When your child’s smile needs a little help, you want answers, not guesswork. At Boller Orthodontic Arts, we’ve helped many Crown Point families guide their kids toward healthier, more confident smiles. Dr. Boller brings clinical precision and an artist’s eye to every young patient who walks through our doors.
What Are Braces for Kids?
Braces for kids are orthodontic appliances that gradually align teeth and guide jaw development during childhood. They apply gentle, consistent pressure to shift teeth into proper positions, creating healthier bites and balanced smiles.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, many children show signs of orthodontic issues by age 7, which is why the AAO recommends a first evaluation at that age. Why so early? Because adult teeth are emerging and jaws are still growing. This makes teeth more responsive to movement and allows Dr. Boller to influence jaw development in ways that aren’t possible once growth stops. The best window for treatment typically falls between ages 7 and 14, and families searching for braces for kids in Crown Point often discover that this age window opens up options that simply aren’t on the table later.
At Boller Orthodontic Arts in Crown Point, we offer several options for young patients:
- Traditional metal braces, durable, effective, and now more comfortable than ever
- Ceramic braces, tooth-colored brackets that blend with your child’s smile
- Invisalign for teens and tweens, for select cases where removable treatment fits best
A first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 doesn’t mean treatment starts right away. It means we can spot potential issues early and plan the right approach at the right time.
Benefits of Braces for Children
Starting orthodontic treatment during childhood offers advantages that simply aren’t available later in life.
Corrects bite problems before they compound
Overbites, underbites, and crossbites don’t fix themselves. Left untreated, they often worsen. Early intervention addresses these issues while your child’s jaw is still adaptable.
Guides natural jaw growth
Dr. Boller can work with your child’s development rather than against it. This often means simpler treatment and better long-term stability.
Proper tooth and jaw alignment also affects more than appearance. Kids with corrected bites often chew more efficiently, speak more clearly, and even breathe better at night. That carries real consequences for daily life, from how kids eat lunch at school to how well they sleep before a busy school day.
Confidence during formative years matters
Middle school is hard enough. A straighter smile can make a real difference in how your child feels walking into class or smiling for photos.
Long-term oral health protection
Crowded or misaligned teeth trap food and plaque. They wear unevenly. Straightening teeth now reduces your child’s risk of cavities, gum disease, and premature wear for decades to come.
Treatment is also often easier overall when started early. Addressing alignment issues during growth phases typically requires less time and fewer interventions than waiting until adulthood. Your child’s teeth are simply more cooperative right now.
The Kids Braces Process at Boller Orthodontic Arts
We’ve designed our process to be simple for parents and comfortable for kids. Here’s what to expect at our Crown Point-area practice:
Step 1: Free Initial Consultation
Your child’s first evaluation includes a thorough exam and digital scan. No goopy impressions. Just quick, accurate 3D imaging. Dr. Boller reviews everything with you, answers your questions, and explains what she sees.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Planning
If braces are recommended, Dr. Boller creates a personalized plan for your child. This includes evaluating whether Phase 1 treatment (early intervention) or Phase 2 treatment (full braces) makes the most sense. Not every child needs both phases, and we’ll give you an honest assessment.
Step 3: Braces Placement
The placement appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Your child sits back, watches a show, and we do the rest. Most kids are surprised how comfortable the process is.
Step 4: Progress Appointments
Every 6 to 8 weeks, your child comes in for adjustments. These visits are quick, usually 20 to 30 minutes. We track progress, make any needed tweaks, and keep treatment moving forward.
Step 5: Braces Removal and Retention
When teeth reach their final positions, we remove the braces and fit your child with retainers. Retainers protect the investment you’ve made and keep that new smile in place.
| Treatment Phase | Typical Duration | Visit Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (if needed) | 6-12 months | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Phase 2 (full treatment) | 12-24 months | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Retention | Ongoing | Every 6-12 months |
Average treatment time runs 12 to 24 months, depending on your child’s specific needs. Dr. Boller will give you a realistic timeline during your free consult.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Braces?
Some signs are obvious. Others are subtle. Here’s what to watch for:
Visible alignment issues
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth that don’t line up
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet properly
Functional signs
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Speech difficulties
- Thumb sucking that continues past age 5
- Jaw clicking or discomfort
The right age for evaluation
The AAO recommends age 7 for a first orthodontic check. At this age, enough adult teeth have emerged for Dr. Boller to spot developing problems, even if treatment won’t start for several years.
