What Are Braces for Kids?
Braces for kids are orthodontic appliances designed to straighten growing teeth and correct bite issues while a child’s jaw is still developing. Using brackets, wires, and gentle pressure, traditional braces gradually guide teeth into healthier positions. At Wire Orthodontics in
Liberty Lake, WA, Dr. Clint Wire provides braces for kids that fit each child’s stage of growth.
Children’s orthodontic care often falls into two categories. Phase one treatment usually happens between ages 7 and 10, while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Its purpose is to address jaw growth, severe crowding, or bite problems before they become harder to fix. Full treatment typically begins once most permanent teeth have erupted, often between ages 11 and 14.
| Treatment Type |
Typical Age |
Main Purpose |
General Duration |
| Phase one treatment |
Ages 7-10 |
Guide jaw growth, ease severe crowding, correct developing bite problems early |
About 6-12 months (general estimate) |
| Full treatment |
Ages 11-14 |
Fine-tune the bite and align permanent teeth |
About 12-24 months (general estimate) |
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Wire can spot developing concerns early, even if active orthodontic care isn’t needed right away. As a family-owned practice serving Liberty Lake and the surrounding Inland Northwest, Wire Orthodontics evaluates each child with care and creates a plan that fits their growth, smile goals, and family schedule.
Benefits of Early Braces for Children
Early braces for kids straighten teeth, improve bite alignment, and guide healthy jaw growth while a child is still developing. Catching concerns by age 7 can reduce the need for extractions, lower the risk of complex problems, support better oral hygiene, and build confidence. The result is often shorter, simpler orthodontic care later on.
Starting orthodontic care at the right age can shape more than a child’s smile. Early intervention takes advantage of natural jaw growth, which gives Dr. Wire valuable opportunities to address issues that become harder to treat in adulthood.
Key benefits of braces for kids include:
- Straighter teeth and improved bite alignment that make chewing and speaking more comfortable
- Better oral hygiene because straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing cavities and gum problems
- Guided jaw growth that helps create room for permanent teeth to come in properly
- Reduced need for tooth extractions later when crowding is addressed early
- Lower risk of complex problems like impacted teeth, severe bite issues, or jaw surgery in the teen years
- Improved confidence and self-esteem as children feel proud of their changing smiles
- Correction of harmful habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing
- Better airway and breathing when palatal expanders or other appliances open narrow upper jaws
Early orthodontic care isn’t about rushing into braces. It’s about catching problems at the right moment, when small adjustments can prevent bigger ones later. For many Liberty Lake families, phase one treatment means shorter, simpler care during the teen years. Dr. Wire takes time to explain what each child actually needs, so parents leave with clear answers, not pressure.
The Kids Braces Process in Liberty Lake
The kids braces process at Wire Orthodontics follows five clear steps: a free consultation and exam, a custom treatment plan, placement of braces or appliances, regular adjustment visits, and retainers to protect results. From your first visit to your final reveal, Dr. Wire guides every family through each stage so you always know what comes next.
- Free consultation and orthodontic exam. Your child meets Dr. Wire for a free consultation that includes a visual exam, digital images, and a discussion of any concerns. We’ll explain whether braces are needed now, later, or not at all.
- Custom treatment plan. If care is recommended, Dr. Wire designs a plan based on your child’s age, growth stage, and specific bite. This may include phase one treatment, full treatment, or simply monitoring growth over time.
- Placement of braces or appliances. When the time is right, we place traditional braces, or if needed, appliances like palatal expanders, space maintainers, or partial braces on select teeth.
- Regular adjustment visits. Every 4 to 8 weeks, your child returns so Dr. Wire can adjust wires, check progress, and make sure teeth are moving as planned. You’ll see Dr. Wire at every visit.
- Retainers to maintain results. Once braces come off, custom retainers protect the new smile and keep teeth from shifting back.
Treatment timelines vary by case. Most kids wear braces for 12 to 24 months (a general estimate), while phase one treatment is often shorter. Dr. Wire will give you a realistic timeframe at the consultation, along with clear answers about appointments, scheduling, and what to expect at home.
