Braces for Children in St. Paul
At Thayer Orthodontics, we are proud to offer braces for kids in St. Paul, MN . While adults wear braces too, orthodontic treatment is most common in children and young adults, whose growing teeth and jaws respond especially well to care. Treating alignment problems, overcrowding, and bite issues early helps protect your child’s oral health and sets the stage for a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
request an appointmentWhy Early Orthodontic Care Matters for Kids
If left untreated, orthodontic problems in children can lead to bigger issues down the line. Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to keep clean, making children more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease. An uneven bite can also place extra strain on the jaw joints and cause uneven tooth wear over time.
Common Reasons Children Need Braces
The most common reason children and young adults need braces is to correct a malocclusion, or bad bite. Habits such as prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking can push teeth out of position and affect how the upper and lower teeth meet. Young children may also have too many teeth coming in at once, or “double teeth” when baby teeth don’t fall out on schedule, which can crowd the mouth and cause bite problems.
The Importance of a Healthy Bite
In a healthy bite, the upper and lower jaws meet evenly, allowing you to open and close your mouth comfortably. A correct bite supports normal eating and speaking. When teeth or jaws don’t line up, children may struggle with chewing, speech, and long-term oral health.
The Ideal Age for Children’s Braces
Orthodontists recommend starting care earlier rather than later. The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children visit an orthodontist for the first time by age 7. At that visit, we can evaluate growth, monitor development, and begin treatment at the ideal time. For many children, the best age to wear braces is between seven and fourteen years old. Learn more about our early treatment approach.
Braces Options for Kids
Many children choose traditional braces, which can be personalized with colorful bands at each adjustment. Clear braces offer a less noticeable option. As your child grows, we continue to support their smile with braces for teens. Accurate diagnosis using digital x-rays helps us plan the right treatment. Explore all of our orthodontic services or read our orthodontic FAQs.
If you have any questions about braces for children, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (651) 488-5622.
Braces for Children FAQs
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when dental and skeletal development can be assessed.
What is the best age for children to get braces?
For many children, the ideal time to wear braces is between ages seven and fourteen, though the right timing depends on each child’s growth and needs.
Can thumb sucking affect my child’s teeth?
Yes. Prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking can push teeth out of position and lead to a malocclusion, or bad bite, that may require orthodontic treatment.
Do braces hurt for kids?
Teeth may feel sore for a day or two after braces are placed or adjusted. This is usually easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can my child play sports and instruments with braces?
Absolutely. We provide wax for playing musical instruments, and specially designed mouthguards are available for contact sports.
How do I help my child care for their braces?
We provide special toothbrushes, brushing and flossing instruction, and a written list of foods to avoid. Encouraging good hygiene at home helps treatment progress efficiently.
What happens if my child’s orthodontic problem isn’t treated?
Untreated alignment and bite problems can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, uneven tooth wear, and strain on the jaw joints.
Give Your Child a Healthy, Confident Smile
Schedule your child’s complimentary orthodontic evaluation at Thayer Orthodontics. Call (651) 488-5622 or request an appointment online today.
