Last updated: March 2026 Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Wax, DDS, MS Orthodontics
Someone told you your kid needs braces. Now you’re staring at a list of options — metal, ceramic, clear aligners, self-ligating — and wondering if there’s a right answer or if you’re just supposed to trust whoever’s holding the bracket tool.
Here’s the honest truth: there’s no single “best” type of braces for every kid. But there is a best type for your kid, based on their age, the complexity of what needs to be fixed, and what they’ll actually cooperate with. After working with kids from age 7 through their teens across thousands of cases, we’ve learned that the families who come in knowing a little about their options have better conversations, make faster decisions, and feel a lot more confident walking out.
This guide covers everything you need to know before that first appointment.
How Braces for Kids Actually Work
Braces apply gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth into better positions over time. The brackets bond to each tooth, a wire runs through them, and as the orthodontist adjusts that wire at each appointment, the teeth respond by shifting. It’s slow on purpose. Moving teeth too quickly causes problems — the goal is steady, controlled movement that the bone can adapt to.
Kids’ and teens’ bones are still forming, which is actually an advantage. The bone remodeling process that allows teeth to shift happens faster in younger patients than in adults. That’s part of why starting orthodontic care during childhood or the early teen years tends to mean shorter treatment times and more options on the table.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7. Most 7-year-olds won’t need braces yet, but that visit lets the orthodontist catch issues early — things like narrow palates, crossbites, or crowding that’s better addressed before all the permanent teeth come in. For most kids, full braces start somewhere between ages 10 and 14.
The Four Main Types of Braces for Kids
Traditional metal braces are still the most common choice for children and teens, and for good reason. They’re the most durable, work on virtually every case including the most complex ones, and don’t require any compliance beyond not eating the wrong things and keeping them clean. Modern metal braces are significantly smaller and more comfortable than what you may remember from your own childhood. Kids love picking colored bands — it turns something they were dreading into something they actually show off.
Ceramic braces work exactly like metal but use tooth-colored or clear brackets instead of silver ones. They’re noticeably less visible, especially in photos, and popular with kids who are self-conscious about their appearance. Two things to know: ceramic brackets are slightly more fragile than metal, and they can stain if a child drinks a lot of dark sodas or juices without being careful. For kids who care about how they look but still need the effectiveness of fixed braces, ceramic is a solid middle option.
Clear aligners (Invisalign) use a series of removable clear trays to shift teeth gradually. No brackets, no wires, no food restrictions. For the right candidate, they’re more comfortable and less disruptive than traditional braces. The catch: aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to work. A younger child who regularly forgets them, loses them, or takes them out because they’re uncomfortable will stretch their treatment time significantly. Clear aligners work best for older kids and teens with mild to moderate alignment needs who are mature enough to follow through.
Self-ligating braces look similar to traditional metal braces but use a built-in clip mechanism instead of elastic bands. Some practices offer them because they can reduce friction slightly and may require fewer adjustment appointments. They’re not universally available or recommended, but worth asking about if appointment frequency is a concern for your family.
Here’s how the main options compare:
| Factor | Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Clear Aligners |
| Visibility | Most noticeable | Less noticeable | Nearly invisible |
| Best for | All cases, any age | Mild to moderate, older kids | Mild to moderate, responsible teens |
| Food restrictions | Yes (hard/sticky foods) | Yes, plus staining risk | None |
| Compliance required | No (fixed) | No (fixed) | Yes (20-22 hrs/day) |
| Durability | Excellent | Good, slightly fragile | Easily lost/forgotten |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Moderate to higher |
| Fun factor | Colorful bands | Subtle, tooth-colored | None visible |
| Younger kids (under 11) | Great fit | Good option | Usually not recommended |
Which Type Is Right for Your Child?
Age and maturity matter here more than most parents expect.
For younger kids (roughly ages 8 to 11), metal braces are almost always the right call. There’s nothing to remember, nothing to lose, and the treatment works reliably regardless of whether your child is a rule-follower or not. Ceramic braces are fine for this age group if aesthetics are a priority, but the fragility factor is worth considering for active kids.
For older kids and teens (12 and up), the decision gets more nuanced. If the case is complex or the teen isn’t particularly responsible about daily habits, braces are still the better choice. If the case is mild to moderate and the teen is genuinely motivated by having an invisible option, Invisalign deserves a serious look. The key is being honest about what your kid will and won’t actually do for 18 months.
Case complexity is the other major factor. Severe crowding, significant bite corrections, or issues involving jaw alignment usually require fixed braces for precise control. Clear aligners have improved a lot and handle more than they used to, but there are cases where braces simply produce more reliable results.
The best answer comes from an orthodontist who has looked at your child’s specific situation, not from an article. A good consultation will lay out the realistic options and explain the reasoning behind each one — not just hand you a menu.
What Age Is Right to Start?
The short answer: most kids start full treatment between ages 10 and 14, once most or all permanent teeth have come in.
The longer answer involves two phases of care. Phase 1 (sometimes called early or interceptive treatment) happens between ages 7 and 10, while there’s still a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Not every child needs it. Phase 1 is reserved for specific situations where waiting would make treatment longer, more complex, or more expensive later — things like severe crossbites, narrow palates, or significant crowding that will only get worse as permanent teeth continue to come in.
