When should my child first see an orthodontist?

Around age 7. Not because that’s when braces go on. Most kids that age aren’t ready. It’s because that’s when Dr. Varble can see how the jaw is growing and whether the permanent teeth have room to come in. Catching a narrow palate or a bite that’s tracking wrong at 7 is a very different conversation than catching it at 12. Most first visits at our Creve Coeur and St. Peters offices end with a plan to watch, not a plan to start.

Does my child need braces now, or should we wait?

It depends on the child, and it’s a clinical call rather than an age one. Sometimes starting early changes the outcome, because we can guide growth while there’s still growth to guide. Sometimes the right answer is to wait for more permanent teeth. Dr. Varble will tell you which one you’re looking at, including when the answer is “not yet.”

What's the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?

Phase 1 happens around ages 7 to 10, while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It’s usually an expander or partial braces, and the goal is room and alignment for what’s coming. Phase 2 is full treatment once all the permanent teeth are in, typically in the early teens. Plenty of kids never need Phase 1. That’s what the growth monitoring in between is for.

Can kids get clear aligners instead of braces?

Often, yes. We offer Spark Clear Aligners alongside Damon Ultima braces. The real question isn’t which one is better. It’s which one fits your kid. Aligners only work if they’re actually worn, and some tooth movements are still cleaner with brackets. Dr. Varble will give you a straight answer on your child’s case.

How many appointments will this add to our schedule?

Fewer than you’re picturing. Most VO patients use DentalMonitoring: your child scans at home each week, Dr. Varble reviews every scan, and on average that cuts in-office visits by about half. Individual schedules vary by case. And when treatment is indicated and you’re ready, Same-Day Start means you don’t come back a second time just to begin.

BRACES FOR KIDS

Braces designed for kids, on a timeline that's right for them.

We never rush a treatment start. Dr. Varble personally evaluates every child to determine the right time to begin, whether that’s now, in a few years, or somewhere in between.

Book Free VO Smile Assesment →See The Complete Guide

WHEN TO START

The right time isn't a number. It's a clinical decision.

Every child develops differently. Some are ready for braces at 9. Others should wait until 12 or 13. A few need early intervention before any permanent teeth come in.

That’s why Dr. Varble doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all timeline. He evaluates each child based on their specific dental development, growth patterns, and what we’d be trying to accomplish.

Most practices use a $0.50 bracket. We use Damon Ultima, the most advanced bracket system available. It costs us more. It’s worth it for what it does for your treatment.

The AAO recommendation

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7. Not because they need braces at 7, but because that’s when we can spot patterns that might affect timing later.

EARLY VS COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT

Two phases, different purposes

Most kids only need one phase of treatment. A smaller group benefits from early intervention followed by comprehensive treatment later. Here’s the difference.

Phase 1

Early Intervention

Ages 7–9, typically

For kids whose jaw or bite problems are easier to address before all the permanent teeth come in. Phase 1 isn’t about straightening teeth, it’s about creating better conditions for the real treatment later.

Corrects crossbites and severe crowding
Guides jaw growth while it’s still happening
Makes Phase 2 treatment shorter and simpler
Only recommended when clinically necessary

Phase 2

Comprehensive Treatment

Ages 11–14, typically

The full braces treatment most people picture. Damon Ultima brackets, DentalMonitoring at home, and a smile that’s designed to last. This is where the VO Smile gets built.

Aligns all the permanent teeth
Creates the broad, full VO Smile
Most patients finish in 12–18 months
Includes retainers to keep the result

WHAT YOUR KID WILL EXPERIENCE

Treatment built around real kid life.

School, sports, sleepovers, snacks. Braces shouldn’t get in the way of any of it. Here’s how we’ve designed treatment to fit into the life your kid already has.

Fewer office visits

DentalMonitoring means most check-ins happen from your phone at home. About half the school pickups of traditional treatment.

Sports and activities are fine

Come in when there’s a clinical reason, not just because four weeks passed.

Less pressure, less soreness

Damon Ultima brackets use lighter force than traditional braces. Most kids feel only mild pressure after adjustments, not real pain.

Most foods are still fair game

We’ll talk through what to avoid (mostly very hard or sticky stuff). Pizza, pasta, ice cream, sandwiches, the regular stuff is fine.

FOR PARENTS

How to prepare your kid (and yourself)

Talk through what to expect

Kids handle braces better when they understand the timeline. We’ll walk through it with both of you at the consultation, so there are no surprises on day one.

Plan around the calendar

Summer or winter break is often the best time to start treatment. That way the first few days happen at home, not in the middle of a school week.

Have a few things on hand

Soft foods for the first day or two. Orthodontic wax for the first week. A new toothbrush. We’ll give you a small kit to take home after placement.

REAL FAMILIES, REAL RESULTS

The proof is in the smiles

PARENT QUESTIONS

What parents ask most

When should my child first see an orthodontist?
Around age 7. Not because that’s when braces go on. Most kids that age aren’t ready. It’s because that’s when Dr. Varble can see how the jaw is growing and whether the permanent teeth have room to come in. Catching a narrow palate or a bite that’s tracking wrong at 7 is a very different conversation than catching it at 12. Most first visits at our Creve Coeur and St. Peters offices end with a plan to watch, not a plan to start.
Does my child need braces now, or should we wait?
It depends on the child, and it’s a clinical call rather than an age one. Sometimes starting early changes the outcome, because we can guide growth while there’s still growth to guide. Sometimes the right answer is to wait for more permanent teeth. Dr. Varble will tell you which one you’re looking at, including when the answer is “not yet.”
What's the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
Phase 1 happens around ages 7 to 10, while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It’s usually an expander or partial braces, and the goal is room and alignment for what’s coming. Phase 2 is full treatment once all the permanent teeth are in, typically in the early teens. Plenty of kids never need Phase 1. That’s what the growth monitoring in between is for.
Can kids get clear aligners instead of braces?
Often, yes. We offer Spark Clear Aligners alongside Damon Ultima braces. The real question isn’t which one is better. It’s which one fits your kid. Aligners only work if they’re actually worn, and some tooth movements are still cleaner with brackets. Dr. Varble will give you a straight answer on your child’s case.
How many appointments will this add to our schedule?
Fewer than you’re picturing. Most VO patients use DentalMonitoring: your child scans at home each week, Dr. Varble reviews every scan, and on average that cuts in-office visits by about half. Individual schedules vary by case. And when treatment is indicated and you’re ready, Same-Day Start means you don’t come back a second time just to begin.