Orthodontic treatment for children Twin Cities MN

Early orthodontic treatment can save time and money on treatment in your child’s teenage years. That’s because we can catch and correct orthodontic issues early on – before they worsen. Bring your child in for complimentary consultation so we can assess the health of their smile.

What age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7—an important milestone because, at this stage, the jaw is still developing and a mix of baby and permanent teeth are present. This allows us to detect potential issues early on, such as crowding, bite problems, or jaw growth discrepancies, before they become more complex.

Even if treatment isn’t needed immediately, an early visit allows us to monitor your child’s growth and dental development, ensuring treatment is timed for the most effective and least invasive results.

Signs a child could benefit from orthodontic treatment

Not all signs of orthodontic need are obvious, which is why it’s important for your child to visit an orthodontist. Here are some common sign your child could benefit from orthodontics:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Crowded, misplaced, or unevenly spaced teeth
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Thumb or finger sucking past age 5
• Mouth breathing
• Jaws that click or shift
• Teeth that don’t meet together
• Jaws or teeth out of proportion to your child’s face

Early treatment options at Minnesota Orthodontics

Invisalign® First

If your child needs early orthodontic treatment, one of our favorite options is Invisalign® First—a system of clear, removable aligners designed specifically for growing smiles. At this stage, children still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and Invisalign® First works gently to guide jaw development, create space for incoming teeth, and correct early bite issues.

Because the aligners are removable, your child can continue to enjoy their favorite foods and maintain normal brushing and flossing habits with ease. Aligners are smooth and comfortable, with no brackets or wires to irritate the cheeks and gums. With consistent wear, Invisalign® First can simplify future treatment—sometimes even reducing the need for braces or Invisalign® later on, or making any future phase faster and more efficient.

Invisalign® Palatal Expanders

Invisalign® Palatal Expanders offer a modern, comfortable way to gently widen the upper jaw without the need for traditional metal expanders. Using a series of custom-made, removable appliances, this system gradually creates space for developing teeth while improving bite alignment. It’s a more flexible and hygienic option that fits seamlessly into your child’s daily routine.

Damon™ Braces

We also offer Damon™ Smile braces, an advanced alternative to traditional braces that use a self-ligating system instead of elastic o-ties. This allows the brackets to move more freely along the wire, resulting in lighter, more comfortable forces of tooth movement.

In children, this means fewer adjustments, shorter appointment times, and less overall discomfort compared to conventional braces. Damon™ braces are also designed to work with the body’s natural growth, which can help improve facial balance and create broader, more natural-looking smiles. With fewer office visits and efficient results, Damon™ braces are convenient and effective option for busy families.