How do I know if my child needs to see an orthodontist?

Signs that may warrant an orthodontic evaluation include crowded or overlapping teeth, large gaps, early or late loss of baby teeth, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, difficulty biting or chewing, teeth that do not meet properly, or jaws that appear uneven. Children can also benefit from an orthodontic evaluation even when parents do not notice an obvious problem.

Can early orthodontic treatment prevent my child from needing braces later?

Early orthodontic treatment does not guarantee that a child will avoid braces or other orthodontic treatment later. Phase 1 treatment is recommended for specific developmental or bite problems when addressing them earlier may be beneficial. Some children who receive early treatment will still need comprehensive treatment after their permanent teeth erupt.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a children's orthodontist?

A pediatric dentist focuses on children's general dental health, including cleanings, cavities, preventive care, and other dental needs. An orthodontist completes additional specialty education focused on tooth movement, jaw development, alignment, and bite correction. Children typically continue seeing their regular or pediatric dentist for routine dental care while seeing an orthodontist for braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Children’s orthodontist in Kansas City

Orthodontics for Kids & Growing Smiles

Q: What age should a child first see an orthodontist?

Fry Orthodontics recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can evaluate how adult teeth are coming in, how the jaws are developing, and whether bite or spacing problems may need to be monitored. An evaluation at age 7 does not necessarily mean your child will need braces or start treatment right away.

Q: Does my 7-year-old need braces?

Not necessarily. The purpose of an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 is to identify developing problems while your child's teeth and jaws are still growing. Many children can simply be monitored until more permanent teeth have erupted. If early treatment could help address a specific problem, your orthodontist will explain why treatment is recommended and when it should begin.

Q: What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, sometimes called early or interceptive treatment, takes place while a child still has a combination of baby and permanent teeth. It may be recommended to address certain bite problems, guide jaw development, improve space for incoming permanent teeth, or correct other issues that may be easier to manage while a child is still growing.

Q: What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 treatment is early orthodontic care performed while a child is still growing and has some baby teeth remaining. Phase 2 generally takes place after most or all permanent teeth have erupted and focuses on final tooth alignment and bite correction. Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment, and some children can wait until the appropriate time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

Q: What are the best braces for kids?

The best type of braces depends on your child's teeth, bite, age, treatment needs, and ability to care for the appliance. Traditional metal braces are commonly used for children because they provide reliable control over tooth movement. Other options may be appropriate depending on the individual patient. An orthodontic exam is the best way to determine which treatment makes sense for your child.

Q: How long do kids usually wear braces?

Treatment time varies from child to child. The amount of crowding, bite correction needed, stage of dental development, treatment approach, and how well instructions are followed can all affect the timeline. After evaluating your child's teeth and bite, the orthodontist can provide a more personalized estimate.

Q: Do braces hurt for kids?

Braces can cause temporary soreness or pressure when they are first placed and after some adjustments, but this discomfort usually improves as the mouth adapts. Your orthodontic team can explain ways to manage normal soreness and what to do if a bracket, wire, or other appliance causes unusual discomfort.

Fry Orthodontics provides specialized orthodontics for kids throughout the Kansas City area, from early growth and bite evaluations to braces for children and teens. Our orthodontists help parents understand how their child’s teeth and jaws are developing, whether treatment is needed, and when the timing is right to begin.

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Age 7 Recommended first evaluation

50,000+ Patients treated

Since 1977 Serving KC-area families

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Orthodontic care for children

What Does a Kids Orthodontist Do?

A kids orthodontist evaluates much more than whether a child’s teeth look straight. Orthodontists are trained to evaluate tooth position, jaw relationships, bite function, available space for permanent teeth, and how the smile may change as a child grows.

That makes orthodontics for kids different from simply waiting until all of the permanent teeth arrive and then putting on braces. For some children, watching growth is all that is needed. For others, earlier care can address a specific bite, eruption, or space concern at a useful stage of development.

Fry Orthodontics provides children’s orthodontic care from the first evaluation through braces, comprehensive treatment, and retention. The goal is not to start treatment as early as possible. It is to start at the time that makes sense for your child.

Reasons Parents Visit a Kids Orthodontist

Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth
Not enough room for permanent teeth
Crossbite, underbite, overbite, or open bite
Permanent teeth erupting out of position
Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Jaw shifts or uneven bite development

Early orthodontic evaluation

Why Should Children See an Orthodontist Around Age 7?

