment affects more than appearance. Kids with corrected bites often experience:
- Clearer speech patterns
- Easier, more comfortable chewing
- Better breathing, especially during sleep
- Reduced risk of tooth grinding
Building Confidence During Formative Years
School-age children are developing their self-image. A straighter smile can boost confidence during these important social years. Many parents tell us their kids become more outgoing and willing to laugh freely after starting treatment, and teachers often notice a positive shift too.
Reducing Future Treatment Needs
Early care frequently means shorter treatment timelines later on. We’re working with your child’s natural growth rather than against it. Catching alignment concerns early can also help protect tooth enamel and reduce wear patterns that develop when teeth don’t meet correctly. The result? A healthier mouth and a smoother path forward.
The Kids’ Braces Process at Garlock Orthodontics
We’ve designed our process to feel easy for busy families across Aurora, CO. Here’s what to expect when you bring your child to Garlock Orthodontics.
Step 1: Free Initial Consultation
Your child’s orthodontic experience starts with a complimentary evaluation. During this visit, our team gets to know your family, examines your child’s teeth and bite, and discusses anything you’ve noticed. There’s no pressure. This visit is about gathering information and answering your questions.
Step 2: Digital Imaging and Treatment Planning
If treatment is recommended, we use digital X-rays and scans to create a complete picture of your child’s mouth. Dr. Garlock or Dr. Smith then builds a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s specific needs. We’ll walk you through the plan, timeline, and all your options.
Step 3: Braces Placement
Smile-day is here. Placing braces takes about an hour or two. Your child will be comfortable throughout. We’ll explain proper care, what foods to avoid, and how to keep everything clean. Your child can even pick their elastic colors.
Step 4: Regular Adjustment Visits
Every 4-8 weeks, your child returns for quick adjustments. These visits usually take about 20-30 minutes. We check progress, make any needed changes, and let your child choose new elastic colors if they’d like.
Step 5: Braces Removal and Retention
Once teeth have moved into their ideal positions, we remove the braces and fit your child with retainers. Retainers keep teeth in place while bone stabilizes around them. We’ll explain exactly how and when to wear them.
Most children wear braces for 12-24 months, depending on what we’re correcting. Some cases are shorter. Others take a bit longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during your free consult.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Braces?
Most children are good candidates for braces between ages 7 and 14, when growing jaws and a mix of baby and permanent teeth give us the best window to guide development. The right starting point depends on your child’s specific needs. Our team will evaluate alignment, bite, and growth to recommend the ideal timing.
Not sure if your child needs braces? You’re not alone. Many parents wonder whether what they’re noticing requires treatment or will resolve on its own.
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Evaluation
Watch for these indicators:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting
- Trouble chewing or biting into food
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Thumb sucking that continues past age 5
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Teeth that stick out further than others
Early Treatment (Phase 1): Ages 7-10
Some children benefit from Phase 1 treatment before all permanent teeth arrive. This approach addresses jaw growth concerns, significant crowding, or harmful habits while your child is still developing. Phase 1 typically lasts 9-12 months and may reduce or simplify later treatment.
Full Treatment: Ages 11-14
Most children receive braces during this stage, when permanent teeth have erupted. Full treatment addresses the entire range of alignment and bite concerns. This is the most common time for braces because we can treat everything at once.
Two-Phase Treatment
Children with significant jaw discrepancies or extensive bite concerns sometimes need treatment in two phases. Phase 1 guides jaw development during early growth years. After a resting period, Phase 2 (typically with braces) fine-tunes tooth positions once permanent teeth have come in.
When to Wait
Not every 7-year-old needs immediate treatment. Sometimes the best plan is monitoring your child’s development and starting braces when the timing is right. Our team will give you an honest assessment. If waiting makes sense, we’ll explain why and schedule follow-up visits to track progress.
Why Aurora Families Choose Garlock Orthodontics for Kids’ Braces
Families throughout Aurora, Centennial, Parker, and Southeast Denver trust Garlock Orthodontics with their children’s smiles. Here’s what sets us apart.
Specialized Orthodontic Expertise
Dr. David Garlock, DDS and Dr. Logan Smith, DDS focus exclusively on orthodontics. Dr. Smith earned his Master’s in Orthodontics from Saint Louis University and brings specialized training in modern treatment approaches. Both doctors are active members of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association, regularly attending continuing education to stay current with the latest research and techniques.
A Kid-Friendly Environment
Our office in Aurora, CO is designed with families in mind. We know children may feel nervous about orthodontic care. Our team takes time to explain everything in kid-friendly terms, answer questions, and make sure your child feels comfortable and cared for throughout their visits.
Modern Technology for Better Results
Digital scanning and imaging help us build accurate treatment plans for every child. Modern bracket systems are smaller and more comfortable than braces from years past. These advances mean better results and a more pleasant experience for your child.
Flexible Payment Options
Orthodontic care is an investment in your child’s future. We offer low monthly payment options to fit your family’s budget. Our team helps coordinate insurance benefits and explains all financial options during your free consult.
The Garlock Experience
To us, you’re more than a patient with a set of pearly whites. We love people and love making them happy. That philosophy shapes every interaction at our practice. We go the extra smile for every family who walks through our doors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids’ Braces
At what age should my child get braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children visit an orthodontic specialist for an evaluation right around their seventh birthday. This doesn’t mean your child will get braces at 7. It means we can identify developing concerns and determine the best time to begin treatment. Most children receive braces between ages 11-14, though some benefit from earlier care.
How much do braces for kids cost in Aurora, CO?
Treatment costs vary based on several factors: the type of braces chosen, how long care lasts, the level of correction needed, and which insurance benefits apply. During your free consult at Garlock Orthodontics, we provide a detailed breakdown specific to your child’s needs. We offer low monthly payment options and work with your insurance to maximize benefits. No surprises. Just a clear plan.
How long will my child need to wear braces?
Most children wear braces for 12-24 months. Straightforward cases may finish sooner, while more extensive situations take additional time. During your free consult, we’ll give you a realistic estimate based on your child’s specific treatment plan. Regular adjustment visits and following care instructions help keep treatment on track.
Are braces uncomfortable for kids?
Getting braces placed is not uncomfortable. Your child may feel some soreness for a few days after placement and following adjustments as teeth begin moving. This is manageable with over-the-counter relief and soft foods. Most kids adjust quickly and report that braces feel much better than they expected.
Can my child still play sports and instruments with braces?
Absolutely! Braces don’t have to sideline your active child. For contact sports, we recommend a protective mouthguard designed for braces. Wind instruments may require a short adjustment period, but most young musicians adapt within a few weeks. We’re happy to talk through specific activities during your free consult.
Does insurance cover children’s orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for children, often covering a portion of treatment costs. Coverage varies by plan. Our team contacts your insurance company to verify benefits and explain what to expect. We’ll help you understand your coverage before treatment begins.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Consultation in Aurora, CO
Ready to explore braces for your child? Garlock Orthodontics offers free consultations for new patients at our location in Aurora, Colorado. During this visit, we’ll evaluate your child’s teeth and bite, answer your questions, and discuss whether treatment makes sense now or later.
What to bring to your first visit:
- Your child’s dental insurance card (if applicable)
- Any dental records or X-rays from your family dentist
- A list of questions or topics you’d like to discuss
Our Aurora office proudly serves families from Centennial, Parker, Southeast Denver, and surrounding communities. We’d love to meet your family and help your child get started on their smile goals.
Request your free consult today and discover the 5-star Garlock experience for yourself.