Choosing orthodontic care for your child feels like a big decision, and it should. The right treatment protects your child’s bite, guides jaw growth, and sets up a healthy smile for life. At Farnsworth Family Orthodontics, we help families sort through the options with clear information, honest guidance, and a free consult with one of our doctors. Our approach centers on education first, so you understand what each treatment does and why we recommend it for your child specifically.
This guide walks you through what children’s orthodontic care actually involves, how we select the right treatment, how financing works, and how to tell if your child is ready. By the end, you’ll have the clarity you need to take the next step with confidence.
What Is Children’s Orthodontic Treatment?
Children’s orthodontic treatment corrects bite, alignment, and jaw growth issues while a child is still developing. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early visits don’t always mean early treatment, but they do let our doctors spot issues before they get harder to correct.
Treatment usually falls into two categories:
- Phase 1 (interceptive): Done between ages 7 and 10 to guide jaw growth, create space, or correct bite issues while baby teeth are still present.
- Phase 2 (complete): Done once most permanent teeth are in, typically around ages 11 to 14, to finalize alignment with braces or Invisalign.
Common issues we treat in kids include:
- Crowding
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Spacing or gaps
- Protruding front teeth
The goal is always the same at Farnsworth Family Orthodontics: a healthy bite, straight teeth, and a confident smile your child wants to show off. Families we serve know that care should feel personal, straightforward, and close to home.
How the Treatment Selection Process Works
Picking the right treatment isn’t guesswork. It’s a step-by-step process built around your child’s unique bite, growth pattern, and lifestyle. Here’s what to expect when you book a free consultation at Farnsworth Family Orthodontics.
- Schedule a free consult. Your first visit includes a full exam and a chance to meet one of our doctors. There’s no pressure.
- Diagnostic records. We take digital X-rays, photos, and 3D scans. These show us what’s happening above and below the gumline, including unerupted teeth and jaw development.
- Evaluation. One of our doctors reviews the records, identifies any bite or alignment concerns, and looks at growth patterns to time treatment correctly.
- Customized treatment plan. We present every suitable option, explain the pros and cons, and answer your questions. You see the plan before you commit.
- Family review. You and your child go over timeline, payment options, and lifestyle fit together. If sports, music, or school schedules matter, we factor those in.
- Begin treatment. Once you’re ready, we schedule regular monitoring visits every 4 to 8 weeks to track progress and make adjustments.
Our team keeps things straightforward. You’ll always know what’s next, and we take time to answer every question before moving to the next step.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Treatment Early
Early orthodontic evaluation gives our doctors a head start. Even if your child doesn’t need braces at age 7, we can watch for changes and act at exactly the right moment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, timely intervention often leads to shorter, simpler treatment later.
How Does Early Treatment Shorten Care?
When our doctors spot bite or spacing concerns while your child is still growing, we can use that growth to our advantage. Interceptive care in Phase 1 often reduces how long braces or aligners are needed in Phase 2. Expanders and other appliances can widen a narrow palate or correct a crossbite while growth plates remain open. Creating space early can also prevent crowding so severe that teeth must be removed in adolescence, which means fewer extractions and less time in appliances overall.
What Long-Term Benefits Should Parents Expect?
Beyond a shorter total treatment time, choosing the right care early pays off in daily life. Here’s what the right treatment, chosen at the right time, can do for your child:
- Catches subtle issues early. Bite problems and jaw misalignment are easier to correct while bones are still growing.
- Shortens total treatment time. Interceptive care in Phase 1 often reduces how long braces or aligners are needed in Phase 2.
- Guides jaw development. Expanders and other appliances can widen a narrow palate or correct a crossbite while growth plates remain open.
- Reduces the need for extractions or surgery later. Creating space early can prevent crowding so severe that teeth must be removed in adolescence.
- Builds confidence during school years. Kids who feel good about their smile tend to speak up, participate, and engage socially.
- Supports better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum issues.
Our doctors bring years of experience to every recommendation. We’ve worked with many families across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, which means we’ve seen just about every bite pattern a child can bring through the door.
