What Are Braces for Kids?
Braces for kids in Kissimmee FL are orthodontic appliances that gently straighten developing teeth and guide jaw growth using small brackets, archwires, and elastics. Our orthodontists at Shannon Orthodontics use child braces to correct crowding, gaps, and bite problems while your child’s mouth is still growing, which makes treatment more efficient.
Children’s smiles are still forming, and that gives our team a real advantage. Braces use steady, gentle pressure to shift teeth into healthier positions over time. They can also influence how the upper and lower jaws develop, helping correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites before they get harder to fix.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. That early visit doesn’t always mean treatment right away. It simply gives our orthodontists a chance to spot issues early and plan ahead.
Families can choose from several kid-friendly options:
| Type of Braces | Best For | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | Most bite and alignment issues | Durable and effective |
| Wild Smiles braces | Kids who want fun, shaped brackets | Star, heart, football shapes |
| Mini metal braces | Kids who want a lower-profile look | Smaller, sleeker brackets |
There’s also a difference between early orthodontics (Phase 1) and full treatment. Phase 1 happens around ages 7-10 to address specific growth concerns. Full treatment typically starts later, once most permanent teeth are in.
Benefits of Braces for Kids in Kissimmee
Getting braces for kids during childhood offers advantages that can be harder to achieve later. Growing bones respond well to orthodontic treatment, so our orthodontists can guide teeth and jaws more easily than in adulthood. The result is often a smoother experience and a healthy, confident smile that lasts.
Here are the key benefits of child braces:
- Correct crowding, gaps, and bite issues early. Addressing these problems while the mouth is still growing usually leads to easier, shorter treatment.
- Guide jaw and facial development. Braces can help the upper and lower jaws grow in better proportion, which improves both function and appearance.
- Lower the risk of decay and gum problems. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, so kids are less likely to deal with cavities or gum irritation from crooked spots.
- Boost confidence. A straighter smile often helps kids feel better about themselves at school, in photos, and with friends.
- Prevent more invasive treatment later. Catching issues now can reduce the need for extractions, surgery, or longer treatment in the teen years.
- Make braces fun. Wild Smiles brackets shaped like stars, hearts, footballs, and flowers turn treatment into something kids actually look forward to.
According to the AAO, early orthodontic evaluation gives children the best chance to catch problems early. Families in Kissimmee, FL appreciate that our practice offers child-friendly options without compromising clinical quality. Our orthodontists explain every step in a way kids understand, so your child feels comfortable from the very first appointment.
The Kids Braces Process: What to Expect
The child braces process at Shannon Orthodontics follows five clear steps: a complimentary new patient exam, digital imaging and treatment planning, braces placement, regular adjustment visits, and the retainer phase. Most children complete treatment in 12-24 months, depending on their specific needs and how well they follow our team’s care instructions.
Here’s what your child’s experience looks like:
- Complimentary new patient exam. Your first visit at our practice is free. Our orthodontists examine your child’s teeth and bite, answer your questions, and talk through whether braces are the right next step.
- Digital imaging and treatment plan. If braces are recommended, we use digital X-rays and images to map out a treatment plan made just for your child. We’ll go over the timeline, options, and costs together.
- Braces placement. The placement appointment usually takes one to two hours. Our team carefully bonds each bracket and threads the archwire. It’s painless, and many kids are surprised by how easy it is. Easier than they expected, in fact.
- Regular adjustment visits. Every 4-8 weeks, your child will visit our practice so we can adjust the wires and check progress. These visits are short, and kids often get to pick new elastic colors.
- Braces removal and retainer phase. Once teeth are in their ideal positions, off come the braces. Then comes the retainer, which keeps everything in place while the smile fully settles.
Treatment timelines vary, but most kids wear braces for 12-24 months. Some Phase 1 cases are shorter. Our team in Davenport, FL, just a short drive from Kissimmee, keeps families informed at every visit.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Braces?
