Braces for Children in Somerville, MA

Building Confident Smiles That Last a Lifetime

At Somerville Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a healthy, confident smile. As parents in the Somerville and greater Boston community, you want the best for your kids, and that includes catching orthodontic concerns early, when treatment is often simpler, more comfortable, and more effective. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Moonyoung Lee and our caring team specialize in braces for children and early orthodontic care. Whether your child needs traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners, we create personalized treatment plans that fit growing smiles and busy family schedules.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic

evaluation by age 7. This early look allows us to identify developing issues, crowding, crossbites, jaw growth concerns, or habits like thumb-sucking, before they become more complex

Smile with Confidence

Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters

By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This is the ideal window to assess how the jaws are growing and how the permanent teeth are erupting. Early detection can:

  • Guide jaw growth and create space for incoming permanent teeth
  • Reduce the risk of needing tooth extractions later
  • Correct harmful oral habits that affect bite and facial development
  • Improve airway health and overall oral function
  • Often shorten or simplify comprehensive treatment in the teen years

Types of Braces for Children We Offer

Every child’s smile is unique. At Somerville Orthodontics, we offer several proven options so families can choose what fits best:

Traditional Metal Braces

Still the most common and reliable choice for kids. Today’s metal braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than ever. Made of high-grade stainless steel, they give us excellent control for complex movements. Kids often love personalizing them with colorful elastics that match school colors, sports teams, or holidays. Not every child needs braces right away. Many simply benefit from monitoring. Our goal is always to treat at the right time for the best long-term result, never earlier or later than necessary

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with the natural smile. Ceramic braces offer the same effectiveness as metal braces with a more discreet appearance, popular with older children and pre-teens who want a subtler look.

Clear Aligners

A series of clear, removable trays that can be a great option for certain younger patients. Clear aligners offer the convenience of being able to remove the trays for eating, brushing, and special occasions. We combine them with digital scanning and remote monitoring to keep treatment on track with fewer office visits.

Common Orthodontic Issues We Treat in Children

Orthodontic problems can be inherited or develop from habits, early or late loss of baby teeth, or injury. We regularly help children with:

  • Crowding or overlapping teeth
  • Excessive spacing between teeth
  • Protruding front teeth (overjet)
  • Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
  • Open bites
  • Jaw growth discrepancies
  • Thumb-sucking or pacifier habits that affect the bite
  • Impacted or delayed permanent teeth
 

Early treatment of these issues can protect tooth enamel, improve chewing and speech, support

healthy airway development, and boost a child’s confidence during the important elementary and middle-school years.

Why Families in Somerville Choose Us for Kids’ Braces

Sommerville Hero Bg

Board-certified expertise

Dr. Lee is a board-certified orthodontist dedicated to precision, technology, and community care.

Boston Magazine Top Dentist recognition

Voted Top Dentist two years in a row by our peers and community.

Child-friendly environment

Our team knows how to put kids (and parents) at ease.

Modern technology

Digital scanning, Clear Aligners, and remote monitoring options that reduce time away from school.

Transparent Smile Scale pricing

Clear treatment tiers so families understand costs up front.

Flexible financing & insurance help

We accept most major dental insurances and offer interest-free payment plans.

Convenient Somerville location

Easy access for families throughout Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, Arlington, and the greater Boston area.

After Braces: Keeping That Beautiful Smile

Once active treatment is complete, retainers are essential. We provide custom retainers and clear instructions so your child’s new smile stays straight for years to come. Regular check-ups help us monitor growth and catch any minor shifts early.

Ready to Give Your Child a Confident Smile?

The best time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation is by age 7, or sooner if you notice crowding, an uneven bite, or habits that concern you. No referral is necessary. Schedule your Smile Assessment or book a virtual assessment today. We look forward to meeting

your family and helping your child build a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age for a child to start orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age seven. That doesn’t mean treatment starts then; only about half of kids evaluated at that age need any early intervention, but it lets us catch and plan for issues while the jaw is still developing.
No. You’re welcome to schedule a consultation with us directly, no referral required, at any age.
Not necessarily. Many children only ever need one phase of treatment, once all their permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Lee takes a conservative, wait-and-watch approach and recommends Phase 1 only when it will meaningfully help.
It depends entirely on your child’s specific needs, from simple monitoring to a full course of braces. We’ll give you an exact number at your evaluation and walk through our Smile Touch-Up pricing scale and financing options together.
Most kids notice mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, or after an expander turn, but today’s smaller, smoother brackets and appliances are far more comfortable than in years past. Any discomfort is typically minor and short-lived.
Yes. Our free virtual smile assessment lets you send in a few photos of your child’s smile for Dr. Lee’s review, a convenient first step before deciding whether to come in.