Braces

Whether your child needs traditional braces or you're exploring other options, we're here to help you find the right fit. We offer a range of orthodontic treatments for children and teens — and we'll walk you through every step so there are no surprises along the way. Braces correct crowding, spacing, bite problems, and misaligned teeth, and starting treatment at the right age can make a meaningful difference in how straightforward that process is.

Who Braces Are For

Braces aren't just for teenagers. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when enough permanent teeth have come in to spot developing problems early. That doesn't mean every 7-year-old needs braces — most won't start treatment until they're between 9 and 14 — but catching issues early gives Dr. Cortez more options and sometimes results in simpler treatment later.

Common reasons children and teens in Long Beach come in for an orthodontic consultation include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Teeth that don't meet evenly when biting down
• Jaw shifting or asymmetry noticed by a parent or dentist

Types of Braces We Offer

Traditional metal braces remain the most widely used option for children and teens, and for good reason — they're effective across a wide range of cases and tend to be the most durable through the active years of childhood. They use metal brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by a wire that applies gentle, consistent pressure over time.

We also discuss other orthodontic options depending on your child's specific needs, age, and how well they'll manage the responsibilities involved (like keeping aligners in for the recommended hours each day). During your consultation, Dr. Cortez will review what's available and help you weigh the trade-offs honestly — not just what's available, but what's actually likely to work well for your child's situation.

What to Expect During Treatment

Orthodontic treatment with braces typically runs 12 to 24 months, though some cases are shorter and others longer. The process generally follows this pattern:

**Consultation and records:** The first appointment involves a clinical exam, X-rays, and sometimes photographs or digital scans of the teeth. This gives Dr. Cortez the information needed to build a treatment plan.

**Bonding appointment:** When treatment begins, brackets are attached to the teeth and the wire is placed. This appointment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Teeth may feel sore for a few days afterward as they begin to adjust.

**Adjustment visits:** Every 6 to 10 weeks, your child comes in for a brief adjustment — typically 20 to 30 minutes — where the wire is changed or tightened to continue moving the teeth.

**Debonding and retainers:** When the teeth have reached their final positions, the braces come off. A retainer is then fitted to hold the results. Skipping the retainer phase is one of the most common reasons teeth shift back over time, so we take time to explain why it matters.

How We Work With Kids and Teens

Pediatric and adolescent patients have different needs than adult orthodontic patients. Kids sometimes feel nervous about the process, and teens often have questions about what braces will look like or how to handle them at school. We factor that into how we communicate — explaining things directly to the child, not just to the parent in the room, and making sure questions get real answers.

Our team works with patients across Long Beach and the surrounding area, and we're used to coordinating with a child's general dentist to make sure cleanings and any needed dental work stay on track during orthodontic treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

**At what age should my child see an orthodontist?** A first orthodontic evaluation around age 7 is generally recommended, even if no obvious problems are visible. Most children won't need treatment that early, but the evaluation helps establish a baseline.

**How long do braces take?** Most treatment runs 12 to 24 months. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the case and how consistently your child follows the care instructions.

**Do braces hurt?** The bonding procedure itself isn't painful. After each adjustment, teeth may feel tender for 2 to 4 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods usually manage this well.

**Can my child still play sports with braces?** Yes, but they should wear a mouthguard during contact sports. We can recommend an appropriate type for use with braces.

**What happens if a bracket comes loose?** Call us to schedule a repair appointment. A loose bracket won't cause immediate harm, but it should be fixed reasonably soon so it doesn't slow treatment progress.