A Parent's Guide to Orthodontic Treatment for Kids and Teens in Long Beach

If you have a child between the ages of 7 and 17, there’s a reasonable chance an orthodontic conversation is coming — if it hasn’t already. Whether the topic came up during a routine cleaning or you’ve noticed crowding, spacing, or bite issues yourself, knowing what to expect makes the process a lot less stressful. In short: most kids benefit from an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, treatment typically begins between ages 9 and 14 depending on the individual, and the options available today — from traditional braces to clear aligners — are more comfortable and effective than what most parents experienced growing up.

At Pediatric Dental Specialists in Long Beach, Dr. Cortez works with kids and teens whose dental and orthodontic needs often go hand in hand. This guide covers when to start, what treatment looks like at different ages, how to choose the right option, and what the process looks like from first evaluation through the day the braces come off.

When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7. That number surprises a lot of parents — kids that age still have a mouth full of baby teeth. But that’s exactly the point. At 7, a trained clinician can spot developing problems with jaw growth, spacing, and the relationship between upper and lower teeth while there’s still time to guide development, not just correct it after the fact.

An early evaluation doesn’t mean early treatment. Most kids who come in at 7 go home with a simple “let’s watch and check back in a year.” But for some children, early or interceptive treatment — sometimes called Phase 1 treatment — can prevent a more complex (and more expensive) procedure later.

Signs worth mentioning to your child’s dentist or requesting a referral for include:

• Crowding or significant spacing between teeth
• Upper front teeth that protrude noticeably
• An underbite, where the lower jaw sits in front of the upper
• A crossbite on one or both sides
• Difficulty chewing or biting, or chewing on one side habitually
• Thumb or finger sucking past age 5 or 6
• Teeth that don’t meet at all when biting (open bite)

None of these automatically means a child needs immediate intervention, but each one is worth evaluating professionally rather than waiting on.

Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Treatment: What’s the Difference?

Orthodontic treatment for children is sometimes divided into two phases, though not every child needs both.

Phase 1 (Interceptive Treatment) typically takes place while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. The goal is to address skeletal or growth-related issues before all the permanent teeth arrive. Palate expanders are one common Phase 1 appliance — they gently widen the upper jaw over several months to create enough room for incoming permanent teeth and to correct crossbites. Some children also use partial braces, space maintainers, or habit-breaking appliances during this phase. Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9 to 18 months, followed by a resting period.

Phase 2 (Full Treatment) usually begins once most or all of the permanent teeth have come in, often between ages 11 and 14. This is the stage most people picture when they think of braces — aligning all the teeth, correcting the bite, and finishing the result. Phase 2 treatment usually runs 18 to 24 months depending on the complexity of the case.

Children who never needed Phase 1 treatment often go directly into Phase 2 when the time is right. The two-phase framework isn’t universal — it applies when there’s a growth or structural issue worth addressing early.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners: What Works for Kids and Teens?

This is one of the most common questions parents bring to consultations, and the honest answer is that it depends on the child’s age, case complexity, and — realistically — their personality and habits.

Traditional metal braces are bonded directly to the teeth and adjusted at appointments every 6 to 8 weeks. They’re the most versatile option and work well for a wide range of cases, including complex bite issues and significant crowding. For younger kids especially, braces tend to be the more predictable choice because there’s no compliance factor — the appliance is always working. The brackets today are smaller and smoother than the hardware from 20 years ago, and most kids adapt to them quickly.

Clear aligners (the most widely known brand is Invisalign, though Teen versions and other systems exist) are removable trays that are swapped out every one to two weeks. They’re nearly invisible, which matters a lot to many teens. The catch is that they need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to work — meaning they come out only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. For a motivated teen who will reliably wear and track their aligners, they can deliver excellent results. For a child who loses things, forgets, or is unlikely to keep up with the wear schedule, braces are usually the more reliable path.

Ceramic or tooth-colored braces are a middle option — fixed like metal braces but less visible. They’re popular with teens who want something subtler than metal brackets but need the reliability of a bonded appliance.

Cost varies by treatment type and case complexity. Clear aligner therapy and ceramic braces typically run somewhat higher than traditional metal braces. Most orthodontic treatment is spread across monthly payment plans, and many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that covers a portion of treatment.

What Orthodontic Treatment Actually Looks Like Day to Day

For families in Long Beach considering orthodontics for the first time, it helps to know what the practical experience is like — not just the clinical description, but what it means for school, sports, and daily life.

Getting braces placed takes about 60 to 90 minutes. There’s no drilling or anesthesia. The teeth are cleaned, dried, and brackets are bonded on with dental adhesive. Teens usually feel some soreness and pressure for 3 to 5 days after placement and after each adjustment appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help. Most kids are back to normal within a week.

Dietary changes are real. Hard, sticky, and crunchy foods can damage brackets or get stuck in wires — think caramel, popcorn, hard candies, and chewy bagels. Most kids adapt without much complaint, though it’s worth preparing for some frustration at first.

Sports and activities don’t have to stop. Kids in braces should wear a mouthguard for contact sports, and one specifically designed for braces is worth the investment. Musicians who play wind instruments usually find they adjust within a few weeks.

Brushing and flossing take longer with braces — plan for at least 3 to 5 minutes morning and night, with flossing tools (floss threaders or a water flosser) to get between wires. Good hygiene during treatment matters because brackets create more surfaces where plaque can hide.

Retention is the final step after braces come off. Almost every orthodontic patient gets a retainer. Without one, teeth shift. Most teens start with a removable retainer worn nightly, and some get a fixed wire bonded behind the front teeth as additional insurance.

What to Expect at Pediatric Dental Specialists

Dr. Cortez and the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists in Long Beach see kids from toddlers through their teenage years, which means orthodontic concerns often come up as part of regular dental monitoring rather than as a separate referral process. If crowding, spacing, or bite development looks like something worth evaluating more closely, that conversation happens in context — alongside the child’s overall dental health picture.

The practice can walk you through the evaluation process, help you understand whether your child’s situation warrants early treatment, and discuss what the next steps look like for your specific child. Appointments move at a pace that works for kids, not a rushed adult schedule.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation? The standard recommendation is by age 7. This doesn’t mean treatment will start then — most children are simply monitored until the right time. But catching growth or skeletal issues early allows for more options.

Does my child need Phase 1 treatment, or can we wait until all permanent teeth come in? Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. It’s typically recommended when there’s a jaw growth issue, crossbite, or significant crowding that will be harder to address once all the permanent teeth are in. Your orthodontist or pediatric dentist can tell you whether watchful waiting or early intervention makes more sense.

How long does orthodontic treatment take? Phase 1 treatment typically runs 9 to 18 months. Full braces (Phase 2 or single-phase treatment) usually take 18 to 24 months, though simpler cases can be shorter. Your child’s specific timeline will be clearer after a full evaluation.

Are clear aligners a good option for teenagers? They can be, especially for teens who are self-conscious about metal braces and who will reliably wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. For younger children or teens who may not keep up with the wear schedule, traditional braces tend to deliver more consistent results.

Will orthodontic treatment hurt? There is soreness — typically for a few days after placement and after each adjustment. It’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. Most kids rate it as uncomfortable rather than painful, and it fades quickly.

---

Ready to learn more? Schedule a consultation or call us at (562) 377-1375.