What This Guide Covers
This guide helps parents understand when children should see an orthodontist, what types of braces are available, and how much treatment may cost.
Orthodontic treatment corrects malocclusion, the clinical term for a "bad bite." Malocclusion includes crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, and problems with how the upper and lower jaws fit together. These issues can affect chewing, speech, and oral hygiene if left untreated.
Braces work by applying steady, gentle pressure to teeth over time. This pressure gradually moves teeth into better positions. The process also guides jaw growth in younger patients whose bones are still developing.
Whether your child has a noticeable bite problem or you simply want a professional opinion, this guide will walk you through the key decisions. You can also visit the orthodontics page to learn more about orthodontic specialists near you.
Types of Braces for Children
Several types of braces can correct a child's bite, and the best choice depends on the specific problem, the child's age, and the family's preferences.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most widely used option for children. They consist of small stainless-steel brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a thin metal wire called an archwire. Elastic bands (often called "ligatures" or "o-rings") hold the wire to each bracket.
Metal braces are effective for a wide range of problems, from mild crowding to complex bite issues. They are typically the most cost-effective choice. Modern metal brackets are smaller and more comfortable than older designs. Many children enjoy choosing colored elastic bands at each adjustment visit.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made from tooth-colored or clear ceramic material. This makes them less visible on the teeth.
Ceramic brackets can stain if exposed to certain foods and drinks. They are also slightly more fragile than metal. For these reasons, many orthodontists recommend ceramic braces for older teens rather than younger children. Ceramic braces typically cost more than metal braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are removable, transparent plastic trays that fit over the teeth. Each set of trays is worn for about one to two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. The trays apply gentle pressure to shift teeth incrementally.
Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate alignment problems. They require discipline because the child must wear them 20 to 22 hours per day. Removing them for eating and brushing is convenient, but lost or forgotten trays can delay treatment. Some orthodontists offer aligner therapy for teens, though traditional braces remain more common for younger children.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces attach to the back (tongue side) of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. They use the same bracket-and-wire system as traditional braces.
Lingual braces are less commonly used in children. They can be harder to clean and may cause more initial tongue irritation. They also tend to be more expensive and require specialized training. Most orthodontists reserve lingual braces for older teens or adults who strongly prefer invisible treatment.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 [4].
Why Age 7?
By age 7, a child typically has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. An orthodontist can spot developing problems at this stage, even if they are not yet obvious to parents. Early detection does not always mean early treatment. In many cases, the orthodontist will simply monitor growth and recommend braces later.
Signs that may prompt an evaluation before age 7 include difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb-sucking past age 5, crowded or misplaced teeth, and jaws that shift or make sounds. A general dentist may also refer a child to an orthodontist if they notice bite concerns during a routine checkup [5].
Early (Phase 1) Treatment vs. Full Braces (Phase 2)
Some children benefit from Phase 1 treatment, also called interceptive treatment, starting around ages 7 to 10. Phase 1 typically addresses a specific structural problem, such as a narrow upper jaw (palatal constriction) or a crossbite. Appliances like palatal expanders are common in this phase. Treatment usually lasts 6 to 12 months.
Phase 2 is full braces, usually placed between ages 10 and 14. This is when most permanent teeth have erupted. Not every child needs Phase 1. The orthodontist will recommend it only if waiting could make the problem harder to correct later.
How to Prepare Your Child
Talk to your child about braces in simple, positive terms. Explain that the orthodontist will look at their teeth and take some pictures. Let them know that braces help teeth line up so they are easier to clean and more comfortable to use.
Good oral hygiene habits should be well established before braces go on. Children in orthodontic treatment who consume high-sugar diets face increased risks of cavities and white spot lesions (areas of weakened enamel). Research has shown that youth receiving orthodontic care are not immune to poor dietary habits, making parental involvement in nutrition important throughout treatment [3].
What Happens During Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment follows a predictable sequence: evaluation, planning, placement, adjustments, and retention.
Initial Consultation and Records
The first visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The orthodontist examines your child's teeth, jaw, and facial structure. X-rays, photographs, and sometimes digital scans or impressions are taken. These records help the orthodontist create a treatment plan.
The orthodontist will explain the diagnosis, the recommended type of braces, the estimated treatment time, and the cost. This is a good time to ask questions about payment options, appointment frequency, and what your child can and cannot eat during treatment.
Getting Braces Put On
Placement day typically takes one to two hours. The orthodontist cleans the teeth, applies a bonding adhesive, and attaches each bracket. The archwire is then threaded through the brackets and secured with elastic ties. The process is not painful, though the child may feel pressure.
Mild soreness is common for the first three to five days after placement. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during this adjustment period. Orthodontic wax, a soft material pressed onto brackets, can reduce irritation on the lips and cheeks.
Regular Adjustment Visits
Adjustment appointments are scheduled every four to eight weeks. During each visit, the orthodontist may replace the archwire, tighten the wire, or change the elastic bands. These appointments usually take 15 to 30 minutes.
Your child may experience mild discomfort for a day or two after adjustments. Treatment typically lasts 12 to 36 months, though complex cases may take longer. Keeping all scheduled appointments helps treatment stay on track.
After Braces: Retainers
When braces are removed, the orthodontist places a retainer to hold the teeth in their new positions. Without a retainer, teeth tend to drift back toward their original alignment. This is called relapse.
Retainers may be removable or fixed (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth). The orthodontist will give specific instructions on how long and how often your child should wear the retainer. In many cases, some form of retainer use is recommended indefinitely, often just at night.
How Much Do Children's Braces Cost?
Braces for children typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
Metal braces tend to fall on the lower end of that range. Ceramic braces usually cost $500 to $1,500 more than metal. Clear aligners for teens generally fall in the $3,500 to $6,500 range. Lingual braces, when offered for children, are often the most expensive option, sometimes exceeding $8,000.
Many orthodontists offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the course of treatment, often with no interest. Some offices charge a separate fee for the initial consultation and records, while others include them in the total treatment fee. Ask about all fees upfront before starting treatment.
Insurance and Financing
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit for children under 18. This benefit often covers a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $2,500, though amounts vary widely by plan. Check your specific policy for details on coverage, waiting periods, and age limits.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can also help cover orthodontic costs with pre-tax dollars. If your family does not have dental insurance, ask the orthodontist's office about sliding-scale fees or third-party financing options. Getting a cost estimate in writing before treatment begins helps avoid surprises.
When to See an Orthodontist vs. a General Dentist
A general dentist can identify potential bite problems, but an orthodontist has the specialized training to diagnose and treat them.
Orthodontists complete two to three years of additional residency training beyond dental school, focused entirely on tooth movement and jaw alignment. They are the dental specialists best equipped to handle malocclusion in growing children. Your child's general dentist plays an important role in preventive care, cavity treatment, and monitoring overall oral health. Many dentists and orthodontists work together throughout a child's treatment.
You should see an orthodontist if your child has any of the following: crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth; difficulty biting or chewing; a noticeable overbite, underbite, or crossbite; early or late loss of baby teeth; jaws that click, pop, or shift to one side; or if your child is approaching age 7 and has not yet been evaluated [4].
A referral from your general dentist is helpful but not required. Most orthodontic offices accept direct appointments from families. You can search for a qualified orthodontist through the orthodontics page.
Find an Orthodontist for Your Child
Getting your child evaluated early gives the orthodontist the best chance to plan effective treatment. Use our directory on the orthodontics page to find an orthodontist in your area. You can filter by location and read about each provider's background before scheduling a consultation.
Search Orthodontists in Your Area