Comfortable, modern braces for growing smiles, guided personally by a board-certified orthodontist who treats your child like family.
When Should Kids Get Braces?
As a parent, knowing when to schedule that first orthodontic visit can feel uncertain. You wonder if it’s too early. You worry about missing a window. You hear different recommendations from different sources, and most parents don’t realize that the right answer is often earlier than expected.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, your child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth, and the earliest signs of crowding, spacing, or bite concerns are easiest to identify and easiest to address.
That doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away. In fact, most children seen at age 7 don’t need treatment yet. The goal is simply to understand how your child’s smile is developing and to flag anything worth monitoring.
When braces are recommended, the right timing is the difference between a smooth, predictable treatment and a more complex one later on. That’s why families across Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Mesa trust Dr. Larson to guide that decision with honesty, experience, and a comfort-first approach.
Request Your Free Consultation
Your first consultation at Larson Family Orthodontics is complimentary. No obligation, no pressure, just clear answers about what makes sense for your family.
- Board-certified orthodontist
- Fully digital scans and treatment planning
- Before and after school appointments
- In-house financing with no interest
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We will call or text to set up your complimentary exam.
Benefits of Braces for Kids
When braces are the right step for your child, the benefits extend well beyond a straight smile. Treatment at the right age sets the foundation for a healthier, more confident future.
- Easier oral hygiene — straighter teeth are easier for kids to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum issues as they grow.
- Improved bite function — corrects how the upper and lower teeth come together, supporting comfortable chewing, clear speech, and balanced jaw development.
- Less complex treatment later — addressing concerns during growth often means shorter, simpler treatment than waiting until adulthood.
- Protected long-term results — properly aligned teeth experience less uneven wear, lowering the risk of future dental work.
- A confident smile during important years — kids who feel good about their smile are often more comfortable socially during a formative time.
- Personalized care from start to finish — Dr. Larson guides every case with the experience and consistency parents count on.
Every child is different, which is why we never recommend treatment unless it will make a meaningful, lasting difference. Learn more about early orthodontic treatment.
Braces Options for Kids
Not every child needs the same kind of braces. At Larson Family Orthodontics, we offer thoughtful, age-appropriate options designed to feel comfortable and fit naturally into your child’s daily life.
- Metal Braces — The most proven and versatile option for kids. Durable, reliable, and customizable with colorful bands many kids genuinely enjoy choosing at each visit.
- LightForce Custom Braces — 3D-printed brackets designed specifically for your child’s teeth. A more precise fit means a more efficient treatment and often fewer in-office adjustments.
- Ceramic (Clear) Braces — Tooth-colored brackets that blend in naturally, a great option for older kids or pre-teens who feel self-conscious about traditional metal braces.
- Self-Ligating Braces — A streamlined bracket design that often means faster, more comfortable adjustment appointments.
- Phase 1 Limited Braces — Targeted, short-term braces used during early treatment to address specific concerns while your child’s jaw is still developing. Learn more about early orthodontics.
During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Larson will recommend the option that best fits your child’s case, age, and comfort level and walk you through exactly why.
What to Expect During Treatment
We’ve designed every step of your child’s braces experience to feel smooth, predictable, and reassuring, for them and for you.
- Step 1 — Complimentary Consultation: Digital scans, a full evaluation with Dr. Larson, and a clear treatment plan walked through with you in plain language. Kids leave feeling informed, not anxious.
- Step 2 — Gentle Placement: Brackets and wires are gently placed using modern, comfort-first techniques. No drilling, no needles, most kids are surprised by how easy the appointment feels.
- Step 3 — Routine Check-Ins: Quick adjustment visits every 6 to 10 weeks. Before-school, after-school, and weekend appointments are available for existing patients, designed to fit your family’s schedule, not the other way around.
- Step 4 — Remote Monitoring (Optional): Secure remote dental monitoring with Grin allows us to track your child’s progress from home, reducing time away from school. Learn more about virtual monitoring.
- Step 5 — Removal & Retainers: When treatment is complete, we transition your child to a custom retainer to protect their new smile long term. Explore retainer options.
Throughout treatment, our experienced team is here to answer questions, ease any concerns, and make every visit feel like a positive step forward. We’ve worked with thousands of kids, and we know how to make even the most nervous patient feel at home.
Comfortable, Flexible Investment in Your Child's Smile
Quality orthodontic care is a meaningful investment, and we make it easy to plan for. Our goal is to remove the guesswork from cost so you can focus on the experience and outcome.
- Flexible financing options designed to fit comfortably into your family’s budget
- Most PPO insurance plans accepted — and we handle the paperwork on your behalf
- Clear, transparent pricing with no surprise fees, walked through with you during your consultation
Why Families in Gilbert Choose Larson Family Orthodontics
- Board-certified Orthodontist Dr. Larson completed his residency and master's at the University of Texas–Houston, with international training as Chief of Orthodontics in the U.S. Air Force.
- 14 Years of Experience treating patients of all ages, with a deep focus on guiding young patients through their first orthodontic experience.
- Comfort-first, kid-friendly care gentle techniques, age-appropriate communication, and a calm, welcoming environment that helps even nervous kids feel at ease.
- Advanced Technology designed for kids fully digital scans, 3D treatment planning, and remote monitoring that means fewer in-office visits and less time away from school.
- Scheduling that works for busy families efore-school, after-school, and weekend appointments available for existing patients.
Proudly serving families across Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Mesa.
Trusted by Families Across Gilbert and the East Valley
Kristin Porter
Wonderful ortho! We decided to go with Dr. Larson for our son’s braces and couldn’t be happier…
Dave
I stopped in without an appointment because I was having an unexpected issue with my retainer.
Steve
Our first born is ready for braces so naturally, we made several ortho appointments in order to find a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Kids
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Larson can identify how your child’s bite, jaw, and spacing are developing, even if no treatment is needed yet. Early evaluation helps us know exactly what to monitor and when to act.
Does my child really need braces at this age?
Not necessarily. Most kids who come in for an early evaluation don’t need treatment right away. The goal of an early visit is simply to understand where your child is in their development and to flag anything worth watching. We only recommend braces when they will make a meaningful difference.
How long will my child wear braces?
Most kids wear braces between 12 and 24 months. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the type of braces chosen. Dr. Larson will give you a clear, realistic estimate during your consultation. Learn more about Phase 1 early orthodontics.
Will braces hurt my child?
Modern braces are far more comfortable than they used to be. Your child may feel mild soreness for a few days after placement and adjustments, but most kids adjust quickly. Our comfort-first approach means gentle placement and helpful tips to manage any temporary discomfort at home.
Can my child play sports or instruments with braces?
Yes. Most kids continue sports, band, and other activities without any issue. For contact sports, we recommend a custom mouthguard, which we’re happy to help arrange. Instrument playing typically just requires a brief adjustment period.
How often will we need to come in for visits?
Most patients have adjustment visits every 6 to 10 weeks. With remote monitoring through Grin, many check-ins can be handled from home, helping reduce time away from school, work, and family activities.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your first consultation at Larson Family Orthodontics is complimentary. No obligation, no pressure, just an honest conversation about what’s best for your family.
We’ll review your records, walk you through your options clearly, and make sure you leave with real answers.
Schedule Your Free Exam
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