What Are Braces for Kids?
Braces for kids are orthodontic appliances that gently guide growing teeth and jaws into proper alignment using brackets, wires, and steady pressure over time. This early treatment builds a healthy foundation that lasts well into adulthood. At Avenue Orthodontics, our award-winning doctors design each treatment plan around your child’s smile, bite, and stage of development.
Children’s braces work by applying controlled forces that shift teeth into their ideal positions while the jaw is still growing. This growth phase gives your orthodontist a chance to correct alignment, spacing, and bite concerns before they become more complex. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child receive a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when the mix of baby and permanent teeth reveals early clues about future development.
At our Roslyn practice, families can choose from two popular options for kids:
- Traditional metal braces, durable, effective, and available with fun colored ties kids love
- Clear braces, a lower-profile option using tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet look
Dr. Eleni Michailidis and Dr. Abraham Chahine will walk you through the best fit for your child during a complimentary new patient smile assessment.
Benefits of Braces for Children
Getting braces during childhood does far more than straighten teeth. It sets the stage for lifelong oral health, easier hygiene, and stronger self-confidence during the important school years. Because kids’ jaws are still developing, orthodontic treatment often produces smoother, more stable results with less intervention than adult treatment requires.
Here are the key benefits our Roslyn families see with children’s braces:
- Boosted confidence and self-esteem. A straighter smile helps kids feel comfortable talking, laughing, and posing for photos.
- Corrected bite issues early: overbites, underbites, and crossbites are easier to address while the jaw is still growing.
- Reduced need for future extractions or surgery. Timely treatment can prevent more invasive care later in life.
- Easier brushing and flossing because aligned teeth are simpler to clean, lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Improved chewing, speech, and jaw function, since proper alignment supports healthy eating and clear speech development.
| Concern Addressed | How Kids’ Braces Help |
|---|---|
| Crowded or crooked teeth | Create space and align teeth into ideal position |
| Overbite or underbite | Guide jaw growth for a balanced bite |
| Gaps or spacing | Close spaces evenly across the arch |
| Difficulty cleaning teeth | Improve access for brushing and flossing |
| Speech or chewing issues | Support proper tongue placement and function |
According to the AAO, early orthodontic evaluation gives kids the best chance at a stable, functional bite as they grow. That’s why our doctors focus on treatment timing that fits each child’s individual development.
The Kids Braces Process at Avenue Orthodontics
The process for getting braces for kids in Roslyn, NY at Avenue Orthodontics follows five clear steps: a complimentary smile assessment, digital scans and personalized planning, braces placement, routine adjustments, and removal with retainer fitting. Most children complete treatment within 12 to 24 months, depending on their unique needs.
Here’s what your family can expect at each stage:
- Complimentary new patient smile assessment. Your child meets our team, tours the practice, and receives a full orthodontic evaluation. This visit is a $450 value, compliments of Avenue Orthodontics, and comes with no obligation.
- Digital scans and personalized treatment plan. Using advanced digital imaging, we map out your child’s teeth and jaw. Our doctors then build a treatment plan tailored to your child’s growth, goals, and lifestyle.
- Braces placement. Placing braces typically takes about one to two hours. Your child stays awake and comfortable the entire time, and we walk them through each step so they feel at ease.
- Regular adjustment visits. Every 4 to 8 weeks, your child returns for a short adjustment. These visits keep treatment on track and give us a chance to check progress, hygiene, and comfort.
- Braces removal and retainer fitting. Once your child’s smile has reached its target position, we carefully remove the braces and fit a custom retainer to protect their new alignment.
We schedule appointments during extended evening and Saturday hours so kids don’t have to miss school and parents don’t have to reshuffle their workday.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Braces?
Most children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even when their teeth appear straight. At this age, our doctors can spot subtle bite or spacing concerns while there’s still time to guide growth naturally. Not every child needs braces right away, but early evaluation helps our team plan the best window for treatment.
Common signs your child may benefit from braces include:
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking habits
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Jaws that shift, click, or make sounds
For some children, a two-phase treatment approach works best. The first phase uses limited orthodontic appliances during the late elementary years to address jaw growth or major alignment concerns. After a rest period, a second phase completes the alignment once most permanent teeth have erupted.
