At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. Most children only need monitoring, not treatment.

My child still has baby teeth. Why would they need treatment now?

Some problems, like a narrow upper jaw, a crossbite or severe crowding, are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Early Phase 1 treatment can make later braces shorter and simpler.

What is a palate expander?

A small appliance attached to the upper back teeth that gently widens a narrow upper jaw, making room for adult teeth and correcting crossbites.

How much do braces for kids cost?

It depends on what your child needs. The free consultation includes a 3D scan, a treatment plan and an exact price, with interest-free payment plans from $87 per month.

Does Medi-Cal cover braces for kids?

Yes, for children and teens under 21 whose bite meets Medi-Cal Dental's criteria. Textbook Orthodontics checks eligibility and submits the paperwork.

How long will my child wear braces?

Most children wear braces for 12 to 30 months. Early Phase 1 treatment usually lasts 6 to 12 months.

Kids Braces & Orthodontist for Kids in Los Angeles

Medi-Cal accepted · Free consultation with a 3D scan · 0% financing · Se habla español

Looking for a trusted pediatric orthodontist in Los Angeles for your child? At Textbook Orthodontics, we specialize in kids braces, early treatment, and Phase 1 orthodontics for children across LA — from Hawthorne and Whittier to Panorama City and the San Fernando Valley. Dr. Nathan Nourian is a kids orthodontist who makes braces for children comfortable, affordable, and stress-free. Pediatric braces start at just $87/month with 0% financing, and we proudly accept Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal so every kid in Los Angeles can get the care they deserve.

Why Choose Our Pediatric Orthodontist for Kids Braces in Los Angeles

At Textbook Orthodontics, we understand that choosing an orthodontist for your child is a significant decision. Dr. Nathan Nourian, a dedicated and passionate orthodontist, leads our practice with a commitment to treating every child as if they were his own. With years of experience and a genuine love for the profession, Dr. Nourian and our team are here to ensure your child's orthodontic journey is both enjoyable and effective.

Children’s Orthodontics in Los Angeles

Orthodontic treatment during childhood can have a profound impact on your child's smile, confidence, and oral health. Here are some reasons why early intervention with braces is beneficial:

Improved Smile: A straight, beautiful smile boosts self-esteem and confidence, which can positively affect various aspects of your child's life.
Better Oral Health: Correctly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Healthy Bite: Proper alignment ensures a healthy bite, which can prevent jaw problems and uneven wear on teeth.
Correcting Issues Early: Addressing orthodontic problems early can prevent more severe issues later in life, potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatment.

Our Approach to Children's Braces

At Textbook Orthodontics, we offer a personalized approach to each child's treatment. Dr. Nathan Nourian and our team use the latest techniques and technology to provide the best care possible. Our approach includes:

Comprehensive Evaluation: During the initial consultation, we conduct a thorough examination to assess your child's orthodontic needs. This includes digital X-rays, photographs, and a detailed discussion of treatment options.
Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, we create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your child's specific needs and goals.
Variety of Braces Options: We offer various types of braces, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. We'll discuss the best option for your child's unique case.
Ongoing Support: Throughout the treatment process, we provide continuous support and monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome. Regular check-ups and adjustments are part of our commitment to your child's progress.
Fun and Friendly Environment: We believe that orthodontic treatment should be a positive experience. Our office is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, and our team is dedicated to making each visit enjoyable.

A man in scrubs smiling and pointing at a young boy smiling and wearing a jacket.

A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing black scrubs, standing next to a young girl with curly hair, wearing a white t-shirt with a bear graphic, denim shorts, and a pink bow in her hair, both smiling at the camera against a plain white wall.

Palate Expander & Pediatric Appliances for Children

Palate expanders offer a wide range of benefits for children during their growing years. By gently widening the upper jaw, they create more space for adult teeth to erupt properly. This helps prevent overcrowding and can reduce the need for future tooth extractions. Palatal expansion also corrects crossbites, leading to a more balanced bite and improved function.

One of the biggest advantages is the improvement in airway space, which can ease breathing issues and reduce snoring. Better breathing often results in more restful sleep and improved focus during the day. Early intervention with a palate expander supports healthier jaw development and facial symmetry. It can also aid in clearer speech and more natural tongue posture.

Because children’s bones are still developing, this treatment is most effective at a young age. Expanding the palate can shorten overall orthodontic treatment time in the future. It sets the foundation for a straighter, healthier smile as your child grows. At Textbook Orthodontics, we use expanders to create long-term benefits that go beyond just straight teeth.

View of the upper dental arch with orthodontic appliances, including metal brackets and wires, and blue-colored dental marking material on molars.

