Children & Teen Orthodontics - Preventative Care
Even if your child’s teeth appear to be straight, orthodontic issues that only your pediatric orthodontist can detect, may exist and negatively impact your child’s oral health. Early detection may prevent those problems from becoming more serious and requiring more extensive treatment in the future. We focus on children orthodontics to help provide shorter treatments and provide good oral health for permanent teeth. A large percentage of our patients come in for teen orthodontic care. We can correct dental issues as teens continue to transition to permanent teeth.
Our expert pediatric orthodontists will help build the right treatment plan for your child‘s needs. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about the best treatment options.
Early evaluation can help:
- Guide Jaw Growth and
Permanent Teeth Positioning - Reduce Need for Future Permanent
Tooth Extractions and Dental Work - Shorten Orthodontic Treatment
Time in the Future - Lower the Risk of Trauma to
Protruding Front Teeth - Correct Harmful Oral Habits
The American Association of Orthodontists says the right time for an orthodontic checkup is no later than age 7. Your child’s treatment plan will depend on his or her unique dental needs. At Orthodontic Arts in Oklahoma City, we put both children orthodontics and teen orthodontics as a top priority in our practice. We custom taylor dental treatment plans to match your child’s dental development.
In some dental cases, early treatment for your child may be beneficial to prevent problems that could be more difficult to correct at a later age. However, in many cases, we may recommend monitoring your child’s growth and development and beginning treatment in the early teen years or at the most appropriate time based on their individual development.

Children's Orthodontist
At Orthodontic Arts, we’re committed to offering customized care and tailored treatment plans for children in the Oklahoma City area. From the consultation and checkups to the day they get their braces off, our children’s orthodontists will ensure your child’s oral health needs are met. We can also help develop a tailored treatment plan to correct bite issues, straighten crooked teeth, and boost confidence levels.
Our children’s orthodontists in Oklahoma City understand that everyone is different and requires a different treatment plan. We’re here to explore the different treatment options available for your child and offer expert advice along the way. Depending on your child’s oral health or smile’s appearance, we may recommend one of the following treatments:
Children's Braces Treatment Options
- Braces: Braces can correct misalignment, improve bite, and straighten crooked teeth.
- Surgery: If your child has a jaw misalignment, we may recommend surgery to reposition the jaw.
- Expander Braces: Expander braces are used to expand the palate and prepare children for braces in the future.
What age and why?
Parents can consult with a pediatric orthodontist by the time their child turns 7 and should look to have braces between the ages of 9 and 14. When your child turns 7, they should have their first molars and most permanent teeth. During this time, orthodontists should be able to see any arising issues and provide expert recommendations for future treatment.
A children’s orthodontist will likely wait until all permanent teeth have grown before recommending braces, typically around 9-12.
When are they ready?
When your child has lost all their baby teeth and is self-sufficient with oral care, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a pediatric orthodontist to discuss treatment options. An orthodontist will evaluate their teeth and provide expert recommendations and custom care solutions.

Teen Orthodontist
Many parents choose to wait until their children are teens to get braces. Once your child is between 13 and 19, their permanent teeth are fully grown, and their jaw is still developing. This is the perfect time to discuss treatment options with your teen orthodontist.
A large percentage of our patients come in for teen orthodontic care. We can correct dental issues as teens continue to transition to permanent teeth. If your teen doesn’t want traditional metal braces, we can also sit down with you and your teen to explore alternatives.
Depending on your teen’s teeth, jaw, and smile, a teen orthodontist may recommend expander braces or surgery to correct a misalignment.
Ready to build a custom treatment plan for your child or teen? Contact us today. We’re here to walk you through your options and find one that aligns with your growing teen’s lifestyle.
There are several different types of braces available for teens. Some options your pediatric orthodontist may recommend include:
Teen Braces Treatment Options
- Metal Braces: Traditional braces made with metal brackets and wires.
- Ceramic Braces: These are clear braces that look and perform the same as metal braces but are slightly less noticeable.
- Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front, making them less noticeable.
- Clear Aligners: Invisible braces are a popular alternative to brackets and wires. They are completely removable and can be taken out while eating or drinking. Our Invisible Braces options for teens include Invisalign and Nudge.
Our goal is to deliver the
best, customized care
for your family.
Adults can wear braces, too.
Pediatric Orthodontist FAQs
Once your child turns 7, you should schedule an initial consultation with a pediatric orthodontist. The orthodontist will then offer expert recommendations for the treatment plan.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s dental health. Exploring options for braces early on can help prevent long-term problems and help your child grow into a healthier smile.
Orthodontic Arts offers customized care to families in Oklahoma City and the surrounding neighborhoods.