Braces for Children and Teens in Austin, Texas

Build a Healthier, Straighter Smile With Personalized Orthodontic Care

Braces can straighten crowded or crooked teeth, close unwanted spaces and correct bite problems that affect your child’s oral health, function and confidence. By applying carefully controlled pressure, braces gradually guide the teeth into healthier, more balanced positions.

At Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Reza Arzegar provides braces for children and teenagers in Austin, Texas. Dr. Arzegar has 15 years of orthodontic and clear aligner experience, has completed hundreds of cases and has pursued hundreds of hours of orthodontic continuing education.

Give your child a strong foundation for a healthier smile. Call 512-892-2443 or schedule an orthodontic evaluation to find out whether braces are right for your child.

How Braces Straighten Teeth

Traditional braces use brackets and wires to move teeth gradually. The brackets are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth, and an orthodontic wire connects them. During progress visits, Dr. Arzegar makes planned adjustments that guide the teeth toward their intended positions.

Tooth movement occurs over time so the bone and supporting tissues can adapt. Treatment length depends on your child’s alignment, bite, dental development and participation in care.

What Problems Can Braces Correct?

Braces can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns in children and teenagers, including:

• Crowded teeth: Teeth overlap or emerge out of position because there is not enough room in the dental arch.
• Gaps between teeth: Extra spacing may affect the appearance or function of the smile.
• Crooked or rotated teeth: Teeth may erupt at an angle or turn away from their proper position.
• Overbite: The upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth.
• Underbite: The lower teeth or jaw sit in front of the upper teeth.
• Crossbite: One or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth closes.
• Open bite: The front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are together.
• Protruding teeth: Front teeth extend outward and may be more vulnerable to injury.

An orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Reza Arzegar to examine your child’s teeth, bite and development and determine whether braces, another treatment or continued monitoring is appropriate.

Benefits of Braces for Children and Teens

Braces can improve the appearance of your child’s smile while also supporting better oral health and function. Treatment may help:

• Create a straighter, more balanced smile
• Improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
• Support more comfortable biting and chewing
• Make crowded areas easier to brush and floss
• Reduce uneven wear on certain teeth
• Lower the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
• Support healthy dental development
• Improve confidence in the smile

When Should a Child Be Evaluated for Braces?

Some orthodontic concerns appear while a child still has a combination of baby and permanent teeth. Others become clearer as the permanent teeth emerge during the teenage years.

Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child has:

• Crowded, overlapping or visibly crooked teeth
• Large spaces between teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Teeth that do not meet properly
• A jaw that shifts when closing
• Permanent teeth erupting outside their expected positions
• Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Front teeth that noticeably protrude

An evaluation does not always mean braces will be placed immediately. Dr. Arzegar may recommend monitoring growth or addressing a developing problem with Phase 1 orthodontic treatment.

What to Expect at an Orthodontic Evaluation

Your child’s first orthodontic visit helps our team understand their dental development, treatment needs and goals. The evaluation may include:

1. A review of your child’s dental and medical history
2. An examination of the teeth, bite and jaw relationships
3. An assessment of remaining baby teeth and emerging permanent teeth
4. Digital X-rays or other orthodontic records when appropriate
5. A discussion of treatment options and timing
6. An explanation of expected goals and next steps

If braces are recommended, Dr. Reza Arzegar will explain the proposed treatment plan, anticipated timeline and your child’s responsibilities during care.

What Happens When Braces Are Placed?

During the placement appointment, the teeth are cleaned and prepared before the brackets are attached. An orthodontic wire is placed through the brackets and secured.

Your child may notice pressure or tenderness as the teeth begin responding to treatment. This temporary discomfort typically improves as the mouth adjusts.

Our team will explain:

• How to brush and floss around brackets and wires
• Which foods can damage braces
• How to manage temporary tenderness
• What to do if a bracket or wire becomes loose
• When to return for progress visits

Progress Visits and Treatment Time

Your child will return to Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics regularly so Dr. Arzegar can evaluate tooth movement, check the appliances and make necessary adjustments. Keeping these appointments and following instructions for elastics or other appliances can help treatment stay on track.

The total treatment time depends on:

• The severity of crowding or spacing
• The type of bite problem being corrected
• Your child’s growth and dental development
• How the teeth respond to treatment
• Attendance at progress visits
• Use of elastics or appliances as directed
• Care taken to avoid broken brackets and wires

Dr. Reza Arzegar will provide an individualized estimate after completing your child’s evaluation.

Eating With Braces

Certain foods can bend wires, loosen brackets or become trapped around orthodontic appliances. Your child should avoid:

• Hard or sticky candy
• Chewing ice
• Whole nuts
• Popcorn kernels
• Hard pretzels
• Chewing on pencils or other hard objects

Crunchy fruits and vegetables can often still be enjoyed when cut into smaller pieces. Our team will provide detailed food guidance when treatment begins.

Keeping Teeth Healthy During Braces

Food and plaque can collect around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities, gum irritation and enamel discoloration. Careful home hygiene is essential throughout treatment.

Encourage your child to:

• Brush thoroughly around every bracket and along the gumline
• Floss between the teeth each day using recommended tools
• Rinse away food debris after eating when brushing is not possible
• Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks
• Continue routine dental examinations and cleanings

Regular dental cleanings and examinations remain important during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Arzegar may also recommend fluoride treatment based on your child’s cavity risk.

Braces or Clear Aligners?

Both braces and clear aligners can move teeth, but the better option depends on the orthodontic concern and the patient’s ability to follow treatment instructions.

Braces remain attached to the teeth and can address a broad range of alignment and bite problems. Clear aligners are removable and require consistent daily wear and responsible care.

Dr. Reza Arzegar has provided orthodontic and clear aligner treatment for 15 years. After evaluating your child, Dr. Arzegar can explain whether braces or clear aligners are better suited to their needs.

Sports and Braces

Children and teenagers can generally continue participating in sports while wearing braces. A properly fitted mouthguard can help protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and orthodontic appliances during contact or impact activities.

Learn more about protective options on our sports mouthguards page.

What Happens After Braces?

After the teeth reach their planned positions, the braces are removed. Your child will then need a retainer to help maintain the results while the bone and supporting tissues stabilize.

Wearing the retainer as directed is essential because teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment.

Why Choose Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for Your Child’s Braces?

Orthodontic care for children should consider tooth alignment, jaw growth, dental development, preventive health and the child’s comfort throughout treatment.

Dr. Reza Arzegar is a board-certified pediatric dentist who completed pediatric dental residency training in 2006. Dr. Arzegar has provided orthodontic and clear aligner treatment for 15 years and has completed hundreds of cases.

Dr. Arzegar has also completed hundreds of hours of orthodontic continuing education and advanced training through extended orthodontic programs. This experience supports individualized treatment planning for children and teenagers with a wide range of alignment and bite concerns.

Our child- and family-friendly office features video games, televisions above the treatment chairs and child-friendly music to help young patients feel more comfortable throughout their care.

Learn more about Dr. Arzegar on our meet our doctors page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Children and Teens

Schedule an Evaluation for Braces in Austin, Texas

Braces can improve your child’s dental alignment, bite function and confidence in their smile. Dr. Reza Arzegar will evaluate their teeth and development and explain whether braces, clear aligners, early treatment or monitoring is the right next step.

Call Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at 512-892-2443 or schedule an orthodontic evaluation online to learn more about braces for children and teenagers in Austin, Texas.