By about age seven, children usually have a combination of baby and permanent teeth. This gives an orthodontist an opportunity to see how adult teeth are erupting, whether enough space is developing, and how the upper and lower jaws fit together.

An evaluation at age seven does not mean your child will need braces right away. Many children are simply monitored as they grow. Early evaluation helps identify concerns soon enough that parents can understand their options and plan for future treatment.

What We Look For

Crowding or limited space for permanent teeth
Crossbite, underbite, overbite, or open bite
Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Permanent teeth erupting in unusual positions
Jaw shifts or facial growth concerns
Oral habits that may affect the developing bite

Kids orthodontists across the Kansas City area

Specialized Orthodontic Care for Growing Smiles

Children are not simply smaller adult orthodontic patients. Their permanent teeth are still erupting, their jaws are developing, and treatment timing can matter. Fry Orthodontics evaluates the whole developing bite so parents understand whether a concern should be treated now, watched over time, or addressed after more permanent teeth arrive.

With orthodontic offices throughout the Kansas City metro in Kansas and Missouri, families can receive ongoing kids orthodontic care closer to home. Convenient access can make growth checks, braces appointments, and progress visits easier to manage around school, activities, and family schedules.

Fry Orthodontics has served Kansas City-area families since 1977 and has treated more than 50,000 patients. Our orthodontists focus on tooth movement, bite development, and jaw relationships throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Age 7 Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Kids Braces Personalized Treatment

KC Metro Kansas & Missouri Offices

Specialists Orthodontic-Focused Care

Braces for children

Braces for Kids in Kansas City

Braces for kids can correct crowded or crooked teeth while also addressing how the upper and lower teeth fit together. When your child is ready for comprehensive treatment, Fry Orthodontics can recommend the type of braces that fits their orthodontic needs and stage of development.

Metal Braces for Kids

Traditional metal braces for kids are a reliable option for correcting many types of crowding, spacing, tooth alignment, and bite problems. Because the brackets remain attached to the teeth, treatment continues working without your child having to remember to put an appliance back in.

Metal braces also give the orthodontist precise control over tooth movement throughout treatment. For children who enjoy personalizing their braces, colored elastics can add a little personality at adjustment visits.

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Clear Braces for Kids

Clear braces for kids use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend more naturally with the smile. They work with a fixed wire-and-bracket system similar to traditional braces but provide a less noticeable appearance.

Ceramic braces may be an option for older children and teens who want a more discreet look but still benefit from fixed orthodontic treatment. Because ceramic brackets require additional care, your orthodontist will determine whether clear braces are a practical choice for your child.

Learn More About Clear Braces

Which braces are right for my child? The best option depends on age, dental development, bite, treatment needs, and your child’s ability to care for their braces. A free orthodontic exam gives your family a chance to compare appropriate treatment options before making a decision.

Kids braces & bite correction

What Can Braces for Kids Correct?

Kids braces can do more than straighten visible front teeth. Orthodontic treatment can improve tooth alignment and address bite relationships that affect how the upper and lower teeth come together.

Crowded & Crooked Teeth

Braces can gradually move crowded, rotated, or overlapping teeth into healthier positions and create a more even dental arch.

Spacing & Tooth Position

Orthodontic treatment can close unwanted spaces and guide permanent teeth into more appropriate positions as the smile develops.

Bite Problems

Depending on your child’s needs, braces may be part of treatment for an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or other problems with how the teeth fit together.

Early orthodontic treatment

Does My Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Most children do not need orthodontic treatment immediately after their first evaluation. Early treatment, sometimes called Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontics, is considered when addressing a developing problem sooner may provide a meaningful advantage.

Developing Bite Problems

Crossbites, underbites, significant overbites, open bites, or a jaw that shifts when your child closes may deserve earlier attention while growth is still occurring.

Space & Eruption Concerns

Early evaluation can identify significant crowding, limited room for permanent teeth, or teeth that appear to be erupting in an unusual position.

Growth & Development

Certain jaw relationships and oral habits can influence the developing bite. Your orthodontist can determine whether intervention is appropriate or whether continued observation makes more sense.

