(603) 225-5242
155 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301
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Schedule a Free Consult
Patient Portal
(603) 225-5242
155 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301

Orthodontics for Kids

Building Healthy Smiles from the Start

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The Perfect Age for Orthodontic Care

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it the ideal time to spot potential problems and guide healthy development.

Early orthodontic care doesn’t always mean immediate treatment. Instead, it’s about monitoring your child’s growth and intervening at precisely the right time to achieve the best possible results.

Guides proper jaw growth and development



Creates space for incoming permanent teeth



Corrects harmful habits like thumb sucking



Improves facial symmetry and profile



Builds confidence during crucial developmental years



We use a new, kid-friendly “mini” expanders that patients accept much more easily.

Common Issues We Treat in Children

Early detection and treatment of these common childhood orthodontic issues can prevent more complex problems later.

Crowding

When there isn’t enough space for permanent teeth to emerge properly

Spacing

Gaps between teeth that may affect function and appearance

Crossbites

When upper teeth bite inside lower teeth, affecting jaw development

Overbites

When upper front teeth stick out too far over lower teeth

Underbites

When lower teeth protrude past upper teeth 

Harmful Habits

Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing patterns

Kid-Friendly Treatment Options

We offer gentle, effective treatments designed specifically for children’s growing smiles and active lifestyles.

Invisalign First

Clear Aligners for Mixed Dentition. Revolutionary clear aligners designed specifically for children with both baby and permanent teeth. Nearly invisible and comfortable for active kids.

  • Virtually invisible treatment
  • Removable for eating and sports
  • Comfortable with no wires or brackets
  • Designed for growing smiles

Traditional Palatal Expander

Traditional palatal expander therapy uses a fixed orthodontic appliance to gradually widen the upper jaw in growing patients. These expanders are securely attached to the back teeth and adjusted over time to guide proper jaw development. Fixed expanders are a proven, effective solution for correcting skeletal issues early and creating a healthier, more balanced bite. Our expanders are high-tech and fully 3D printed, which means no separators are needed. This helps reduce discomfort and cuts down on the number of appointments required.

 

  • Corrected posterior crossbites
  • Widens narrow upper jaws
  • Creates space for crowded or impacted teeth
  • Fixed in place for consistent, reliable result
  • Effective for younger patients during growth phases

Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE)

Invisalign Palatal Expander therapy. Innovative digital expanders created to gently widen arches in growing patients. Removable, precise, and discreet for predictable development and comfortable wear.  

  • Corrected posterior crossbites
  • Creates space for crowded teeth
  • Removable for easier hygiene
  • Custom fit

Space Maintainers

Holding Space for Permanent Teeth

Custom appliances that hold space when baby teeth are lost early, ensuring permanent teeth have room to emerge properly.

  • Prevents teeth from shifting
  • Maintains proper spacing
  • Reduces need for future extractions
  • Comfortable and discrete
  • No need for painful separators, as our space maintainers are 3D printed.

Partial Braces

Braces placed on select teeth rather than the full arch, targeting specific alignment issues while the rest of the smile is still developing.

Custom appliances that hold space when baby teeth are lost early, ensuring permanent teeth have room to emerge properly.

  • Makes room for erupting adult teeth
  • Corrects crossbites before they affect jaw development
  • Reduces need for future extractions
  • Aligns teeth for a healthier, more even smile
  • Closes unwanted spaces between teeth

Habit Appliances

Fixed or removable appliances that gently discourage thumb sucking and tongue thrust before these habits have a chance to reshape the bite, the jaw, or the position of incoming permanent teeth.

Custom appliances that hold space when baby teeth are lost early, ensuring permanent teeth have room to emerge properly.

  • Stops thumb sucking habits that push front teeth forward
  • Retrains tongue position to prevent open bites caused by tongue thrust
  • Protects bite development during the most critical growth years
  • Aligns teeth for a healthier, more even smile
  • Reduces the likelihood of more complex treatment later on

What is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines early intervention (Phase 1) during childhood with comprehensive treatment (Phase 2) during the teenage years. This approach takes advantage of a child’s natural growth and development to achieve the best possible results.

The first phase typically occurs between ages 6-10 when children still have most of their baby teeth. The second phase begins around age 11-13 when most permanent teeth have emerged. This sequential approach allows us to address problems at the most optimal times.

 

 Guides proper jaw growth and development
 Creates space for permanent teeth
 Reduces need for tooth extractions
 Improves facial balance and symmetry

Understanding Each Phase

Each phase has specific goals and treatments designed to work with your child’s natural development.

Phase 1 Early Treatment (Ages 6-10)

Goals & Treatments:

  • Correct crossbites and severe crowding
  • Guide jaw growth and development
  • Create space for permanent teeth
  • Address harmful oral habits
  • Improve facial symmetry
  • Reduce risk of trauma to protruding teeth
Common Appliances:

Expanders, partial braces, Invisalign First, retainers, and growth modification appliances.

Phase 2 Comprehensive Treatment (Ages 11-14)

Goals & Treatments:

  • Align all permanent teeth properly
  • Perfect the bite and jaw function
  • Fine-tune tooth positioning
  • Establish proper contacts between teeth
  • Ensure long-term stability
  • Complete the smile transformation
Common Appliances:

Full braces, clear braces, Invisalign Teen,
and retention appliances.

Making Orthodontics Fun for Kids

We believe orthodontic care should be a positive, fun experience that children look forward to.

Kid-Friendly Environment

Welcoming, colorful spaces designed to make children feel comfortable and excited about their visits

Rewards & Recognition

Fun reward systems to celebrate progress and encourage good oral hygiene habits

Gentle Approach

Patient, caring treatment that builds trust and confidence with every visit

Family Involvement

We work closely with parents to ensure the best care and support at home

Questions Parents Ask

Get answers to the most common questions about orthodontic care for children.

When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean treatment will start immediately, but it allows us to monitor development and identify the optimal time for intervention if needed.

Will my child need braces later if they have early treatment?

Early treatment creates a healthy foundation, but some children may need additional treatment when all permanent teeth have emerged. However, early intervention often reduces the complexity and duration of any future treatment needed.

How do I prepare my child for their first orthodontic visit?

Explain that the orthodontist is a special dentist who helps make smiles healthy and beautiful. Emphasize that the first visit is just to look at their teeth and take pictures. Let them know it won’t hurt and that they’ll learn about keeping their teeth healthy.

How much does orthodontic treatment for children cost?

Treatment costs vary depending on your child’s specific needs. We offer flexible payment plans and work with most insurance providers. Early treatment is often more cost-effective than waiting, as it can prevent more complex issues from developing.

Can my child still play sports during treatment?

Absolutely! We encourage children to stay active. For contact sports, we’ll provide a protective mouthguard. Many treatments like Invisalign First can be removed during sports activities, making participation even easier.