Set your kiddo’s smile up for success—starting early, growing naturally, and keeping things fun.
At Bitesize, orthodontic care isn’t just about straightening teeth. It’s about guiding growth, boosting confidence, and making sure little jaws have room to do their thing. Whether it’s a tiny gap, an early overbite, or teeth that just seem a little… wiggly in the wrong ways—we’re here to help. Our board-certified pediatric dentists take a gentle, growth-based approach that’s all about getting ahead of the curve (or bite, in this case).
Orthodontic Treatment Phases
No one-size-fits-all smiles here—just thoughtful timing and smart steps. Orthodontic care at Bitesize typically happens in two phases:
Phase 1
Early Interceptive Treatment
This starts around age 7, when kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth. We use growth-friendly appliances to make space, guide jaw development, or gently course-correct anything that’s off-track before it gets complicated.
In this phase, doctor focuses on:
- Jaw Growth and Symmetry: Correcting narrow, asymmetrical, or underdeveloped jaws
- Oral Habits: Addressing tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, or mouth breathing
- Spacing Issues: Managing abnormal spacing caused by missing teeth or lack of room in the jaw
- Airway and Breathing: Improving breathing and snoring problems by preventing airway constriction
Phase 2
Teen Tune-Up
Once most or all adult teeth are in, we revisit your child’s smile to polish things up with braces or aligners—if they even need it!
Doctor will focus on:
- Straightening Teeth: Ensuring proper alignment and optimal spacing for a beautiful smile
- Bite Alignment: Correcting how the teeth and jaws fit together, creating a stable bite and reducing strain on the jaw joint (TMJ)
- Facial Profile: Improving facial balance and overall appearance
- Gum Health: Protecting periodontal tissues by correctly aligning the teeth and bite
Early treatment can reduce the need for extractions, prevent crowding, and cut down on overall treatment time. And yes, we make every step kid-friendly, clear, and cool.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
Hint: Sooner than you think!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away—but it gives us a chance to spot subtle issues early. Think of it like taking a peek at the blueprint before the building’s finished. Our team can spot things like crowding, underbites, crossbites, and habits like thumb sucking that could impact jaw development.
The earlier we catch it, the easier it is to guide. That’s a win for your child—and their future grin.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Orthodontics?
Because kids aren’t just small adults—and their care shouldn’t be, either.
Pediatric dentists know growing smiles better than anyone. At Bitesize, we combine orthodontic expertise with the patience, creativity, and sparkle of a pediatric practice. That means your child gets:
- Care tailored to their age and stage
- A team trained in behavior management and special needs
- A playful, non-intimidating environment (yes, we’ve got games and prizes)
- A smoother, more enjoyable orthodontic journey from start to finish
We don’t just straighten teeth—we shape healthy habits, build confidence, and turn appointments into high-fives.
Treatment Types
braces
treatment
Braces have been around for a while—and for good reason. They’re a tried-and-true way to straighten teeth, guide jaw growth, and fix bite issues that might affect chewing, speaking, or confidence.
angel
aligners
Angel Aligners are a clear aligner system designed to straighten teeth gently and discreetly—no brackets, no wires, no drama.
When should my child get braces?
Braces usually come in around ages 7–14, but some kids benefit from earlier guidance in Phase 1 treatment, especially for jaw or bite alignment.
What are the signs my child might need orthodontics?
Early or late loss of baby teeth, crowded or spaced-out teeth, overbites, underbites, thumb sucking, and mouth breathing are all reasons to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
Are early orthodontic treatments painful?
Most kids adjust quickly! Appliances like expanders or spacers may feel weird at first, but they’re designed to be gentle and effective—no scary tools, we promise.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontics. We’re happy to check your benefits and walk you through your options.
What if my child has anxiety or special needs?
You’re in the right place. Our team has special training and a flexible, patient-first approach. We take things at your child’s pace, explain everything in kid-friendly terms, and make sure everyone feels safe and seen.
Ready to Get That Smile Growing?
Whether it’s time for a first orthodontic checkup or your kiddo is ready for braces or aligners, we’ll make the process simple, supportive, and actually kind of fun. Book a consultation today and let’s build a bite that’s as strong as their confidence—and as bright as their future.
🎉 Let’s straighten things out—Bitesize style!
Schedule a consultation with our Williamsburg office today.
568 Union Ave Suite J
Brooklyn, NY 11211, US