When Should Kids First See a Pediatric Orthodontist?

Seeing an orthodontist early is crucial to detect teeth that may be stuck or impacted beneath the gums. Impacted teeth, especially canines, often go unnoticed without an expert evaluation and X-rays. If left untreated, these teeth can damage nearby roots or shift other teeth out of alignment. Early detection allows for simpler solutions, such as creating space to guide the tooth into position. Waiting too long may lead to more complex procedures, like oral surgery or tooth extraction. Orthodontists are trained to monitor tooth development and identify issues before they become serious. Timely treatment can prevent long-term complications and preserve your child’s natural teeth. Regular orthodontic checkups ensure that all teeth are developing correctly and have room to erupt. At Textbook Orthodontics, we use advanced imaging to assess tooth position and provide proactive care. A quick consultation could make all the difference in your child’s smile and oral health.

X-ray image of a person's teeth and jaw.

Phase 1 Orthodontics: Early Treatment for Kids in Los Angeles

What is Phase 1 Orthodontics

Textbook Orthodontics is the premier provider of Phase 1 orthodontics in Los Angeles, offering specialized early interventional care for children typically between the ages of 7 and 10. Led by Dr. Nathan Nourian, our practice focuses on interceptive treatments—such as palatal expanders and partial braces—to guide jaw growth and create necessary space for permanent teeth. By addressing bite issues early, we help families in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley avoid more invasive procedures like tooth extractions or jaw surgery later in life. We offer affordable Phase 1 plans with 0% interest financing and a free initial consultation.

Why Early Intervention Matters for Your Child

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This "early window" allows Dr. Nourian to monitor the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth while the jaw is still pliable and growing.

Key Benefits of Phase 1 Treatment:

Guiding Jaw Growth: Corrects narrow arches and ensures the upper and lower jaws align properly.
Preventing Impacted Teeth: Creates space for adult teeth to erupt naturally without getting stuck.
Correcting Harmful Habits: Addresses issues like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting that can deform the dental arch.
Boosting Self-Esteem: Fixes prominent "buck teeth" or severe crowding before a child enters middle school.

Before And After Kids Braces Results in Los Angeles

Close-up of a child's teeth before and after orthodontic treatment, showing improved alignment and spacing.

Affordable Kids Braces in Los Angeles — From $87/mo, Medi-Cal Accepted

We know parents in Los Angeles want the best for their kids without breaking the family budget. As an affordable pediatric orthodontist, we make kids braces accessible to every family in LA:

Kids braces from $87/month with no down payment options
0% interest financing — no credit checks
Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal accepted for qualifying children
HSA/FSA eligible for families with health spending accounts
Free consultation for every kid — including digital X-rays, photos, and a custom treatment plan

Medi-Cal Dental covers braces for children and teens under 21 whose bite meets the program's criteria. At your child's free consultation we take the records Medi-Cal requires, check eligibility, and submit the paperwork for you. If your child doesn't qualify, we offer interest-free payment plans from $87 per month.

Whether your child needs Phase 1 early treatment or full pediatric braces, our Los Angeles orthodontist team will work with you on a payment plan that fits.

Meet Dr. Nathan Nourian

Dr. Nourian is an orthodontic specialist who earned his DDS at USC and completed a three-year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the Georgia School of Orthodontics. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and focuses on early treatment and healthy jaw growth, including palate expansion for children with narrow jaws or mouth breathing. He is the author of Breathe. Bite. Smile.

Kids Braces FAQs

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. At that age we can spot jaw growth and bite problems early. Most children only need monitoring, not treatment.
Some problems, like a narrow upper jaw, a crossbite or severe crowding, are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Early treatment (Phase 1) can make later braces shorter and simpler, and sometimes avoids removing teeth.
A small appliance attached to the upper back teeth that gently widens a narrow upper jaw. It makes room for adult teeth, corrects crossbites, and can help some children breathe more easily through the nose.
It depends on what your child needs. Your free consultation includes a 3D scan, a treatment plan and an exact price, with interest-free payment plans from $87 per month.
Yes, for children and teens under 21 whose bite meets Medi-Cal Dental's criteria. We check eligibility and submit the paperwork for you.
Most children wear braces for 12 to 30 months. Early Phase 1 treatment usually lasts 6 to 12 months.
Braces don't hurt to put on. Teeth may feel sore for a few days after adjustments, which children's pain relievers and soft foods usually manage well.
Both. Jaw size and tooth size are often inherited, while thumb sucking, pacifier use past age 3, and mouth breathing can affect how the jaws and teeth develop.