Orthodontics for Kids
Growing Smiles, Guided with Care
Every child’s smile grows at its own pace. At 302 Orthodontics, we help families across Wilmington, Dover, and the surrounding communities understand what’s happening as baby teeth give way to permanent ones, and we step in only when it truly helps. Whether your child needs a quick check-up, a gentle appliance to guide growth, or braces down the road, you’ll get honest answers and a clear plan.
Why Early Orthodontic Care Matters
Orthodontic care for kids isn’t about rushing into braces. It’s about timing. While your child’s jaws are still growing, small, gentle steps can make a big difference.
- Problems Spotted Early: A check-up around age 7 lets us see how your child’s teeth, bite, and jaws are developing, often before you’d notice anything at home.
- Room for Permanent Teeth: If a growing mouth is running out of space, early treatment can help create room for incoming permanent teeth.
- Guided Jaw Growth: Some bite and jaw issues respond best while a child is still growing. Appliances can gently guide that growth in the right direction.
- Simpler Care Later: In some cases, early treatment makes future orthodontic care simpler and more efficient. In others, we simply watch and wait.
- Confidence That Grows with Them: A healthy, comfortable smile helps kids feel good in the classroom, on the field, and in photos.
Here’s the honest part: not every child needs early treatment, and that’s perfectly fine. Many kids just need us to keep an eye on things until the timing is right. We’ll always tell you which path is best for your child.
What Age Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. By then, a mix of baby and permanent teeth has usually come in, which gives your orthodontist a clear look at how your child’s bite and jaws are developing. A first visit doesn’t mean your child needs braces. It means you’ll know where things stand, and we can plan for the right time if treatment is needed.
If you notice any of the signs below, there’s no need to wait for age 7. And if your child is older than 7, it’s never too late to come in.
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Visit
- Losing baby teeth much earlier or later than their friends
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth, or noticeable gaps
- Teeth that don’t meet properly: an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- A jaw that shifts to one side when biting, or jaw clicking or discomfort
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use that continues past early childhood
- Mouth breathing or loud snoring. These can have several causes, so please check with your child’s pediatrician too.
- Protruding front teeth that could be easily chipped during play
Not sure? Bring your child in. Your first visit is complimentary, and there’s no pressure.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Options to Fit Your Child’s Smile
Complimentary Early Evaluation
A relaxed first visit with an orthodontist. We’ll examine your child’s smile, take digital scans or photos if needed, and walk you through what we see, what we recommend, and when.
Phase 1 (Early) Treatment
Also called interceptive orthodontics. Short, targeted treatment while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, designed to correct developing bite problems and make room for what’s coming.
Palatal Expanders
A custom appliance that gently widens the upper jaw to make space for permanent teeth and help correct crossbites. Most effective for children and preteens, often between ages 7 and 12.
Space Maintainers
If a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer holds the spot so the permanent tooth has a place to come in.
Braces for Kids
When your child is ready for full treatment, we offer today’s smaller, more comfortable traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces.
Clear Aligners for Kids and Teens
For the right candidates, aligners offer a nearly invisible, removable option. They work best for kids who can reliably wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Your orthodontist will tell you honestly whether it’s a good fit.
Retainers
Retainers keep your child’s new smile in place. We’ll show you both how to wear and care for them.
YOUR CHILD'S EXPERIENCE
Comfortable, Friendly, and Family-Friendly
Kids do best when they feel at ease, and so do parents. Here’s what that looks like at our offices:
No pressure, no surprises
Beach Bucks
Gentle, modern technology
Siblings welcome
Orthodontist for Kids in Wilmington and Dover, DE
For more than 50 years, 302 Orthodontics (formerly Alpine & Rafetto Orthodontics) has cared for Delaware families, often across generations. We’re locally owned and independent, not a corporate chain, so your child’s care always comes first. Our doctors bring decades of experience and specialties that kids’ families tend to appreciate. Schedule your in-person consultation and let’s explore the best path to a healthy, confident smile for your child. With three convenient offices and flexible scheduling, it’s easy to fit your child’s care into your family’s routine.
ORTHODONTICS FOR KIDS FAQS
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up by age 7. That said, it’s never too late, and if you notice something sooner, such as early tooth loss or a bite that looks off, we’re happy to take a look.
Does my child need early treatment?
Not always. Many children only need monitoring until the timing is right. At your complimentary exam, we’ll tell you plainly whether treatment would help now, later, or not at all.
What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?
Phase 1, or early treatment, happens while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It addresses a specific concern, such as crowding, a crossbite, or jaw growth, so that future care may be simpler. Some children go on to Phase 2 with braces or aligners; others don’t need it.
Will my child still need braces after Phase 1?
Not necessarily. Early treatment creates the foundation your child’s smile needs, but many kids still go on to braces or clear aligners later to fine-tune alignment.
How long does early treatment take?
It depends on the concern. An expander, for example, is typically worn for about 7 to 9 months, or 9 to 12 if braces are also involved. We’ll give you a personalized estimate after your exam.
Does it hurt?
Most kids feel pressure or mild soreness for a short time after an appliance is placed or adjusted. It’s usually mild and fades quickly. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief can help.
Can my child play sports or an instrument?
Yes. There may be a short adjustment period, and we recommend a mouthguard for contact sports.
Is thumb sucking a problem?
Many young children outgrow it on their own. If it continues as permanent teeth come in, it can affect how the teeth and jaws develop. Bring your child in, and we’ll talk through gentle ways to help.
My child is nervous. What should we expect at the first visit?
Your first visit is relaxed and low-key. We’ll say hello, look at your child’s teeth and bite, take digital scans or photos if needed, and answer every question. Nobody has to decide anything that day.