Two-Phase Treatment candidates
Some children benefit from early intervention between ages 6 and 10, followed by full braces later. This approach works best for kids with significant jaw growth issues, severe crowding, or bite problems that could worsen without early guidance.
One important requirement
Your child needs to maintain good oral hygiene with braces. We’ll teach proper brushing and flossing techniques, but kids who struggle with basic dental care may need extra support before starting treatment.
Not sure if your child is ready? That’s exactly what the free consult is for. Dr. Boller will give you a clear, honest answer.
Why Crown Point Families Choose Us for Kids Braces
Every patient treated like family. Every smile crafted with care, precision, and artistry. That’s not just a tagline. It’s how we practice every single day.
Specialist-trained expertise
Dr. Boller is a specialist-trained orthodontist who completed an accredited orthodontic residency program. She’s a Certified Invisalign Provider who focuses exclusively on orthodontic care. Your child isn’t seeing a general dentist who dabbles in braces. They’re seeing a specialist with years of focused study behind every recommendation.
Advanced treatment options
We offer services many practices don’t: Two-Phase Treatment for complex childhood cases, Airway Orthodontics for kids with breathing-related issues, and TADs (temporary anchorage devices) when extra precision is needed.
Our roots run deep here. Dr. Boller is a Northwest Indiana native and Lake Central High School graduate, and she built this practice to serve the families she grew up with. That’s why patients keep coming back, and why so many Crown Point parents now bring their younger kids in after watching an older sibling finish treatment.
A true private practice
Boller Orthodontic Arts is independently owned. Dr. Boller owns the practice, sets the standards, and personally oversees every personalized plan. When you call, you reach people who know your child by name.
Kid-friendly environment
We’ve designed our practice to put young patients at ease. Nervous kids become comfortable kids. Comfortable kids become cooperative patients.
Flexible payment options
We offer payment plans that work for real family budgets. Our team helps maximize your insurance benefits and explains all costs upfront. No surprises.
Crown Point families and neighbors throughout Northwest Indiana have trusted us with their children’s smiles. We take that trust seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Braces
At what age should my child get braces?
The AAO recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Treatment itself typically begins between ages 9 and 14, depending on your child’s development. Some kids benefit from earlier Phase 1 treatment starting around age 7 or 8, particularly when jaw growth or severe crowding is involved. Dr. Boller will recommend the ideal timing based on your child’s specific situation, taking into account dental development, jaw growth patterns, and any functional concerns we observe during the first evaluation.
How much do braces for kids cost in Crown Point, IN?
Treatment costs vary based on complexity, duration, and the type of braces selected. During your free consult, we provide a complete cost breakdown with no hidden fees. We offer flexible payment plans and work with most insurance providers to maximize your benefits. Our team believes in transparent pricing, so you’ll know exactly what your child’s treatment involves before any decisions are made. We’ll also walk you through HSA and FSA options if those apply to your family.
How long will my child wear braces?
Most children wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Simpler cases may finish sooner. Complex cases involving jaw growth or significant bite correction may take longer. Dr. Boller gives you a realistic timeline during your free consult and updates you throughout treatment so you always know where things stand.
Do braces hurt children?
Braces cause some discomfort, but it’s manageable. Most kids experience mild soreness for a few days after placement and after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help. The discomfort fades quickly, and most children adapt within the first week or two.
Can my child play sports or instruments with braces?
Yes to both. For sports, we recommend a mouthguard designed for braces, and we can help you find the right one. For instruments, there’s an adjustment period, especially for brass and woodwind players. Most kids adapt within a few weeks and play just as well as before.
Does insurance cover children’s braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for children, though coverage varies widely by plan. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins and helps you understand exactly what’s covered. We also offer payment plans to cover any remaining balance, so cost is never a barrier to getting your child the care they need.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Braces Consultation in Crown Point
Your child deserves a smile crafted with care, precision, and artistry. At Boller Orthodontic Arts, that’s exactly what we deliver every day.
Book a complimentary free consult today. You’ll get:
- A thorough exam with Dr. Boller
- Digital scans (no uncomfortable impressions)
- A personalized plan with clear pricing and honest answers to all your questions
No pressure. No obligation. Just the information you need to make the best decision for your child. Call us at (219) 322-7645 or book your free consult online. We serve families throughout Crown Point, Dyer, and the greater Northwest Indiana area at both of our convenient locations.