Pediatric Braces Specialist in Royal Palm Beach, FL

Determining whether your child may need braces often starts with noticing certain signs in their dental development. As your child’s adult teeth emerge, you might see issues like crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth. Other potential indicators include frequent cheek or lip biting, difficulty chewing or biting, or jaws that shift, make noises, or appear misaligned. Mouth breathing or noticeable bite issues—such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite—can also signal the need for orthodontic care.

Our pediatric dental specialists are trained to spot these concerns during your child’s routine check-ups. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics, we follow these guidelines to ensure that we can identify developing issues early, even if treatment may not begin right away. Early evaluation allows our orthodontist to monitor your child’s growth and determine the ideal time to start treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs or have questions about the appearance or function of your child’s teeth and jaws, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our orthodontic team will perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include digital x-rays and dental impressions, to determine if braces or other treatment options are necessary for your child’s healthy dental development.

Some of the most common signs we see in our patients include crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, which can be difficult to clean and may affect your child’s self-esteem. If you notice your child struggling to bite or chew food, this could be due to how their teeth fit together and may indicate a need for orthodontic attention.

Mouth breathing, difficulty closing lips comfortably, or jaw alignment issues are other signals to watch for. If your child has an overbite (upper front teeth significantly overlap lower teeth), underbite (lower teeth extend beyond upper teeth), or crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth), our team at Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics can provide a thorough evaluation and personalized recommendations.

Early or late loss of baby teeth is another sign that can impact how adult teeth come in. Large gaps, protruding teeth, or issues with speech—like lisping or trouble pronouncing certain sounds—may also be related to dental alignment problems. Jaw pain, clicking, shifting, or habits like biting the cheeks or roof of the mouth are additional reasons for an orthodontic checkup.

Regular dental visits help us identify these signs early. Our experienced pediatric dentists and orthodontists are here to support your child’s healthy smile and provide expert care tailored to your family’s needs.

Traditional Metal Braces

These are the most common types of braces we use for children and teens. Made from high-grade stainless steel, metal braces are reliable, durable, and highly effective for correcting a wide range of orthodontic concerns. Our team regularly adjusts the wires to gently guide your child’s teeth into proper alignment. Metal braces remain a cost-effective choice for many families.

Ceramic Braces

For children who are concerned about the appearance of metal braces, we also offer ceramic braces. These work just like traditional braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your child’s natural teeth. Ceramic braces are a great option for patients who want a less noticeable treatment, though they may require a little extra care to prevent staining.

Lingual Braces

If your child or teen prefers a completely hidden solution, lingual braces may be an option. These are placed on the back (tongue side) of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. While lingual braces offer exceptional aesthetics, they can be more challenging to clean.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign® Teen)

For older children and teenagers with fully developed adult teeth, we offer clear aligners like Invisalign® Teen. These custom-made, removable trays are nearly invisible and allow your child to eat, brush, and floss with ease. Clear aligners are best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and require your child’s commitment to wearing them as prescribed for the best results.

Personalized Care for Every Patient

At Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics, our orthodontist will carefully evaluate your child’s smile and walk you through the best options. We’ll consider your child’s age, the complexity of their orthodontic needs, and their personal preferences to recommend the most effective treatment plan.

The length of time your child will need to wear braces typically ranges from one to three years, depending on their individual dental needs. Factors such as the amount of tooth movement required, the specific orthodontic issues being addressed, your child’s age at the start of treatment, and how closely they follow our orthodontists’ instructions—including wearing rubber bands or other prescribed appliances—all play a role in determining the exact duration.

Pediatric Braces Specialists at PB Braces
At PB Braces, the orthodontic team understands that a child’s orthodontic needs differ from an adult’s. With a family-centered approach, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Richard Donatelli, DMD, MS, and orthodontist Dr. Aditi Patel, BDS, DDS collaborate with pediatric dentist Dr. Mitchell Gruzmark, DMD, to provide specialized care tailored to growing mouths. This coordination of care under one roof ensures a seamless and cohesive experience for both parents and children.

• Benefits of specialized pediatric care
Coordinated care: The unique combination of an orthodontist and a pediatric dentist on staff means your child can receive both their regular cleanings and orthodontic adjustments in one practice, simplifying appointments for busy families.

• Expert guidance: Dr. Donatelli and Dr. Patel have extensive experience in treating pediatric patients, ensuring your child receives the most appropriate and effective care for their developmental stage.

• Patient comfort: Dr. Gruzmark‘s pediatric dental expertise helps ease dental anxiety, ensuring that even the most nervous child has a positive and comfortable experience.

After braces are removed, we recommend that children wear a retainer to help maintain their beautiful new smile. Regular check-ups are essential throughout treatment to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s braces or how long their treatment might take, our experienced orthodontic team is here to provide personalized guidance and support every step of the way. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Royal Palm Beach, FL, West Palm Beach, FL, and Lantana, FL Palm Springs FL, Greenacres FL, Wellington FL, Riviera Beach FL, Juno Beach FL, Delray Beach FL, and surrounding areas.