Getting braces is a big milestone for any child, and a little nerve-wracking for any parent. At In the Valley Orthodontics, braces for children are delivered with the same warmth and patience you’d want from family. Our all-female team of orthodontists, who are also moms raising their own kids right here in the valley, knows exactly how to make a first set of braces feel exciting instead of scary.
We offer comprehensive braces for children across our Northampton, Amherst, and Easthampton offices, using modern metal and ceramic braces that are more comfortable, more efficient, and more kid-friendly than ever before. Whether your child needs early Phase I guidance or is ready for full comprehensive treatment, we’ll walk your family through every option, honestly and without pressure.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if braces aren’t needed yet. At this age, our doctors can already see how your child’s jaw is developing and permanent teeth are coming in, which means we can catch spacing, bite, and alignment issues while there’s still room to guide growth naturally.
That doesn’t mean every 7-year-old walks out with braces that day. Many children are simply monitored with periodic check-ins until the timing is right, typically once most baby teeth have given way to adult teeth, somewhere between ages 9 and 14. A few signs it may be time to schedule a consultation sooner:
Not sure if your child fits the pattern? That’s exactly what a complimentary consultation is for. There’s no referral required and no obligation, just an honest, doctor-led evaluation of where your child stands.
Metal braces remain one of the most effective, dependable ways to move teeth, especially for children with more complex spacing or bite issues that need precise control. Today's brackets are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the braces many parents remember, and kids love choosing colorful elastic bands to make their braces their own. Metal braces are also typically the most budget-friendly option, which matters to a lot of families.
For older children and tweens who want the same reliable results with a more subtle look, clear ceramic braces blend in with natural tooth color while still delivering full, comprehensive correction. They do call for a bit of extra care around staining, but for many kids, the confidence boost of a less noticeable appliance is well worth it.
Some children are also candidates for Invisalign First or Invisalign Teen, a removable, nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces. During your child's consultation, our doctors will walk you through exactly which option best fits their case, their age, and their personality, so you can decide together as a family.
Every child’s timeline looks a little different, but most families move through the same general path:
A few adjustments make braces easy to live with day to day:
Treatment length depends on your child’s individual case, but as a general guide, Phase I typically runs 6–12 months, and full Phase II treatment averages 18–24 months. Starting with Phase I when it’s genuinely needed often makes Phase II shorter and more straightforward, one more reason an early evaluation is worth it, even if treatment doesn’t start right away.
Straightening your child’s teeth early does more than create a great smile; it supports lifelong oral health and confidence:
As a locally owned Pioneer Valley practice, we make braces for children convenient for busy families with offices in Northampton, Amherst, and Easthampton, MA. Wherever you’re coming from, your child sees a doctor at every visit, not just a technician, because we believe consistent, doctor-led care makes all the difference in how treatment goes.
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit for children, and our team will verify your coverage during the consultation so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible financing options to help make braces for children fit comfortably into your family’s budget.
An all-female team of orthodontists who are also local moms, not a distant corporate chain
A complimentary consultation is the easiest first step, no referral, no pressure, no obligation. Our doctors will give your family an honest picture of what your child’s smile needs and answer every question along the way. When you’re ready, we’re here. Contact us and schedule your consultation today.
Don’t see what you need here? Give us a call. We’d be happy to answer any question you have.
There’s no single age that fits every child. The AAO recommends a first evaluation by age 7 so we can monitor development, but most kids don’t actually get braces until more permanent teeth have come in, typically between ages 9 and 14. Every case is different, which is exactly why we start with a consultation, not an assumption.
It comes down to what’s happening with jaw growth and tooth eruption. If we spot a developing bite or spacing issue while your child is still growing, early Phase I appliances (not always braces) can guide that growth. If everything looks on track, we’ll simply monitor and move straight to braces once the timing is right.