Understanding Phase 1 and Phase 2

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is early care performed while a child still has a mixture of baby and permanent teeth. It is not necessary for every child. When recommended, its purpose is typically to address a specific developing bite, space, eruption, or jaw concern.

After Phase 1, there is often a period of growth and observation. If additional treatment is needed after most permanent teeth have erupted, Phase 2 may involve comprehensive braces or another appropriate orthodontic treatment.

Early Treatment Is Not Braces Earlier for Everyone

Good orthodontics for kids is as much about knowing when to wait as knowing when to begin. If your child does not benefit from immediate treatment, the orthodontist can monitor growth and tooth eruption until the timing is more appropriate.

Planning for kids braces

How Much Do Braces for Kids Cost?

The cost of braces for children depends on their age, orthodontic needs, and treatment plan. Phase 1 Early Airway Expansion for children under 11 typically ranges from $3,500–$4,200, while Comprehensive Orthodontic treatment for children over 11 typically ranges from $5,500–$6,200. Your child’s free exam includes a personalized treatment recommendation and cost estimate before you make a decision.

Complimentary orthodontic consultation
Flexible monthly payment options
Insurance benefit coordination
HSA and FSA eligible expenses when applicable
Treatment costs reviewed before care begins

Flexible Ways to Pay

Explore insurance, financing, and payment choices available to Fry Orthodontics families.

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Signs worth an orthodontic evaluation

How Do I Know If My Child Needs an Orthodontist?

You do not need to diagnose an orthodontic problem yourself. These are common reasons parents ask a kids orthodontist to take a closer look.

Crowded or overlapping teeth

Early or late loss of baby teeth

Crossbite or underbite

Protruding front teeth

Difficulty biting or chewing

Jaw shifting when biting

Persistent oral habits affecting the bite

Permanent teeth erupting out of position

A free orthodontic exam can help determine whether your child needs treatment now, should be monitored as they grow, or can wait until more permanent teeth have erupted.

A parent-friendly first visit

What Happens at a Child’s First Orthodontic Exam?

The first visit is designed to answer questions about your child’s teeth, bite, growth, and treatment timing—not to pressure your family into starting braces.

We Talk With You

Tell us what you, your child, or your child’s dentist have noticed, including concerns about tooth eruption, crowding, habits, or the bite.

We Evaluate Growth & Bite

The orthodontist evaluates tooth position, available space, permanent tooth development, jaw relationships, and how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

We Explain the Right Timing

You will learn whether treatment is recommended now, whether your child should be monitored, or whether waiting until later makes sense.

Learn More About the First Orthodontic Visit

Orthodontic specialty care

Kids Orthodontist vs. Pediatric Dentist

Your child’s dentist and orthodontist play different but complementary roles. A general or pediatric dentist focuses on oral health, including cleanings, cavities, preventive care, and other dental needs.

An orthodontist completes additional specialty education focused on tooth movement, bite correction, jaw relationships, and facial development. For a growing child, that training helps the orthodontist evaluate not only whether teeth look straight, but how the permanent teeth and bite are developing over time.

Children should continue seeing their regular dentist for routine dental care while receiving orthodontic treatment.

When Should I Choose an Orthodontist?

If your concern involves crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, jaw alignment, or how your child’s upper and lower teeth fit together, an orthodontic evaluation can determine whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.

No dentist referral is required to schedule a free orthodontic exam with Fry Orthodontics.

Kansas City-area orthodontic offices

Find a Kids Orthodontist Near You

Fry Orthodontics serves children and families throughout the Kansas City metro with offices in Kansas and Missouri. Choose the location that works best for school, work, activities, and your family’s routine.

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Questions parents ask

Kids Orthodontics & Braces FAQs

Straightforward answers to common questions about orthodontics for kids, braces for children, early treatment, and the right age for an evaluation.

What age should a child first see an orthodontist?

Children should generally have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At that age, enough permanent teeth have usually begun to erupt for an orthodontist to evaluate tooth development, available space, jaw growth, and the bite. Most seven-year-olds do not need braces immediately.

Does my 7-year-old need braces?

Usually not. The purpose of an age-seven orthodontic evaluation is to identify developing concerns early, not to put every child in braces. If early treatment is not needed, the orthodontist may monitor growth and permanent tooth eruption until the timing is more appropriate.

