Orthodontics is a special type of dental care that helps correct issues with how the teeth and jaws align. It can improve how your child’s teeth look and function.

Orthodontists are dentists with extra training. They help straighten teeth, correct jaw problems and address facial differences.

Your child’s dentist might refer them to an orthodontist. The American Dental Association recommends that all kids get a checkup with an orthodontist by age 7.

Orthodontic care can help with:

• Crooked, crowded or uneven teeth
• Missing or extra teeth
• Top teeth that stick out too far (overbite)
• Bottom teeth that stick out past the top (underbite)
• Jaws that don’t line up right
• Problems with the joint that connects the jaw to the head

Dentists refer to these types of issues as malocclusions. This means the teeth or jaws don’t line up as they should. Early treatment can often help make things easier later on.

Braces are dental appliances used by orthodontists. They help straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They use small parts to gently move teeth into their proper spots. Braces can help your child’s teeth look better, work better and stay healthier over time.

The main parts of braces include:

• Brackets: These are small pieces that dentists glue to the front of each tooth. They can be metal, clear or tooth-colored.
• Lingual brackets: These are brackets that attach to the back side of the teeth, so they’re harder to see.
• Bands: These are metal rings that fit around the back teeth to hold the braces in place.
• Wires: These are thin metal wires that connect the brackets and gently move the teeth into better spots over time.

In most cases, the best time for braces is between ages 10 and 14, while the mouth is still growing. Braces work at any age, but it can take longer for adults because their bones and jaws are fully formed. Adults may need extra treatments, and sometimes even jaw surgery, to fix serious bite problems.

Before

We may ask that your child’s dentist send us a referral before scheduling a consult. During the consult, the care team will assess how your child’s teeth and jaw line up.

• We may take X-rays, photos and dental molds to develop a treatment plan.
• We will discuss treatment options, such as braces or retainers, and the length of your child's treatment.
• If your child needs braces or another device, we will schedule a follow-up visit.

During

If your child is getting braces or another device:

• The care team will place the braces or device at a follow-up visit.
• Your child will need to visit the care team on a regular basis, usually every four to six weeks. This allows us to adjust the braces or devices as needed and watch progress.

After

After your child gets braces, we will help you schedule follow-up visits as needed.
These guidelines will help your child avoid or limit any oral health problems while in braces:

• Brush after every meal using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Food can easily get stuck in braces.
• Floss every day between the teeth and around the braces.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings at least every six months, or as your child’s dentist or orthodontist suggests.
• Limit sugary and starchy foods. This can turn into acid that harms teeth and causes plaque.
• Avoid hard or sticky snacks that can damage braces or get stuck, such as popcorn, chewy candy, caramel or nuts.

Our orthodontists are dentists who have special training. They straighten teeth, fix jaw problems and help kids with facial differences. We make it easier for kids to chew, speak and smile with ease.

Expert care for all: Our team knows how to care for all kids in a safe and kind way. This includes those with delays, sensory issues or health conditions.

All-in-one services: We offer complete dental care. From cleanings and checkups to surgery and braces, we do it all.

Hospital care: When needed, we can provide safe dental care with sleep medicine at our top-ranked children’s hospital.