What Are Braces for Kids?
Braces for kids in
Spokane WA are orthodontic appliances that gently shift teeth into proper position and guide jaw development while children are still growing. They correct crowding, spacing, and bite problems during the years when a child’s mouth responds best to gradual, controlled movement. At Wire Orthodontics, Dr. Clint Wire uses traditional braces and
Invisalign for teens to address these issues at the right stage of childhood development.
Every child’s mouth grows differently, which is why care options vary by age and need. Some children benefit from phase one treatment as early as age 7 or 8, while others wait until most permanent teeth have erupted. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit by age 7, even if treatment isn’t needed yet, so Dr. Wire can monitor growth patterns and recommend the right timing.
Our family-owned practice matches orthodontic care to each child’s growth stage, oral health, and personality. From your first visit to your final reveal, you’ll see Dr. Wire at every visit.
Benefits of Braces for Children
Braces do far more than straighten a crooked smile. When started at the right age, they take advantage of natural jaw growth and can prevent more involved orthodontic care later in life.
- Corrects crowding, gaps, and bite problems while the jaw is still developing, often leading to better long-term stability.
- Improves oral health by making teeth easier to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum issues.
- Boosts confidence and self-esteem during the formative school years when a healthy smile matters most.
- Reduces the need for complex care later, including potential extractions or surgery in adulthood.
- Supports proper chewing, speech, and airway function, helping kids eat comfortably and breathe well.
Phase one treatment can guide upper jaw growth, widen a narrow palate, or create space for permanent teeth still waiting to come in. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, early evaluation gives orthodontists the best opportunity to spot subtle issues before they become bigger problems.
Healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime are the goal at Wire Orthodontics, not just a short-term fix. Dr. Wire takes time to explain each finding to parents so you understand what your child needs and why.
The Braces Process: What to Expect
The braces process for kids in Spokane WA at Wire Orthodontics begins with a free consultation and ends with a retainer fitting to protect your child’s new smile. In line with American Association of Orthodontists clinical norms, most kids complete orthodontic care in 12 to 24 months, with routine adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. Each step is designed to be comfortable, predictable, and easy for both you and your child to follow.
Here’s how orthodontic care unfolds at our Spokane area family-owned practice:
| Step |
What Happens |
Typical Timing |
| 1. Free Consultation |
Digital imaging, exam, and discussion of options with Dr. Wire |
About 60 minutes |
| 2. Custom Treatment Plan |
Phase one or full braces plan tailored to your child |
Reviewed before placement |
| 3. Braces Placement |
Brackets and archwire placed in one visit |
60 to 90 minutes |
| 4. Routine Adjustments |
Wire changes and progress checks |
Every 4 to 8 weeks |
| 5. Removal & Retainers |
Braces removed, custom retainer fitted |
Final visit |
Step 1: Free Consultation
You’ll meet Dr. Wire, our board-certified orthodontist, for a thorough exam with digital imaging. We’ll answer your questions and explain whether your child needs orthodontic care now or later.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on your child’s growth, bite, and goals, Dr. Wire designs a plan using phase one treatment, traditional braces, or Invisalign for teens.
Step 3: Placement Appointment
Braces go on in one comfortable visit, and we’ll show your child how to brush, floss, and care for their new appliance.
Step 4: Routine Adjustments
At each follow-up, Dr. Wire tightens the archwire to guide teeth gradually into position. These short visits fit easily into a school schedule.
Step 5: Removal and Retainers
Once teeth reach their ideal position, braces come off and retainers protect the smile you’ll love.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Braces?
Not every child needs braces at the same age, and some benefit from early evaluation even when treatment can wait. Signs your child may be a candidate include:
- Crowded, crooked, or protruding front teeth
- Trouble chewing or biting into food the way other kids can
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Baby teeth that fall out much earlier or later than expected
- Thumb-sucking past age 5
- Jaws that shift, click, or appear uneven
- Teeth that simply don’t meet the way they should when your child bites down
Children with developing bite or jaw issues may benefit from two-phase treatment, which combines phase one orthodontic care during the mixed-dentition years with a shorter round of full braces in the early teens. For kids with a narrow upper arch, a palatal expander may be recommended before braces to create the room permanent teeth need.
An evaluation by age 7 helps Dr. Wire determine the right timing. In many cases, no treatment is needed yet, and we simply monitor growth at no cost. When intervention is recommended, addressing problems early can reduce the likelihood of permanent tooth extractions or surgical correction later. That early, careful approach reflects the attention to detail you can trust from a 100% family owned practice that watches each child closely from one visit to the next.
Why Choose Wire Orthodontics for Kids Braces in Spokane?
Families across Spokane and Liberty Lake choose Wire Orthodontics because we treat every child like one of our own. Dr. Clint Wire holds a DDS from the University of Utah Dental School, where he graduated first in his class, and earned his Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Iowa, where he served as Chief Resident. He’s a board-certified orthodontist, a Certified Invisalign Provider, an inductee of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, and an active member of the Spokane Dental Society.
What sets us apart:
- A welcoming, kid-friendly family-owned practice where children feel relaxed
- Modern digital scanning for precise, comfortable treatment planning
- Flexible payment plans designed to fit family budgets
- You’ll see Dr. Wire at every visit, not a rotating staff
- Two convenient offices serving Liberty Lake, Spokane, and the surrounding South Hill service area
We’re 100% family owned, which means decisions are made with your child in mind, not a outside calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Braces
At what age should my child get braces?
Most children begin braces between ages 9 and 14, once most permanent teeth have erupted. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7 so Dr. Wire can spot developing issues early and recommend the best timing for orthodontic care.
How much do braces for kids cost in Spokane?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of care, the type of braces chosen, and the length of orthodontic care needed. At Wire Orthodontics, we offer flexible monthly payment plans and will provide a personalized cost estimate at your free consultation, with no surprises.
Do braces hurt?
Placing braces is not uncomfortable, and most children feel only mild soreness for a few days after appointments as teeth begin to shift. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief usually handle any tenderness, and the discomfort fades quickly as your child adjusts.
How long does treatment take?
Orthodontic care for kids typically lasts 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the bite and how the teeth respond. Dr. Wire will give you a clearer timeframe at the consultation based on your child’s specific needs.
Does insurance cover kids braces?
Many dental and orthodontic insurance plans include benefits for children’s braces. Our team will review your coverage with you, file claims on your behalf, and explain what your out-of-pocket cost will look like before orthodontic care begins.
What is two-phase treatment?
Two-phase treatment combines phase one orthodontic care during the mixed-dentition years, when both baby and adult teeth are present, with a second phase of full braces in the early teen years. This approach is helpful for kids with jaw growth concerns, crossbites, or significant crowding.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Braces Consultation in Spokane
Ready to find out if braces are right for your child? Book a free consultation at Wire Orthodontics and meet Dr. Clint Wire in person. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan, a clear cost estimate, and answers to every question you have, all in one relaxed visit.
Our offices in Liberty Lake and Spokane welcome families from across the South Hill and Inland Northwest. Call
(509) 892-9284 or request an appointment online. We’ll be with you every step of the way toward a smile you’ll love.