What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 is early orthodontic treatment provided while a child still has both baby and permanent teeth. It may be recommended for certain developing bite problems, significant space concerns, crossbites, underbites, or other issues that may benefit from treatment while the jaws are still growing. Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment.

What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 orthodontics?

Phase 1 addresses a specific orthodontic problem earlier in childhood. After a period of growth and observation, Phase 2 may begin once most permanent teeth have erupted and generally focuses on comprehensive tooth alignment and bite correction.

How do I know if my child needs an orthodontist?

Common reasons to schedule an evaluation include crowded or crooked teeth, a crossbite or underbite, protruding front teeth, difficulty chewing, a jaw that shifts when biting, early or late loss of baby teeth, or permanent teeth erupting out of position. Parents can also schedule an evaluation simply to confirm that development is on track.

What are the best braces for kids?

There is no single type of braces that is best for every child. Traditional metal braces are commonly used because they provide reliable control of tooth movement. Clear ceramic braces may be appropriate for some older children and teens who prefer a less noticeable option. The right choice depends on age, bite, dental development, treatment needs, and how well the child can care for the appliance.

Can kids get clear braces?

Yes, clear ceramic braces may be an option for some older children and teens. They use tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable than traditional metal brackets while still providing fixed orthodontic treatment. Because ceramic brackets require additional care, your orthodontist will determine whether clear braces are appropriate for your child.

Are metal or clear braces better for kids?

Both can effectively move teeth, but the better option depends on the child. Metal braces are durable and commonly used for children. Clear ceramic braces provide a more discreet appearance but require additional care. Your orthodontist can compare the appropriate options based on your child’s treatment needs and age.

How long do kids usually wear braces?

Treatment time varies based on the amount of tooth movement and bite correction needed. The orthodontist will provide a personalized estimate after evaluating your child’s teeth, bite, and treatment needs.

Do braces hurt for kids?

Children may have temporary soreness or pressure when braces are first placed or after some adjustments. This generally improves as the mouth adapts. The orthodontic team can explain what your child should expect and ways to manage normal short-term discomfort.

How much do braces for children cost?

The cost of braces for children depends on the treatment needed, complexity of the bite, expected treatment length, insurance benefits, and payment choices. Fry Orthodontics fees range between $4,200 - $6,000 for braces treatment and provides a personalized cost estimate during the free exam and reviews available payment options before treatment begins.

Can early orthodontic treatment prevent braces later?

Not necessarily. Early treatment is intended to address a specific developing problem at a useful stage of growth. A child may still need comprehensive braces or another treatment after most permanent teeth erupt. Your orthodontist should explain the goal of early treatment and what later treatment may still be expected.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a kids orthodontist?

A pediatric or general dentist manages a child’s overall dental health, including cleanings, cavities, and preventive care. An orthodontist specializes in tooth movement, jaw relationships, and bite development. Children should continue routine dental visits while receiving orthodontic care.

Do I need a dentist referral to take my child to an orthodontist?

No. Parents can schedule a free orthodontic evaluation directly with Fry Orthodontics without a referral from a dentist. Your child should continue regular dental checkups and cleanings during orthodontic treatment.

50,000+ Patients treated

Since 1977 Serving the KC area

Age 7 Early evaluations

Orthodontic care for children requires more than deciding whether teeth look crooked. The orthodontist evaluates permanent tooth development, jaw relationships, bite function, available space, and how those factors may change as a child grows.

Since 1977, Fry Orthodontics has treated more than 50,000 patients throughout the Kansas City area. That experience includes early growth and bite evaluations, metal and clear braces for kids and teens, and comprehensive orthodontic treatment through the retainer phase.

Our goal is to give parents useful information and appropriate treatment timing. If your child needs braces or early treatment, we explain why. If the better choice is to wait and monitor growth, we explain that too.

The right orthodontic plan starts with the right timing—not simply starting treatment as early as possible.

Orthodontic Specialists

Braces for Kids

Early Growth Evaluation

Kansas & Missouri Offices

Looking for a Kids Orthodontist in Kansas City?

Schedule a free exam with Fry Orthodontics. We’ll evaluate your child’s developing teeth and bite, discuss whether braces or other orthodontic treatment may be appropriate, and explain whether treatment is recommended now or later.

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