Braces for Kids in Foster City & Belmont, CA!

Give Your Child a Confident Smile With Dr. Jacklyn Kurth!

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes ensuring they have a healthy and beautiful smile. Braces are often an essential part of helping kids develop straight teeth, correct bite issues, and improve their overall oral health. At Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics, we specialize in braces for kids, offering treatments that can start as early as age 7 or 8, depending on your child’s needs. Early intervention can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Dr. Jacklyn Kurth and our team are dedicated to providing personalized care to children and helping them feel at ease throughout their orthodontic treatment near Foster City and Belmont. We know that the idea of braces can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it a positive experience for your child. If you’re wondering when to start your child’s orthodontic treatment, what the process entails, or what options are available, our orthodontist is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Whether you need to learn more about ceramic brackets, invisible braces, or general braces cost, we’re here to help. Call our Foster City office at (650) 525-9440 or our Belmont office at (650) 592-4850 to schedule your consultation today!

When Should Kids Get Braces?

While every child is different, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean that your child will immediately need braces, but an early consultation can help us identify any potential issues early on. Early intervention allows us to monitor your child’s growth patterns and make informed decisions about orthodontic treatment. It’s important to understand that starting orthodontic care at the right time can prevent more complex and costly treatments later in life.

Not all children need braces at age 7. Sometimes, we’ll simply monitor their dental development until they’re older. However, addressing issues early on can help avoid more complicated procedures down the line. An early visit allows us to evaluate things like jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite patterns, ensuring that we catch any potential problems while they’re still manageable.

What Happens During an Initial Consultation?

The first step in your child’s orthodontic journey is the consultation with Dr. Kurth. During this visit, we will:

• Evaluate your child’s bite and teeth alignment: Dr. Kurth will carefully examine your child’s teeth, gums, and overall oral health to determine if braces are needed or if other options should be considered.
• Take X-rays and digital impressions: These tools help us understand the underlying structure of your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial development, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan.
• Discuss treatment options: Based on the consultation findings, we will talk about whether traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments like clear aligners would be the best fit for your child.
• Address any concerns: Our team will answer any questions you may have, providing you with a clear picture of what to expect throughout the treatment process. We want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way!

Call our Foster City office at (650) 525-9440 or our Belmont office at (650) 592-4850 to ask any more questions! Our California orthodontist, Dr. Kurth, is happy to help.

Types of Braces for Kids

Traditional Metal Braces

The most common type of braces, metal braces, are made from high-grade stainless steel. Metal braces are highly effective for addressing a wide range of issues, such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, and bite problems. Although these braces are visible, they are durable and offer precise control over tooth movement, making them ideal for complex dental cases.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces but are made from clear or tooth-colored materials. They blend more naturally with your child’s teeth, making them a great option for children who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces. Ceramic braces are often chosen for cosmetic reasons while still offering effective results.

Invisalign for Teens

Invisalign is a clear aligner option for older children and teens. These removable aligners are discreet, easy to clean, and can be a great choice for kids who want a less visible treatment option. Invisalign aligners are customized to fit your child’s teeth and gradually shift them into alignment. Because the aligners are removable, your child can eat and drink without restrictions, making them a convenient and flexible choice for busy teenagers.

Why Are Braces Important for Kids?

Braces offer a range of benefits for children, both for their health and self-esteem. Some key benefits include:

Improved Appearance

One of the most significant advantages of braces is the aesthetic improvement they provide. Straight teeth boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence, which can have a positive impact on their social interactions and overall well-being. A beautiful smile helps them feel more comfortable and confident, particularly as they grow older.

Better Oral Health

Braces do more than just straighten teeth—they also make it easier to clean teeth and gums. By aligning the teeth properly, braces help eliminate hard-to-reach spots where plaque and food particles may get trapped, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Braces also prevent issues such as tooth wear and abnormal enamel erosion that can occur with misaligned teeth.

Functional Improvements

Braces correct bite problems such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, which can affect your child’s ability to chew, speak, and maintain good jaw health. Correcting these issues early on can prevent long-term problems and improve the function of their teeth. Additionally, a corrected bite reduces the risk of jaw pain, tooth wear, and difficulty with speech or eating.

Long-Term Benefits

While the process of wearing braces can take time, the long-term benefits are well worth it. Once your child’s treatment is complete, they’ll be able to enjoy a straighter, healthier smile for years to come. A properly aligned bite can prevent future dental issues and contribute to better overall oral health as they grow.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Braces Journey

The process of getting braces involves several steps, and while it may take time, your child will see gradual improvements that will eventually lead to a beautiful smile. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation and Planning

The first step is an in-depth consultation with Dr. Kurth. During this visit, we’ll assess your child’s specific needs and create a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique dental situation. We’ll discuss the best type of braces for your child and explain the expected timeline.

Placement of Braces

Once treatment begins, we’ll place the braces on your child’s permanent teeth. While the procedure may take an hour or two, we’ll ensure that your child is comfortable and at ease throughout the process. Dr. Kurth and our team will provide clear instructions on how to care for their braces to keep them in good condition.

Regular Adjustments

Your child will return for regular check-ups, typically every 4-6 weeks. During these appointments, we will adjust their braces to ensure that the teeth are moving as planned. The adjustments may involve changing the wires or tightening the braces to apply more pressure as needed.

Retention

Once the braces are removed, your child will wear a retainer to help maintain the new alignment. Retainers are custom-made to fit your child’s teeth and ensure that they don’t shift back into their original positions. Wearing the retainer as instructed is an essential part of the orthodontic journey and ensures long-lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Child Ready for Braces With Dr. Jacklyn Kurth

It’s never too early to get started on the path to a straighter smile! At Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics, we are committed to making the process as smooth and comfortable as possible for both children and parents. We offer a welcoming, friendly environment to ensure that your child feels at ease throughout their treatment. Whether you have questions about metal or ceramic braces, we’re here to help.

Call our California orthodontist today at (650) 525-9440 for our Foster City office or (650) 592-4850 for our Belmont office to schedule your consultation! We proudly serve children and families from Foster City, Belmont, Redwood City, San Mateo, and Burlingame, CA. Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier smile for your child! We look forward to helping your child achieve the straight, confident smile they deserve.