Braces for Kids
Braces for Kids in West Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Lantana & Palm Beach Gardens
Early orthodontic care for children ages 7–11 with Dr. Richard Donatelli — helping young patients across Palm Beach County build healthier, straighter smiles before adolescence.
When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn't mean every 7-year-old needs braces — it simply means an orthodontic specialist should take a look while the jaw is still growing and adult teeth are erupting. At PB Braces, this complimentary evaluation is one of the most valuable visits a parent can schedule.
Why so early? Because certain bite issues are dramatically easier (and less expensive) to correct while a child's jaw is still flexible and growing. Conditions like crossbites, severe crowding, narrow palates, protruded front teeth, and thumb-sucking-related distortions often respond beautifully to short, targeted early treatment — sometimes preventing the need for extractions, jaw surgery, or longer braces in adolescence.
Dr. Richard Donatelli, our orthodontist, performs a careful pediatric orthodontic exam at every first visit. If your child needs treatment now, we'll explain exactly why. If they don't, we'll happily monitor their growth at no charge until the right time arrives.
Schedule the Consult for Braces for Kids
If your child is between ages 7 and 11, schedule a complimentary new-patient evaluation with Dr. Richard Donatelli. Our team is gentle, kid-friendly, and parent-focused — we'll explain exactly what we see, whether early treatment is needed, and what the timeline and cost look like. Available at all four PB Braces locations across Palm Beach County.
Common Early Orthodontic Treatments for Children
Children often need a different orthodontic approach than teens or adults. At PB Braces, Dr. Donatelli and our team carefully assess each child to determine whether early (Phase 1) treatment is genuinely beneficial — or whether it makes more sense to monitor and intervene later. We never recommend early treatment unless it will deliver a meaningful clinical advantage.
Common early treatments for kids include:
Palatal expanders — Gently widen the upper jaw to create room for permanent teeth and correct narrow arches or crossbites.
Space maintainers — Hold space when a baby tooth is lost prematurely, preventing future crowding.
Partial (Phase 1) braces — Limited braces on select teeth to correct specific problems while baby teeth are still present.
Habit appliances — Help redirect thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or other oral habits that affect jaw development.
If your child is not yet ready for braces, we'll simply enroll them in our complimentary growth-and-guidance program — short, friendly check-ins every 6 to 12 months until the right treatment window opens.
What to Expect at Your Child's First PB Braces Visit
Bringing a child to the orthodontist for the first time can feel intimidating — we work hard to make it the opposite. Each PB Braces office is designed to feel warm and welcoming, and our team is specifically trained to communicate with kids at their developmental level. The first visit typically takes 45–60 minutes and includes a friendly tour, a relaxed exam by Dr. Donatelli, gentle digital scans, low-radiation imaging if needed, and a parent-focused conversation about findings and next steps.
We never use scare tactics or pressure parents into early treatment. If braces aren't needed yet, we'll say so. If they are, we'll show you exactly why — with the imaging, photos, and digital models in front of you — and provide a written treatment plan with transparent pricing, insurance coordination, and flexible monthly payment options.
PB Braces was founded by Dr. Aditi Patel with the goal of making world-class orthodontic care accessible and family-friendly across Palm Beach County. We see kids from West Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Lantana, and Palm Beach Gardens, and we coordinate visits around school schedules whenever possible.