Children’s teeth and jaws are still growing, and that changes how orthodontic care should be planned. At Premiere Orthodontics in Winter Springs, Dr. Jason Battle uses 3M™ Clarity™ clear aligners made for younger patients, working with a child’s natural development rather than against it. Dr. Battle is a board-certified orthodontist with over 20 years of experience, and he spends time outside the office visiting local schools and day-care centers to teach brushing and nutrition and to read to elementary students.
Why Aligners Can Suit a Growing Smile
Many children between early grade school and the preteen years have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Fixed appliances have to work around teeth that are loose or still coming in. Removable aligners accommodate permanent teeth as they erupt, which makes them a practical fit for that changing stage. For a child, removable trays also mean no wires to poke and no foods to avoid at lunch.
Kids’ Clarity aligners can also be designed to hold space for permanent teeth that have not yet broken through the gums. Keeping that room open helps prevent the overlapping and crowding that are harder to fix later.
Conditions We Address in Children
Early aligner treatment is aimed at heading problems off while the jaws are still developing. Depending on your child’s exam, it can help to:
- Keep bite misalignments from getting worse
- Correct crowded, crooked or spaced teeth
- Treat teeth that stick out
- Address problems caused by thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
- Guide the jaws to correct overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite or a shifted midline
- Widen the jaws to make room for permanent teeth
Some children need an appliance first, such as a palatal expander that widens the upper jaw, with aligners following once there is space. Details on expanders and the other devices we use are on the orthodontic appliances page. A narrow jaw can also crowd the airway and contribute to mouth-breathing, snoring and restless sleep, and airway orthodontics explains that connection.
When to Bring Your Child In
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening by age 7, or sooner if you notice a concern. That visit is about evaluation, not about putting a seven-year-old in treatment. Dr. Battle checks jaw growth, how teeth are erupting and how the bite is forming. The reasoning behind treating some issues while the jaws are still developing is laid out under early intervention.
If your child is not ready, they join our Kids Club, a complimentary observation program with check-ups about every six months. We watch tooth eruption, jaw growth, spacing and bite alignment, and we only recommend treatment when it would actually help. We will never suggest care your child does not need.
What the First Visit Looks Like for a Child
Children tend to relax once they see the office. Our Winter Springs location has a tropical theme, and our offices are designed for comfort, with massage chairs to help parents relax. The visit includes:
- A tour and introductions to the team
- A TRIOS digital scan in place of putty impressions, so no gagging
- Low-radiation digital x-rays and photos
- An exam and conversation with Dr. Battle about what he sees
If aligners make sense, we explain the process in plain terms for both you and your child before any scans are sent for trays. You can preview the full appointment on the first visit page.
Helping Kids Wear Their Aligners
Aligners only work while they are in, so each set is worn at least 20 to 22 hours a day and comes out only to eat, drink, brush and floss. Because the trays come out, kids can brush and floss normally, which supports good habits that last well beyond treatment. DentalMonitoring check-ins from home also mean fewer in-office visits.
Close to Seminole County Elementary Schools
The office is at 5733 Canton Cv, off SR 417 near Tuskawilla Rd and Red Bug Lake Rd, just down the road from Red Bug Elementary School. We see children from Lawton Elementary, Rainbow Elementary, Keeth Elementary, Indian Trails Elementary and Circle Christian School, along with families coming over from Oviedo, Casselberry and Chuluota. Before your first trip, you can check our office hours and directions.
Cost and Long-Term Protection
Aligners cost the same as braces at Premiere Orthodontics, with low or no down payment and zero-interest in-house financing. We accept most insurance, including PPO, HMO and DeltaCare, and offer a Medicaid discount. If your child completes full treatment and later stops wearing a retainer and the teeth shift, our Lifetime Guarantee means Dr. Battle will replace their braces; the only costs are a nominal monthly adjustment charge and a new retainer. Every patient also gets free professional whitening for life once treatment ends.
Kids’ Clear Aligner FAQ
Is my child too young for clear aligners?
Not necessarily. Kids’ Clarity aligners are designed for mixed baby and adult teeth. An exam shows whether now is the right time or whether watching growth in Kids Club is the better plan.
Will aligners hurt my child?
Mild pressure when a new tray goes in is normal and usually eases as the teeth adjust to each new set. The smooth edges are made to avoid rubbing the cheeks and gums.
What if my child loses a tray?
Call us at (407) 699-1200. A lost aligner is something we want to replace quickly so treatment stays on schedule.
When you are ready, schedule a complimentary exam for your child, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.