Choosing the Right Braces

Starting orthodontic care early can set your child up for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a
lifetime. Braces do more than straighten teeth — they help guide proper jaw development and
support long-term oral health. At Motor City Smiles, Dr. Friedman focuses on creating treatment
plans that support both function and confidence as your child grows.

It’s completely normal for parents to have questions. Will braces hurt? Are they really
necessary? How much will treatment cost? Wanting the best for your child is natural. This guide
from Motor City Smiles walks you through braces, treatment options, and costs so you can feel
informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way.

Signs Your Child May Need Braces

Crowded or overlapping teeth often mean there isn’t enough room in your child’s mouth for teeth
to come in properly. As adult teeth erupt, they may twist or shift out of place. Losing baby teeth
too early can cause nearby teeth to drift, while baby teeth that stay too long can block adult
teeth from coming in where they should.

If your child struggles to chew, avoids certain foods, or takes longer than usual to finish meals, it
may be a sign of bite issues. Mouth breathing can also point to jaw or alignment concerns.
Thumb sucking that continues beyond early childhood often pushes teeth forward and affects
how the bite fits together.

Braces are commonly recommended when the bite isn’t properly aligned. Overbites cause the
top teeth to sit too far forward, while underbites occur when lower teeth extend past the upper
teeth. Crossbites create uneven contact when biting down. These issues can impact speech
clarity, comfort, and overall dental health.

Types of Braces for Kids

Traditional metal braces remain a reliable and effective option for many children. They use
brackets and wires to steadily move teeth into alignment and are suitable for most orthodontic
cases.

Ceramic braces work similarly but blend in with the natural tooth color, making them less
noticeable. Many kids and teens like their more subtle appearance.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can be an option for some children with mild orthodontic
needs. These removable trays require responsibility and consistent wear, so they’re not ideal for
every child.

Each option has its benefits and limitations. Factors like your child’s age, growth stage, and
specific dental needs all play a role. Dr. Friedman carefully evaluates scans, bite alignment, and
habits before recommending the best treatment for your child’s smile.

What Affects the Cost of Braces?

The type of braces chosen plays a big role in overall cost. Metal braces are typically more
affordable than ceramic braces or clear aligners. Treatment length also matters — shorter,
simpler cases usually cost less, while complex cases require more time and attention.
Severely crowded teeth or significant bite issues may extend treatment time. Because children
are still growing, additional monitoring appointments may be needed to ensure teeth move
safely as the jaw develops properly.

How to Choose the Right Orthodontic Provider?

Choosing a board-certified orthodontist is essential. Board certification shows that your
orthodontist has advanced training and proven expertise in tooth movement and jaw alignment.
Experience working with children and teens is also important. An orthodontist who understands
young patients can make the entire experience more comfortable and positive. At Motor City
Smiles, Dr. Friedman and the team focus on creating a friendly, relaxed environment that helps
kids feel at ease during every visit.

The Step-by-Step Process of Getting Braces

Your first visit is all about getting to know your child and their smile. Dr. Friedman will perform a
thorough examination, discuss goals, and evaluate tooth and jaw development. Digital scans or
X-rays are often taken to get a complete picture.

Next, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan. Everything will be explained clearly, including
timelines and what to expect during each stage of care.

Once treatment is complete, braces are carefully removed. At that point, you’ll receive detailed
instructions about retainers, why they’re important, and how often they should be worn to
protect your child’s new smile.

Tips for Parents to Prepare Their Child for Braces

Have open and honest conversations with your child about what to expect. Understanding the
process helps reduce fear and build trust. Learn together which foods to avoid, such as sticky
candies or hard snacks, and stock up on softer foods for the first few days.

Teach your child proper brushing and flossing techniques to keep teeth and gums healthy
throughout treatment. Staying positive and celebrating progress — even small milestones —
helps keep kids motivated. At Motor City Smiles, we love cheering families on throughout their
orthodontic journey.

Service Areas

• Royal Oak
• Milford
• Detroit
• Berkley
• Ferndale
• Highland
• Madison Heights
• South Lyon
• & surrounding areas

FAQs

Where to get kids’ braces in Royal Oak?

You can visit a trusted orthodontic office like Motor City Smiles Orthodontics, which offers
child-friendly care in a welcoming environment. Look for advanced technology, flexible
scheduling, and treatment plans designed specifically for growing smiles.

Where to find affordable braces in Royal Oak?

Affordable braces are available with clear, upfront pricing at orthodontic practices like Motor City
Smiles Orthodontics. We offer flexible payment plans, insurance assistance, and treatment
options to fit a variety of budgets.