When Should My Child Get Braces? | Orthodontist Richmond, VA

September 1, 2022

Braces can help create a straight, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Ideally, any corrections to the bite, jaw, or mouth structure should be performed during adolescence while the mouth is still forming. Here’s what our Richmond orthodontics team wants you to know before your child begins treatment with braces.

Why Get Braces?

Braces are used to correct improper bites. If you child has an overbite or underbite, braces may be recommended along with another orthodontic appliance to shift the jaw. Additionally, braces are used to correct gaps between teeth as well as teeth that are growing in a crooked position.

The Importance of Starting Early

Braces are more effective in younger patients because the jaw structure is still malleable. According to the American Dental Association, the majority of orthodontic treatment cases typically begin between the ages of 8 and 14. Your child’s particular course of treatment is going to be dependent on a number of factors including mouth structure and the progress of erupting adult teeth. 

Braces Can Improve Your Child’s Life

It may be difficult for your child to imagine an extended period of time without being able to eat sticky, gummy foods or chew bubblegum, however there are numerous benefits to your child’s overall health and well-being that can be achieved with braces. By straightening teeth and closing gaps, your child’s gum health will be improved. Braces can prevent dental complications later in life such as the need for more advanced corrective procedures. Your child’s confidence will also be boosted once they see the results of a straight, beautiful smile.

We invite you and your child to discuss the benefits of having braces with our team. During your appointment, our orthodontist in Richmond, VA, will provide a complete examination and make a recommendation for a treatment plan that will work best for your child. 

To schedule your child’s next visit to our orthodontics office in Short Pump, VA, please contact our friendly team.

 

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Our 5-Star Experience

Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with our amazing team!

Our 5-Star Experience
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Kayla Babby
21 October 2026
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Very good consultation ! Staff was kind the Doctor was sweet and informative great experience can’t wait to start the journey here!
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R. Ross
20 October 2026
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Nice staff, Clean office
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Deb Mills
7 October 2026
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We are so grateful for the Horsey Orthodontic practice. This young teenaged refugee had a really crooked adult tooth that came in sideways. She was very affected by the oddness of it for her smile. No ways she could afford to have braces. The Horsey Orthodontic staff guided us through the process of getting Medicaid approval. She has now had braces for a few months and her smile is beautiful EVEN with the braces. This has so improved her confidence and sense of self. The staff always treats her as the very special young lady she is - far from home but now feeling more at home here. Thanks so much!!!
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Angela
6 October 2026
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We love going there! 3 time around!
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Beth Amos
6 October 2026
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They are always amazing😉
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Seanne Warfield
5 October 2026
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Could not recommend more. Everything was seamless, they took great care with my very terrified 9-year-old and by the 3rd visit she was going back by herself and was very relaxed and calm. Everyone we encountered was exceptional and kind and the process just flew by. 10/10 experience!
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Joe Baggett
1 October 2026
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Very awesome people did a very good job on my both of my sons teeth for the braces would recommend it to anybody
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Maria Davila
29 September 2026
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Very good service from front to back everybody very is very nice!
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Aaron Clark
29 September 2026
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Great experience! Braces are off and my daughter’s teeth look perfect! Everyone is so nice!
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Demarcus Boyd
24 September 2026
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Great service!
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Where To Find Us

If you’re ready for a smile that makes you more confident, then you’ve found the right team here at Horsey Orthodontics!

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Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm
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