Your child may be a candidate for braces for kids if they have crowding, gaps, an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, or if they have trouble chewing or speaking clearly. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7, when the mix of baby and permanent teeth gives our orthodontists a clear picture of how the smile is developing.
Common signs your child might need braces include:
- Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing during the day or at night
- Prolonged thumb-sucking that has affected tooth position
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when the mouth is closed
- Jaws that shift or make sounds when opening
Age 7 is the sweet spot for evaluation because your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. That combination lets our orthodontists see how the bite is developing and predict future issues before they fully form.
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. Sometimes our team simply monitors growth and recommends braces a few years later. Either way, an early exam gives you answers and peace of mind. Each child is evaluated individually to decide whether early orthodontics or later, full treatment is the better fit.
Why Families Choose Shannon Orthodontics
Families across Kissimmee, FL choose our practice because our orthodontists offer experienced, kid-friendly care in a fun and energetic office. Led by Dr. Chris Shannon, DDS, and Dr. Tyrel Larsen, DDS, MS, our team has helped many local children achieve straighter, healthier smiles. Dr. Larsen also holds board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, an extra credential that reflects advanced training in orthodontics.
Here’s what sets our practice apart:
- Experienced orthodontic team. Our orthodontists are members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO), American Dental Association (ADA), and Florida Dental Association (FDA).
- Options for every age. We offer early orthodontics, child braces, teen braces, Invisalign, and adult treatment all under one roof.
- A kid-friendly atmosphere. Our fun and energetic office puts children at ease, and Wild Smiles braces give them something to smile about.
- Flexible financing for families. We offer financial options and online payment to make braces easier to fit into your family’s budget.
- Advanced orthodontic technology. Digital imaging and modern brackets help our team deliver precise, comfortable results.
- Bilingual care. Hablamos español, so Spanish-speaking families feel welcome and well-informed.
Located in Davenport, FL, our practice proudly serves children and families throughout the surrounding Kissimmee area, giving every patient a convenient and welcoming place to receive quality orthodontic care close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Braces
At what age should my child get braces?
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Most children who need braces start treatment between ages 9 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have come in. Some kids benefit from Phase 1 early orthodontics around ages 7-10 to address specific growth or bite issues. Our orthodontists will tell you exactly when the timing is right for your child.
How much do braces for kids cost in Kissimmee, FL?
The cost of children’s braces depends on the type chosen, the length of treatment, and the complexity of the case. During your complimentary new patient exam, we go over pricing so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible financial options and online payment to help families manage the cost comfortably.
How long does my child need to wear braces?
Most kids wear braces for 12-24 months, though the exact timeline depends on their specific bite and alignment needs. Phase 1 early orthodontics is often shorter. After braces come off, your child will wear a retainer to keep teeth in their new positions. Our team explains the full timeline at the start of treatment.
Do braces hurt children?
Braces don’t hurt when they’re placed, and most kids feel comfortable during the appointment. After placement and after adjustment visits, your child may notice mild soreness for a few days as teeth begin to shift. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods usually help. The discomfort fades quickly, and kids adjust faster than parents expect.
Does insurance cover children’s braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage for children, but benefits vary by plan. Our team will help you understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer financial options to make treatment more manageable for families who need additional flexibility.
What foods should my child avoid with braces?
Kids with braces should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. That means no caramel, taffy, gum, hard candy, popcorn, ice, or whole apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces). Soft foods, pasta, and most everyday meals are perfectly fine. Our team gives every family a full list at the placement appointment.
Schedule Your Child’s Braces Consultation Today
Ready to give your child a healthy, confident smile? Schedule your complimentary new patient exam at Shannon Orthodontics today. Our practice in Davenport, FL warmly welcomes families from Kissimmee, Celebration, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Poinciana, and Haines City. Our flexible financing options make braces easier to fit into your family’s plans.
Call us at 863-353-6867 or book online to get started. We are eager to hear from you and look forward to meeting your child at our fun and energetic office, where we love making you smile!