Phase 2 is what most people picture when they think “braces.” Full treatment across all the permanent teeth, usually lasting 12 to 24 months.
If your child hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, the right time to schedule a first evaluation is now — especially if they’re 7 or older. Not because they’ll necessarily start treatment, but because you’ll walk out knowing whether to act, wait, or simply check back in six months. That information is valuable. Waiting and wondering isn’t. Learn more about what age kids typically get braces.
What the Process Looks Like
For most families, the journey looks something like this:
Free consultation. You come in, the orthodontist examines your child’s teeth and bite, takes a few photos or scans, and walks you through the findings. You’ll leave with a clear picture of whether treatment is needed, what type would work best, and roughly what it will cost and how long it will take. At Dr. Wax Orthodontics, that first visit costs nothing and comes with no pressure.
Records and treatment planning. If you decide to move forward, the practice takes full records — X-rays, photos, digital scans. The orthodontist builds a custom treatment plan.
Getting braces placed. The appointment to put braces on usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half. There’s no pain during placement — you’ll hear some sounds, feel some pressure, and then it’s done. The first few days bring mild soreness as teeth begin to move. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers handle it well.
Adjustment appointments. Every 6 to 10 weeks, your child comes in for a quick visit. The orthodontist checks progress, makes adjustments, and updates the plan if needed. These appointments are short — typically 20 to 30 minutes.
Braces off and retainer phase. When treatment is complete, braces come off and a retainer goes on. The retainer is non-negotiable: teeth have a memory and will drift back without it. Most kids wear retainers full-time for a period, then nights only from there. Explore our retainer program for information on how we keep smiles locked in after treatment.
How to Find the Right Orthodontist for Your Kid
Not all orthodontic offices are the same, and for kids especially, the experience inside that office matters.
A few things worth paying attention to when you’re evaluating options:
Will your child see the same doctor at every visit? High-volume practices sometimes rotate providers, which means your child never really builds a relationship with the person adjusting their treatment. For kids who are nervous or anxious, continuity makes a real difference. At Dr. Wax Orthodontics, Dr. Wax or Dr. Scherer is involved in every patient’s care from the first appointment through the last.
Does the team actually talk to the kid? Good orthodontic care isn’t just about the parent. The best offices include the child in the conversation — explaining what’s happening, letting them ask questions, giving them some ownership over the experience. Kids who feel like participants do better with treatment than kids who feel like passengers.
Are the financial options real? Cost matters, and a good practice will have an honest conversation about it without making you feel judged. Flexible payment plans, insurance coordination, and transparent pricing are non-negotiables. No family should walk out of a consultation more confused about cost than when they walked in. See our detailed breakdown of how much braces cost for kids.
We’ve been partnering with families in Genesee County since 2014. The most common thing we hear at the end of treatment isn’t about the smile. It’s “that was so much easier than I expected.” That’s what we’re going for every time.
Book your free consultation at waxortho.com. Three locations across Linden, Highland, and Flushing — find the one closest to your family at waxortho.com/locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best braces for a young child (under 10)?
For most children under 10, traditional metal braces are the most appropriate option. They’re durable, reliable, and don’t require any compliance beyond avoiding certain foods. Ceramic braces are an option if aesthetics matter, but metal is typically the better fit for younger kids whose activity levels and daily habits may be harder to manage around.
Can kids get Invisalign instead of braces?
Yes, but it depends on the case and the child’s maturity. Invisalign works well for older children and teens with mild to moderate alignment needs who can reliably wear the trays 20 to 22 hours a day. For younger kids or more complex cases, traditional braces are usually the more appropriate choice.
How long do kids wear braces?
Most children wear braces for 12 to 24 months, with the average around 18 months. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the type of braces used, and how well the child follows care instructions. More involved corrections take longer; milder cases can finish sooner.
Does getting braces hurt?
There’s typically mild soreness for a few days after braces are first placed and after each adjustment. Think pressure and sensitivity rather than sharp pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods manage it well. Most kids adapt quickly and stop noticing their braces within a few weeks.
How much do braces cost for kids in Michigan?
Braces for kids typically range from $3,500 to $7,500 depending on the type and complexity of the case. Genesee County pricing tends to fall in the mid-range of national averages. Most practices offer flexible monthly payment plans. See our full cost guide here.
Ready to stop guessing and get a real answer about your child’s smile? At Dr. Wax Orthodontics, your first visit is free — no pressure, no commitment. We’ll look at what’s going on, walk you through the options, and help you make a decision that makes sense for your kid and your family.
About the Author
Dr. Nicole Wax, DDS, MS Dr. Wax is a board-trained orthodontic specialist with over 10 years of experience helping kids, teens, and adults achieve confident smiles. A Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider and graduate of The Ohio State University (DDS) and the University of Detroit Mercy (MS, Orthodontics), she founded Dr. Wax Orthodontics in 2014. As a mom of four and a 40 Under 40 honoree, she understands firsthand what families need from orthodontic care.