At Washington Orthodontics, we see families from all over Bellevue—whether they’re coming in from Wilburton, Woodridge, or just stopping by after school pickups. Many of our patients are parents looking into braces for their kids, wondering if it’s the right time, and what kind of difference treatment will actually make.
Dr. Thomas Moon, our resident orthodontist, is passionate about helping young patients grow confident, healthy smiles. He believes that the benefits of braces go beyond straight teeth. They support better oral development, encourage good habits, and help kids feel proud of their smile.
9 Benefits of Braces for Kids
If you’re wondering what real, everyday changes braces can bring to your child’s life, here’s what we’ve seen firsthand at Washington Orthodontics. From better oral health to lasting confidence, these are the benefits our young patients experience during and after treatment:
Confidence Boost During Social Milestones
Childhood and adolescence are full of firsts—school photos, birthday parties, sports teams, and eventually dances and graduations. A healthy smile helps kids feel more confident in these moments. Many of our young patients tell us they smile more openly and feel more comfortable around others during and after treatment.
Straighter Teeth Make Brushing and Flossing Easier
Crowded or overlapping teeth trap food and plaque, even if your child brushes regularly. Braces help space the teeth out evenly, making it easier for kids to clean in between—especially with floss picks or water flossers. This reduces the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and future dental procedures.
A Balanced Bite Reduces Jaw Stress
An uneven bite can cause kids to chew awkwardly or favor one side of their mouth, which puts stress on the jaw. Over time, this can lead to popping sounds, discomfort, or even early signs of TMJ. Braces help align the bite, improving how the teeth come together and allowing the jaw to move naturally without strain.
Less Risk of Tooth Damage Later On
When teeth stick out or don’t close properly, they’re more likely to get chipped, cracked, or worn down—especially during sports or rough play. Braces bring everything into safer alignment, reducing the risk of future injury or wear.
Chewing Becomes More Efficient
Chewing is a crucial part of digestion, and when teeth aren’t aligned, it makes that process harder. Some kids even avoid certain foods because chewing feels uncomfortable. With properly aligned teeth, your child can chew evenly, which supports digestion and helps them enjoy a wider variety of healthy foods.
Speech May Improve
Teeth positioning can affect how your child pronounces certain sounds—especially “s,” “sh,” “th,” or “ch.” Braces can help correct spacing or bite-related issues that interfere with speech, leading to clearer pronunciation and more confident communication.
Encourages Healthier Habits
Kids who get braces early often become more mindful of their health routines—like remembering to brush after meals or skipping sugary snacks that stick to brackets. Braces can also help discourage prolonged thumb-sucking or mouth breathing by correcting the underlying structural problems.
Early Treatment Can Prevent More Complex Issues
Correcting orthodontic problems early often means shorter treatment time and fewer complications later. Addressing bite issues while your child’s jaw is still developing can reduce the need for more involved procedures down the line.
Helps Guide Adult Teeth into Better Positions
Braces don’t just correct the current alignment—they also influence how adult teeth come in. By making room and guiding developing teeth into the right places, braces help create a foundation for a stable, long-lasting smile well into adulthood.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to orthodontic care. While braces are effective at any age, starting treatment early, typically around age 7, can help guide tooth eruption and support facial growth in a way that’s harder to achieve later on.
When kids still have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, we can spot developing issues like crowding, bite problems, or jaw alignment concerns before they become more complex. Treating these early doesn’t just make things easier—it often shortens the amount of time your child needs braces in the future.
Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment at Washington Orthodontics
Phase 1 treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating the right conditions for adult teeth to come in. This can involve using expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers—depending on your child’s needs.
At our Bellevue office, Dr. Moon customizes every Phase 1 plan with your child’s long-term health and comfort in mind. The goal isn’t just to correct what’s visible now, but to lay a strong foundation for a balanced, healthy smile later on.
We recommend Phase 1 treatment when:
- Your child has early signs of bite misalignment
- There’s a risk of overcrowding or spacing issues
- Jaw growth appears uneven or restricted
- Speech or chewing is affected by tooth placement
Early treatment can mean fewer extractions later, less time in full braces during their teen years, and a much smoother experience overall.
Making Braces Affordable: Payment Plans and Insurance Coverage
We understand that cost is one of the biggest concerns parents have when considering braces for their child. At Washington Orthodontics, we do everything we can to make treatment as affordable and stress-free as possible without compromising on quality or care.
We offer flexible payment plans that let you break the cost of braces into manageable monthly payments. Whether you’re looking for no-interest financing or want to stretch payments out over time, our team will walk you through all the options. You can learn more in our guide to braces payment options in Washington.
Many insurance plans also offer partial coverage for braces, especially when they’re medically necessary. We’ll help you review your plan, check your benefits, and handle the paperwork so you can get the most out of your coverage. If you’re unsure whether your dental or medical insurance applies, this article on braces insurance coverage in Washington breaks it down. We want every child who needs care to get started—without letting cost stand in the way.
What Types of Braces Are Best for Growing Kids?
Not every smile needs the same approach. At Washington Orthodontics, we offer a range of braces options that are designed to fit the unique needs of kids—whether they’re active in sports, a little shy about their smile, or still growing into their features. Here are a few of the most common types we recommend for younger patients:
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most common and reliable choice for kids. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and even customizable—kids can choose different colored bands to make treatment more fun. They’re also highly effective for correcting moderate to severe bite and alignment issues.
Clear or Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work just like metal ones but use tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable. They’re a great option for older kids or teens who want a more subtle look, but they may require a bit more care to prevent staining.
Lingual Braces
Placed on the inside (tongue side) of the teeth, lingual braces are completely hidden from view. While not every child is a candidate due to space and comfort considerations, they can be a good fit for teens who are especially conscious about their appearance. Not sure how these compare? Check out our article on lingual braces vs traditional braces.
Invisalign First or Clear Aligners for Kids
In some cases, clear aligners like Invisalign First are a good option for children with mild alignment issues. These are removable, nearly invisible, and work best for responsible kids who can wear them consistently. You can also read our comparison of Invisalign vs braces to help decide what’s best for your child.
Ready to Start Your Child’s Braces Journey? We’re Here at Every Step!
Braces do more than straighten teeth—they set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits, confident smiles, and fewer dental problems down the road. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child, our team at Washington Orthodontics is here to help at every step.
Dr. Thomas Moon takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to care. He’ll make sure your child feels comfortable, answer all your questions, and create a treatment plan that fits your goals and budget.
Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to start, we’d love to meet you. Schedule a consultation with us in Bellevue and let’s build a healthy, confident future—one smile at a time.