The best way to know if your child is ready is with a complimentary new patient smile assessment. Dr. Eleni or Dr. Abraham will review your child’s development and recommend the right timing, whether that’s now, later, or simply continued monitoring.
Why Roslyn Families Trust Avenue Orthodontics
Roslyn families choose Avenue Orthodontics because we treat every child like one of our own. A family-driven practice providing personalized care in a relaxed and comfortable environment, we’ve earned the trust of the North Shore and NE Queens community by pairing Columbia-trained expertise with genuine warmth.
Here’s what sets our Roslyn practice apart for kids’ braces:
- Award-winning doctors. Our team includes Dr. Eleni Michailidis, Dr. Abraham Chahine, and Dr. Grauer, who are Columbia University trained doctors with board-certified credentials (Dr. Abraham and Dr. Grauer). Dr. Eleni has also published research in scientific journals.
- Recognized excellence. Voted best of borough 2017-2025, nine consecutive years of community recognition.
- Multiple 5-star patient reviews from Roslyn families who value our friendly team and kid-focused care.
- Convenient scheduling. Extended evening and Saturday hours help busy families fit treatment into real life.
- Same-day starts available so eligible patients can begin treatment on the day of their assessment.
- Interest-free and flexible payment options. We work with most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing to fit every family budget.
- Professional memberships. Our doctors are active members of the AAO, ADA, WFO, Nassau County Dental Society, and NYSDA.
- Community roots. We love our community and give back through local schools, sports teams, and family events throughout Roslyn.
With over 10,000 smiles transformed across the North Shore and NE Queens, our team has the experience to guide your child’s smile with confidence and care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Braces
What age should my child get braces?
The AAO recommends that every child have a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean braces will be placed at that age, but it gives our doctors a chance to spot developing concerns early. Most children who need braces begin treatment between ages 9 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have come in.
How long do braces take for kids?
Treatment time varies based on your child’s specific needs, but most kids wear braces between 12 and 24 months. Simple corrections may take less time, while more involved bite issues can take longer. During your complimentary new patient smile assessment, our doctors will give you a clear estimate for your child’s case.
How much do children’s braces cost in Roslyn, NY?
The cost of braces for kids in Roslyn, NY depends on the type of braces chosen and the length of treatment. At Avenue Orthodontics, we work with most major insurance plans and offer interest-free and flexible payment options so families can plan without stress. We’ll review all costs and financing choices during your child’s assessment, so there are no surprises.
Are metal or clear braces better for kids?
Both work well, and the right choice depends on your child’s preferences and treatment needs. Here’s a quick comparison to help you and your child decide together:
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colored ties kids can pick each visit | Tooth-colored, more subtle look |
| Durability | Very strong and hard-wearing | Strong, slightly less rugged |
| Best suited for | Younger kids who love fun colors | Older kids and teens who prefer discretion |
| Cost | Budget-friendly | Typically a bit higher |
Our doctors will help you weigh these options and choose the best fit for your child.
Does my child need braces if their teeth look straight?
Possibly. Straight-looking teeth can still hide bite or spacing concerns that affect chewing, speech, and long-term oral health. Issues like crossbites or crowding under the gums aren’t always visible to parents. A complimentary evaluation with our team is the best way to know for sure.
Do braces hurt children?
Placing braces is comfortable, and most kids feel completely fine during and right after the appointment. It’s normal for teeth to feel a little sensitive for a few days after placement or adjustments as they begin to shift. Soft foods, over-the-counter relief, and orthodontic wax help kids stay comfortable during those early days.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Smile Assessment
Give your child a happy, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Schedule your child’s complimentary new patient smile assessment at Avenue Orthodontics today. It’s a $450 value, compliments of Avenue Orthodontics, with no cost and no obligation.
Our offices in Roslyn, NY and Whitestone, NY welcome families with extended evening and Saturday hours to make scheduling easy. To book, call 718-571-8286 or request an appointment online.
We look forward to adding you and your family to our growing list of happy patients!