Is Your Liberty Lake Child Ready for Braces?
Not every child needs braces at the same age, but certain signs suggest an orthodontic exam is a good idea. Look for crowded or crooked teeth, noticeable gaps, a crossbite, an overbite, an underbite, or difficulty chewing. Habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or mouth breathing can also signal that an evaluation makes sense.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic visit by
age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Wire to spot how the bite is developing.
Some children are strong candidates for two-phase treatment. This usually applies when there are:
- Jaw growth issues, such as a narrow upper jaw or a developing underbite
- Severe crowding that won’t resolve on its own
- Crossbites that affect chewing or facial development
- Protruding front teeth at higher risk of injury
Other kids are better served by waiting. If permanent teeth are still erupting and the bite looks healthy, Dr. Wire may suggest simple monitoring visits until the right time. At Wire Orthodontics in Liberty Lake, every child is evaluated individually, with honest guidance based on what they truly need, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Families Choose Wire Orthodontics
Liberty Lake families choose Wire Orthodontics because we combine expert care with the warmth of a family-owned practice. Dr. Clint Wire is a board-certified orthodontist with advanced training in orthodontics. He earned his DDS at the University of Utah Dental School, where he graduated first in his class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. He completed his Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Iowa, serving as Chief Resident of the orthodontic program. Active member of the Spokane Dental Society.
Our family-owned practice offers traditional braces,
Invisalign, palatal expanders, and other appliances, so your child gets the right tool for their smile, not whatever’s most convenient. The office is welcoming and kid-friendly, and our dedicated team focuses on making each visit an exceptional patient experience. As a certified Invisalign provider, Dr. Wire brings serious training to every appointment, with the attention to detail you can trust. We’re 100% family owned, and that shows in how we treat every child who walks through our doors with patient focused care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Braces
At what age should my child get braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most children who need braces start active treatment between ages 9 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have erupted. Some kids benefit from phase one treatment earlier, while others do best waiting for full treatment as teens. Dr. Wire will recommend the right timing based on your child’s specific growth and bite.
How long do kids wear braces?
Most children wear braces for
12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of their case (a general estimate). Phase one treatment is typically shorter, often around 6 to 12 months, followed by a resting period before any second phase begins. Wearing retainers after braces is essential to keep teeth in their new positions long-term.
How much do braces for kids cost in Liberty Lake?
The cost of braces for kids depends on the type of appliance, the length of care, and the complexity of the case. At your child’s free consultation, Wire Orthodontics provides a clear, written estimate so there are no surprises. We’ll walk you through your options and answer every financial question before you commit to anything.
Do braces hurt children?
Modern braces are more comfortable than ever, but some soreness is normal after placement and adjustments. Most kids feel mild tenderness for a few days as their teeth begin to shift, and over-the-counter pain relievers or soft foods usually help. Any discomfort fades quickly, and children typically adjust well to wearing braces within a week.
What is two-phase treatment?
Two-phase treatment splits orthodontic care into two stages. Phase one usually happens between ages 7 and 10 and focuses on jaw growth, severe crowding, or bite problems while a child still has baby teeth. After a resting period, phase two begins once most permanent teeth have come in, often using braces to fine-tune the final bite and smile.
Does my child need a palatal expander?
A palatal expander may help when a child has a narrow upper jaw, a crossbite, or significant crowding. The appliance gently widens the upper jaw over several months, creating space for permanent teeth and improving bite alignment. The best way to know is an orthodontic exam, where Dr. Wire can check your child’s growth and bite at our Liberty Lake office.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Braces Consultation
Find out whether your child needs braces with a single visit. Schedule a free consultation at Wire Orthodontics today. Your visit includes a one-on-one exam with Dr. Clint Wire, digital images, a discussion of treatment options, and clear answers about timing and cost. There’s no obligation, just honest, expert guidance from a board-certified orthodontist.
Our offices in Liberty Lake and Spokane (South Hill) welcome families across the Inland Northwest. Call
(509) 892-9284 or
book online to get started. We’re glad to help your child build a smile you’ll love, every step of the way.
