Braces for Children & Teens in Austin, TX

Signs your child may need braces include crooked or crowded teeth, difficulty chewing, an overbite or underbite, mouth breathing, or jaw misalignment. Our orthodontist can assess their needs during an orthodontic evaluation and determine the best plan for your kid’s or teen’s braces.

The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on your case's complexity. On average, children and teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Our orthodontist will provide a personalized orthodontic care plan outlining the expected timeline.

Braces do not typically cause pain, but patients may experience some mild discomfort. Pain relievers, orthodontic wax, and soft foods can help ease any braces-related soreness.

We offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options for children and teens. There are several braces types available, depending on your needs and aesthetic preferences:

• Traditional Metal Braces – A strong and reliable option, metal braces are great for kids and teens and effectively fix many orthodontic issues.
• Ceramic or Clear Braces – These work like metal braces but have clear or tooth-colored brackets for a more subtle look.
• Self-Ligating Braces – These braces use a special clip instead of rubber bands, requiring fewer adjustments and possibly shortening treatment time.

Yes, children and teens can continue playing sports while wearing braces. We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect their teeth and braces from injury while enjoying physical activities.

To prevent damage to braces, we advise avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard candies, gum, and chewy candies. Promoting healthy eating habits preserves both the effectiveness of braces and overall oral health.

Most patients need adjustments for their braces every four to six weeks to ensure steady progress and to adjust as needed.

After removing braces, a retainer is required to keep teeth in place. Retainers help maintain braces and prevent teeth from shifting back over time. The orthodontist will recommend the best type of retainer and provide instructions for proper wear to ensure long-lasting results.

Yes, braces aren’t just for kids and teens - many adults seek orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment, improve their smile, and prevent oral health issues.

Adult braces work similarly to braces for children and teens but may require an extended treatment period since an adult's jaw is fully developed and less adaptable to movement. Adults also have more options, including clear aligners and ceramic braces, which offer a more discreet appearance.

The total cost of braces for children and teens can vary depending on the details of your treatment. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for braces, and payment plans are available to make treatment affordable.