Treatment Options Compared: Braces vs. Invisalign vs. Expanders
Every child is different, so the right appliance depends on age, bite complexity, and daily habits. Here’s a side-by-side look at the most common options we offer.
| Treatment | Best Age Range | Issues Treated | Typical Duration | Visibility | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | 10+ | Crowding, bite, rotation, complex cases | 12–24 months | Visible, colored bands available | Durable, works for nearly any case | Food restrictions, visible |
| Clear braces | 12+ | Same as metal braces | 12–24 months | Low-profile ceramic | Blends with teeth, strong | Slightly more fragile |
| Invisalign | 12+ (teens) | Mild to moderate alignment and spacing | 12–18 months | Nearly invisible | Removable, easy to clean, no food limits | Requires 20–22 hr/day wear |
| Palatal expander | 7–11 | Narrow upper jaw, crossbite, crowding | 3–9 months | Hidden inside mouth | Creates space, guides growth | Short adjustment period |
Metal braces remain the workhorse of orthodontics for a reason. They handle the toughest cases and give our doctors precise control. Invisalign for teens is a great fit for disciplined kids who can keep the aligners in for the full daily wear time. Expanders are often used in Phase 1 to prepare the mouth for later treatment.
Not sure which option fits? That’s exactly what the free consult is for. Our doctors will walk you through each choice side by side so you can see what makes the most sense for your child.
Insurance and Financing Options
Every child’s treatment plan is different, so we walk through your options together during your visit. At Farnsworth Family Orthodontics, we want every family to feel supported, and our team is happy to explain your payment options at every one of our offices.
Here’s what to ask about:
- Insurance coverage. Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit for children.
- Medicaid and CHIP. State programs may cover medically necessary orthodontic care for eligible kids.
- HSA and FSA accounts. Pre-tax dollars can often be used toward treatment.
- Monthly payment plans. Payments can be spread out over time to fit your family’s budget.
Our financing options are designed to make care accessible, and our team will help you verify your benefits during your free consultation.
Is Your Child Ready for Orthodontic Treatment?
Not every child needs braces at age 7, but every child benefits from an evaluation. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide if it’s time to book a visit with one of our doctors.
Signs your child may need an orthodontic evaluation:
- Age 7 or older with no previous orthodontic exam
- Visible crowding or crooked teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing or frequent snoring
- Thumb-sucking past age 5
- Early, late, or uneven loss of baby teeth
- Jaw that shifts, clicks, or pops
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting down
- Protruding front teeth
- Speech issues related to tooth position
Phase 1 candidates are usually ages 7 to 10 with developing bite issues that benefit from early guidance. Expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers may be used.
Phase 2 candidates are typically 11 and older with most permanent teeth in place. Full braces or Invisalign complete the alignment.
Invisalign for teens works best for kids who can commit to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Our doctors will talk honestly with your teen about whether this is the right fit.
Our team has guided many families through this exact decision. If you’re on the fence, a free consult gives you clarity with zero obligation, and there’s no pressure to start treatment the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should a kid go to the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for our doctors to spot bite, spacing, or jaw growth issues early. Many children won’t need treatment yet, but the visit sets a baseline so care can begin at exactly the right time.
What type of braces is best for my child?
The best option depends on your child’s age, the complexity of their bite, and their daily habits. Metal braces work for nearly every case. Clear braces are a great fit for older kids who want something less visible. Invisalign works well for responsible teens who can wear aligners consistently. Our doctors recommend the right fit after a full exam.
How do I pick the right orthodontist?
Look for a practice with experienced doctors, modern technology, flexible financing, and a welcoming team. Ask about free consultations, treatment options, and how long the practice has served the community. A good orthodontist will take time to explain each option, answer your questions in plain language, and never push you toward a treatment you aren’t comfortable with.
How long does children’s orthodontic treatment take?
Most children’s orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, though Phase 1 interceptive care may be shorter. The exact timeline depends on the issue being corrected, the appliance used, and how well your child follows care instructions. Our team provides a clear timeline during your customized treatment plan review.
Does insurance or Medicaid/CHIP cover braces?
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit for children, often covering a portion of treatment. Medicaid and CHIP may cover medically necessary orthodontic care for eligible kids. Our team will help you verify your benefits and explain your coverage before treatment begins, so there are no surprises later.
Choosing orthodontic care should feel supportive, not stressful. When you’re ready to learn more about the right fit for your child, our doctors and team are here to help you and your family build simply spectacular smiles together.