For Kids
A head start for growing smiles.
The AAO recommends a first visit with an orthodontist by age 7. At Beeline that consultation is free, gentle, and zero pressure.
Why age 7?
A first look while they're still growing.
By age 7, the first adult molars and front teeth are usually in, enough for an orthodontist to see how the bite is shaping up while there's still plenty of growing left to do. That's why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by then.
Most first visits end the simplest way possible: everything looks great. When that's the case there's nothing to start and nothing to pay. We'll tell you roughly when it's worth another look, and that consultation is free too.
A few things really are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing: crossbites, significant crowding, stubborn thumb habits, and baby teeth that leave too early or overstay their welcome. Catching them at 7 keeps options open that get harder to come by later.
A calm first visit
Big chair, little worries.
Most kids walk in a little unsure and walk out asking when they get to come back. We keep first visits short, hands-on, and explained in words a 7-year-old actually understands: no scary tools, no surprises, just a friendly look at how things are growing.
Phase 1 treatment
Two phases, one gentle flight plan.
Phase 1 is a limited, early round of treatment for problems that are easiest to fix while your child is still growing. And if your child doesn't need it, we'll say so, plainly.
Phase 1: guide the growth
A short, focused round of treatment while the jaw is still developing (often a palate expander or partial braces) to correct bite problems and make room for the adult teeth on their way.
Rest and grow
The appliances come off and your child simply grows. We keep a friendly eye on things with easy recall visits while the remaining adult teeth arrive.
Phase 2, only if needed
Some kids are done after Phase 1. Others finish up with braces or clear aligners as teens: the whole point of starting early is to make that stage simpler.
The office
A hive built for kids.
From the first hello to the last high-five, every Beeline visit is designed to put kids, and their parents, at ease.
Always a free consultation
Most kids don't need treatment right away. When that's the answer we say so and suggest when to check back, and that visit is another free consultation.
Parents welcome chairside
You're never stuck in the waiting room. Come on back, ask questions, and see exactly what we see at every visit.
Colored elastics, kid's choice
Every braces visit ends with a big decision: this month's colors. Team spirit, holiday themes, or all gold: the boss decides.
For parents
Signs worth a closer look.
None of these mean something is wrong. They just mean it's worth a (free) look.
- Thumb- or finger-sucking that continues past age 5
- Baby teeth lost very early, very late, or in an unusual order
- Crowded, overlapping, or noticeably crooked teeth
- Front teeth that stick out, or top and bottom teeth that don't meet
- A jaw that shifts to one side, or upper teeth that bite inside the lower ones
- Trouble chewing or biting comfortably
Spot something familiar? You don't need a referral. Just book a free consultation and we'll take an honest look.
Questions
What parents ask us.
Why age 7? My child still has baby teeth.
That's exactly the point. By 7 there's a telling mix of baby and adult teeth, so an orthodontist can spot developing bite problems while the jaw is still easy to guide. Most first visits end with “everything looks great.”
Do we need a referral from our dentist?
No referral needed. You can book directly, and the consultation is free either way. We're also happy to coordinate with your child's dentist at every step of treatment.
Will my child definitely need braces?
Not at all. Most kids we meet don't need treatment yet. When that's the case we'll tell you when it's worth another look, and that consultation is free too. We only recommend treatment when it genuinely helps, and we'll always explain why.
What does Phase 1 treatment actually involve?
Usually a limited appliance (a palate expander, partial braces, or both) worn while your child is still growing. After that comes a rest period where we simply monitor, and then Phase 2 treatment as a teen only if it's needed.
Does early treatment hurt?
It's gentle. New appliances can feel strange for the first few days, and most kids adjust faster than their parents expect. We walk your child through every step so nothing comes as a surprise.
Book their free age-7 consultation.
Free consultations · Plaza Midwood, Charlotte