Kids’ Braces in Fredericksburg and Stafford

Many people assume that braces are only to correct misaligned teeth. While braces can straighten smiles, they also improve your child’s overall oral health. While there is no exact age for children to receive braces, we recommend they visit our office by age 7. Typically, your kid’s adult molars have emerged by this age, allowing our orthodontist, Dr. Caspersen, to view your child’s bite and offer treatment if necessary.

As your child loses their baby teeth, any adult teeth that emerge may not grow straight in their assigned locations. It’s essential to keep in mind that your child’s smile is constantly changing. If you notice that their teeth remain crooked instead of falling into the proper alignment, it may be wise to schedule an appointment with Dr. Caspersen to ensure your child’s smile is healthy. Some additional signs that your child may need braces include:

• Chewing or biting with difficulty.
• Grinding their teeth.
• Breathing through their mouth.
• Sucking their thumb excessively past the age of 4.
• Having overcrowded teeth.
• Exhibiting a shifting or clicking jaw.
• Losing baby teeth too early or too late.
• Having bite issues such as an overbite, crossbite or underbite.

Our Braces for Kids’ Teeth

Rappahannock Orthodontics has two braces options for our younger patients to help improve their oral health. Dr. Caspersen will personalize your child’s braces treatment to ensure they are comfortable. Our two kids’ braces options include:

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are ideal for many children due to their reduced treatment time and enhanced durability. Whether your child has a minor or severe case of misalignment, traditional braces are an effective treatment option. Metal braces are also durable, allowing your child to participate in sports or rigorous exercise without breaking or damaging their device.

Ceramic Braces

If you’re looking for a discreet braces option for your child, you may wish to consider ceramic braces. Each bracket, elastic and archwire in a ceramic brace system is tooth-colored to allow your child’s braces to blend in with their teeth.