Board Certified Orthodontists | Stamford, CT
Orthodontics for Kids
Stamford, CT
Introduce your child to gentle, positive, and specialized early orthodontic care in Stamford, CT. We focus on natural growth guidance and happy smiles.
Treatment Time
Growth Monitoring
Ideal For
Kids (Ages 7 - 11)
Expertise
Board-Certified Specialists
Consultation
100% Free Exam & Scans
Gentle, Family-Focused Orthodontic Care for Children
Looking for an orthodontist for kids in Stamford, CT? At Dental Care Orthodontics, we specialize in helping young patients and their families navigate early orthodontic care with patience, warmth, and evidence-based expertise. Whether your child needs a first orthodontic evaluation, early intervention (Phase 1) treatment, or braces for children, our Stamford team provides the kind of friendly, educational experience that makes kids actually look forward to their visits.
Watch a Young Smile Grow & Transform
Watch one of our young Stamford patients transform their smile — real results from the board-certified team at Dental Care Orthodontics.
Start Your TransformationWhy the American Association of Orthodontists Recommends an Evaluation by Age 7
Per the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), every child should receive a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn't mean your child will need braces at age 7 — most don't. It simply allows our orthodontists to assess dental development, jaw growth, and bite alignment at a stage where early concerns can be caught.
For many children, we monitor growth without intervention. For others, early (Phase 1) treatment at ages 7-10 prevents bigger problems later. Either way, the first visit is completely free, welcoming, and low-pressure.
Signs Your Child May Need an Evaluation
If you notice any of these signs in your child's dental habits or appearance, we recommend scheduling a free orthodontic evaluation:
Biting & Chewing Signs
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting foods
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
Structural & Alignment Signs
- Thumb or finger sucking beyond age 5
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift, pop, make sounds, or protrude
- Teeth that meet abnormally or don't meet at all
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Phase 1 (Interceptive) — Ages 7-10
For some children, early treatment prevents or reduces more complex issues later. Phase 1 treatment might address palatal narrowness, crossbites, severe crowding (making space for permanent teeth), and early jaw growth guidance. This phase typically lasts 6-12 months and uses targeted devices like palatal expanders.
Phase 2 (Comprehensive) — Ages 10-14
Once permanent teeth have erupted, most kids are ready for comprehensive treatment with full braces or Invisalign Teen. This is when we align the full smile and correct any remaining bite issues. Note that many kids do not require Phase 1 and go straight to Phase 2.
Treatment Options for Kids
Metal Braces
The most popular option for kids, and often the best choice. Modern metal braces are smaller, smoother, and feature colorful elastic bands that kids love choosing at each visit.
Damon Braces
Fewer adjustment visits and easier cleaning make Damon self-ligating braces a convenient choice for busy families and older children.
Palatal Expanders
Expanders gently widen a narrow upper jaw during active growth to correct crossbites and create space for erupting permanent teeth.
Why Families Choose Dental Care Orthodontics
A Fun, Welcoming Environment
Our Stamford office is bright, cheerful, and staffed by a team that loves working with children and making appointments enjoyable.
Experienced Pediatric Specialists
All three of our board-certified orthodontists are highly trained in handling children, including anxious first-time patients.
Collaborative Dentistry
We work closely with local pediatric dentists across Stamford and Fairfield County to coordinate checkups and smooth care progressions.
Flexible Family Schedules
Saturday and evening slots prevent school conflicts, and we offer family discounts for households with multiple patients in treatment.
Cost of Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
The cost of pediatric orthodontics depends on the complexity and length of treatment. We offer flexible in-house monthly payment plans with 0% interest to help make treatment affordable for every family.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for children under 19. Our team will verify your benefits directly with your provider to maximize coverage.
Kids Orthodontic FAQs
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
By age 7, per the American Association of Orthodontists. Most kids don't need treatment at that age, but early evaluation lets us monitor growth and catch issues early if they arise.
What's Phase 1 (early) treatment and does my child need it?
Phase 1 treatment is early intervention at ages 7-10 that addresses specific issues (like jaw misalignment or crossbites) before all permanent teeth erupt. Not every child needs Phase 1 — many go straight to comprehensive braces or clear aligners. Your orthodontist will tell you honestly whether Phase 1 would benefit your child.
Will braces affect my child's sports or music activities?
No — kids can participate in all activities with braces. We recommend a custom mouthguard for contact sports to protect teeth and braces. Wind instrument players adjust quickly after an initial adjustment period.