Children

At Movement Orthodontics, we know how important it is for your child to have a happy, healthy smile as part of their overall well-being. As a leading provider of specialized youth orthodontic services in Centennial, CO, we are dedicated to properly developing your child’s teeth and jaw. We’re here to provide personalized and compassionate care, whether your kid needs traditional braces or clear aligners.

Straighten Your Smile with Braces, Invisalign, and Personalized Treatment

Braces for Children: What Is The Right Age?

Generally, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist at 7 or the earliest sign of malocclusion. It’s easier to fix some orthodontic issues, like underbites or very crowded teeth, at this age because your child’s teeth are still developing. However, many orthodontic problems are best treated after all the permanent teeth come in. Making an early appointment will let you know if your child needs treatment. The majority of children receive braces between the ages of 9 and 14.

The importance of orthodontic treatment for maintaining oral health cannot be overstated, especially for children. Children’s orthodontic needs evolve as they grow, and addressing them early can ensure your child has a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and confident smiles.

What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

A child’s first orthodontic treatment, also known as Early Interceptive treatment, is performed when he or she still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. During this phase, potential problems are addressed before they become more serious. An orthodontic appliance may be used to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and correct harmful oral habits before they become serious problems.

Indications for Phase 1 Orthodontics

reception area of Movement Orthodontics office

Phase 1 Orthodontics may benefit your child if:

Their teeth are crooked, crowded, or gapped
Dental crossbites where teeth are biting on the wrong side
Impacted adult teeth are erupting in the wrong direction
Your child is having self-confidence issues with their smile
They do not have a correctly aligned bite
They have protruding teeth
They have habits that could negatively affect the development of their jaw and bite (for example, sucking their thumb or digits).
They have speaking or speech problems.
When the jaw is not proportionate to the rest of the head
When baby teeth obstruct incoming adult teeth
The shape of their jaw makes it difficult for them to breathe comfortably and effectively.

Orthodontic problems like misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing, or shifting jaws should be taken seriously. Untreated orthodontic problems may result in tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, difficulty eating and sleeping, speech impairments, malnutrition, and confidence issues.

Why Consider Youth Orthodontics?

Early Intervention
Addressing orthodontic issues early on can reduce the complexity and length of future orthodontic treatment.
Healthy Development
Teeth and jaw alignment prevent cavities, reduce gum disease risk, and improve your child’s ability to chew and talk.
Improved Confidence
A straight, beautiful smile can significantly enhance your child’s self-esteem.

By monitoring your child’s orthodontic development early on, Dr. Dao can detect problems such as overcrowding, misalignment, or bite issues. This proactive approach prevents future complications and reduces the need for extensive treatments later. Scheduling your child for an appointment for pediatric orthodontic treatment is vitally important for their development.

Invest in Your Child’s Confident Smile

We’re here to make sure your kid gets the best orthodontic care. Contact us today to learn more about our braces and clear aligner options for kids in Centennial, CO. Together, we can create a lifelong, healthy, and beautiful smile for your child. Contact us at 303-228-3350 or book online for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?wpdev2026-05-29T13:00:40+00:00

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this developmental stage, Dr. Dao can spot subtle shifts in jaw growth and emerging teeth. If early treatment is required, you can read about our gentle approach on our About Us page.

What are the signs that my child might need early orthodontic treatment?wpdev2026-05-29T13:01:02+00:00

What are the signs that my child might need early orthodontic treatment?

Common indicators include thumb-sucking habits that persist past preschool, difficulty chewing or speaking, early/late loss of baby teeth, crowded teeth, or an asymmetric bite. Correcting these early on paves the way for much easier treatment with Traditional Braces or aligners later down the road.

Does my child have to wear metal braces for early treatment?wpdev2026-05-29T13:01:28+00:00

Does my child have to wear metal braces for early treatment?

Not necessarily. While modern Traditional Braces are much smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, some children may be candidates for specialized phase-one growth appliances or discreet clear aligner technology. Learn more about advanced clear aligner materials on our Angel Clear Aligners page.

Does early interceptive treatment eliminate the need for braces later?wpdev2026-05-29T13:01:49+00:00

Does early interceptive treatment eliminate the need for braces later?

Not always, but it makes future treatment significantly shorter and much less invasive. Phase-one youth treatment focuses on correcting jaw structure and bone growth. Once the permanent teeth erupt, a shorter round of Traditional Braces or aligners is often used to perfectly align the individual teeth.

How much does early childhood orthodontic treatment cost?wpdev2026-05-29T13:02:12+00:00

How much does early childhood orthodontic treatment cost?

The cost depends on the type of growth appliance or corrective treatment your child requires. We provide transparent pricing during your initial consultation and will check your dental benefits on our Insurance page to help maximize your savings and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Orthodontics for All Ages

We treat patients from early childhood to adult with a wide range of treatment options tailored to your specific smile goals.

Children

As a leading provider of specialized youth orthodontic services in Centennial, CO, we are dedicated to properly developing your child’s teeth and jaw.

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Teens

Movement Orthodontics’ expert team is committed to providing exceptional-quality teen orthodontics in Centennial, CO.

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Adults

Movement Orthodontics believes it is never too late to achieve a confident and healthy smile, even as an adult.

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