Pediatric orthodontics in Walnut Creek
Orthodontic care for children is about more than straight teeth. At Tooth + Tongue in Walnut Creek, we guide jaw growth and bite development while your child is still growing, so problems like crowding, crossbites, and a narrow upper jaw can be addressed early and more simply. Orthodontic care is provided by our orthodontist, Dr. Shelby, alongside our pediatric and airway-focused team.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At that age enough permanent teeth have come in to show how the bite is developing, and many concerns can be caught before they become harder to correct.
Signs your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation
- Crowded, overlapping, or widely spaced teeth
- A crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing or a narrow upper jaw
- Difficulty chewing or biting
Read more in 5 early signs your child might need braces and how early orthodontic care prevents bigger problems later.
Orthodontic care by age
Ages 6 to 10. Early interceptive treatment (Phase I) focuses on guiding jaw growth while it is still underway. A palatal expander can widen a narrow upper jaw, correct a crossbite, and create room for permanent teeth.
Ages 10 to 14. As permanent teeth come in, we monitor eruption and spacing and decide whether braces, aligners, or simply continued monitoring is the right next step.
Teens. Comprehensive treatment with traditional metal braces, tooth-colored ceramic braces, or clear aligners for teens, followed by custom retainers to protect the result.
Orthodontics with the whole child in mind
Because Tooth + Tongue focuses on airway, tongue function, and growth, we look at how your child breathes and how the tongue rests, not only how the teeth line up. When a tongue tie or mouth breathing is part of the picture, we coordinate orthodontic care with tongue tie release or the Vivos airway and growth program, so treatment addresses the cause and not just the symptoms.
What's included?
Comprehensive orthodontic evaluation
Digital X-rays, photos, 3D scans, and bite analysis to assess jaw development, spacing, crowding, and alignment.
Early interceptive orthodontics (Phase I)
Early treatment focused on guiding jaw growth and preventing more complex orthodontic problems later.
Palatal expanders
Custom-fitted expanders that gently widen the upper jaw in growing children to correct crossbites, create space for permanent teeth, and improve bite alignment. Learn about palatal expanders.
Braces for kids and teens
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces (tooth-colored option)
Clear aligners for teens
Discreet treatment for eligible teens with mild to moderate alignment concerns. Learn about clear aligners.
Growth monitoring and retention
Regular check-ups to follow eruption and jaw development, and custom retainers to maintain alignment after treatment.
Cost and insurance
Orthodontic benefits vary more than any other category of dental coverage. Some plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit for children, others exclude it, and many have age limits or waiting periods. We verify your child's orthodontic benefit before treatment and explain any out-of-pocket cost up front. See our insurance page for details.
At what age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation around age 7, when enough permanent teeth have come in to show how the bite and jaw are developing.
Does my child always need braces if there are alignment issues?
Not always. Some children only need growth monitoring, and others benefit from early Phase I treatment, such as a palatal expander, before full braces are considered.
How long does orthodontic treatment for kids take?
Treatment length varies with the type and complexity of the problem, and typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. We give you a timeline after the evaluation.
Does dental insurance cover orthodontics for children?
It depends on your plan. Some plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit for children, while others exclude it or have age limits and waiting periods. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins.
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