What Parents Can Expect When Their Child Gets Braces in Ponte Vedra

At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know braces are a big commitment for families—time, responsibility, and trust all matter. While a straight, confident smile is a wonderful outcome, braces do much more than improve appearance. Corrective orthodontic treatment supports proper jaw development, bite alignment, and long-term oral health that can benefit your child for life.

Here’s what parents can expect at every stage of the braces process with Dr. Lindsay Maples and our orthodontic team in Ponte Vedra.

Stage 1: Early Orthodontic Evaluation (Around Age 7)

Many parents are surprised to learn that the first orthodontic evaluation should happen around age 7, even though braces typically aren’t placed until ages 11–13.

During this early visit, our team will:

• Take digital X-rays

• Evaluate your child’s bite and jaw growth

• Identify potential crowding or alignment concerns early

Not every child will need braces, but early monitoring allows us to guide growth and intervene only when necessary. For children who feel nervous, our welcoming, kid-friendly office—and optional virtual tour—helps ease anxiety from the start.

Stage 2: Personalized Treatment Planning

Every child’s smile develops differently. Once orthodontic treatment is needed, we create a customized treatment plan based on your child’s specific needs.

In some cases, children may benefit from early orthodontic appliances before braces. This can help guide jaw growth or make space for permanent teeth. These situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are less common than many parents expect.

Our orthodontic care is led by a highly trained team, including Dr. Jessica Crews and Dr. Kelsey Wahl, who work closely with Dr. Lindsay Maples to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.

Stage 3: Braces Placement Day

Braces day is a milestone—and we celebrate it at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

The appointment typically lasts 1–2 hours, and most kids are pleasantly surprised by how easy and painless the process feels. Using kid-friendly language, our team explains each step while carefully bonding brackets and placing the wires.

Parents should be prepared with:

• Soft foods for the first few days

• Cold treats to reduce soreness

• Brushing tools and guidance we provide

And yes—don’t forget your camera for the first braces photo.

Stage 4: Routine Adjustments and Progress Visits

As braces gently move the teeth, your child will return for adjustment visits every 4–8 weeks. These appointments usually take 20–30 minutes and allow us to:

• Adjust wires and elastics

• Monitor tooth movement

• Ensure brackets stay secure

Consistency with these visits is key to keeping treatment on track and minimizing total treatment time.

Stage 5: Braces Removal and Retainers

Braces removal is another big moment. The brackets are gently removed, adhesive is polished away, and your child gets to see their new smile for the first time.

After braces:

• Your child will receive a custom retainer

• Nighttime wear helps maintain results

• We provide clear instructions to prevent teeth from shifting

Expect smiles, photos, and plenty of high-fives.

How Long Do Braces Take?

This is the question every parent asks.

On average:

• Treatment time: ~20 months

• Total visits: ~18 appointments

These are averages—some children finish sooner, others may need more time depending on growth and complexity. Our team keeps parents informed at every stage so there are no surprises.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Ponte Vedra

If you think your child may need braces, early guidance makes all the difference. At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our experienced team—including Dr. Lindsay Maples, Dr. Jessica Crews, and Dr. Kelsey Wahl—is here to support your family through every step of orthodontic care.

Contact our Ponte Vedra office today to schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation and start their journey toward a healthy, confident smile.