Orthodontics for Kids

At Athens Orthodontic center, we believe every smile deserves the right start. That’s why we offer treatment options designed to suit your child’s age and needs. We recommend a first orthodontic check-up by age 8—this helps us spot potential issues early and guide you on the best path forward. Whether it’s early treatment or simply keeping an eye on growth, we’ll make sure your child’s smile is in good hands.

In some cases, the best way to care for your child’s smile is to begin treatment early. This type of care, called Interceptive Treatment or Phase 1 Orthodontics, is designed to gently guide teeth and jaw growth, reduce the severity of future dental issues, and make later orthodontic treatment simpler and more effective.

At Athens Orthodontic Center, we know that a child’s first orthodontic experience is important. That’s why we focus on making every step comfortable, safe, and positive. If early treatment is recommended, our specialists will create a personalized plan that fits your child’s unique needs. This may include easy-to-wear removable appliances, or for more complex cases, short-term fixed appliances to help achieve the best results.

By starting at the right time, we can set the foundation for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

At a glance

Overall Treatment Length

Usually 6–18 months, depending on your child’s needs

Comfort Level

Gentle and comfortable, with little to no discomfort

Check-Up Frequency

Simple visits every 4–12 weeks to monitor progress

Time Needed for Adjustments

Quick, stress-free appointments of about 30 minutes

Retention

Continued until all permanent teeth have come in, to keep the smile healthy and aligned

F.A.Q

Is it painful?

Most children feel little to no discomfort. Any mild soreness usually goes away within a day or two, and we’ll show you ways to make your child more comfortable.

We’re always here to help. If anything comes up, just reach out, and we’ll guide you on the next steps and get your child in for care quickly.

Not at all! We’ll teach your child simple tips and tricks to keep teeth clean and healthy throughout treatment.

Orthodontic care is designed to fit easily into your child’s life. School, sports, and play can usually continue as normal, with just a few small adjustments.

Yes! Seeing the dentist regularly helps keep teeth and gums healthy while orthodontic treatment is happening.

We offer flexible payment options to make things easier for families. Our team will explain all available plans so you can choose what works best for you.

Before & After

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You got Options

Removable Appliances

These are used to correct simpler problems, especially in children who still have baby teeth. Custom-made in our lab, they are designed to fit your child perfectly. Kids can even choose colors and designs, making treatment fun and comfortable.

Expanders & Functional Appliances

Expanders help guide jaw growth during childhood, promoting balanced development of the facial structures. Functional appliances, used in selected cases, work on both upper and lower teeth to align jaws and teeth correctly. They may be removable or fixed, and results depend on the complexity of the case, patient cooperation, and natural growth potential.

Braces (Phase 1 & Phase 2)

Braces can be used in two stages:

  • Phase 1: For young children, braces may be applied for a short period, often alongside appliances like expanders. This boosts results and can shorten overall treatment time, with regular check-ups while waiting for all permanent teeth.
  • Phase 2: Once all permanent teeth have erupted (around ages 11–13), braces are applied to all teeth to fine-tune the smile and bite. Treatment is similar to adult orthodontics.

Schedule Today

Schedule a free consult a Athens Orthodontic center today. 

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