From early check-ups to personalized treatment plans, we guide you every step.

Why Early Orthodontic Care Matters

Childhood presents a unique window of opportunity to guide both dental and skeletal development. Every child needs is different. By screening early, we can identify potential orthodontic concerns—often before they become more complex.

Some of the most common signs that early orthodontic care may be needed include severe crowding, overbite, underbites, open bites, impacted teeth, and misaligned jaws.

In many cases, early treatment can also address changes caused by prolonged thumb-sucking or other non-nutritive habits that affect jaw growth and tooth position.

We understand this can feel overwhelming for families. That’s why we offer a free consultation—to walk you through every step and help you make informed decisions about a potential need of braces for kids.

In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first visit to an orthodontist by the age of 7.

Treatment Options for Kids

Orthodontic treatment for children typically falls into one of two categories:

  1. Two-Phase Treatment – starting with Phase I (early interceptive treatment), followed by Phase II once all permanent teeth have erupted.

  2. Comprehensive One-Phase Treatment – a single course of treatment, usually for teens with a full set of permanent teeth.

A variety of orthodontic appliances may be used, depending on your child’s specific needs and stage of dental development - presence of adult teeth.

Appliances Commonly Used in Phase I (Early Orthodontic Treatment)

Designed for younger children with a mix of baby and permanent teeth:

  • Partial braces on front teeth

  • Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign First, Angel Aligner Kids)

  • Maxillary expander

  • Functional appliances (e.g., Herbst, mandibular advancement devices)

These tools help guide jaw growth, correct crossbites or underbites, and create space for incoming permanent teeth.

Appliances for Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

Recommended for teens with all permanent teeth:

  • Traditional metal braces (including self-ligating braces)

  • Ceramic braces

  • Lingual braces (placed behind the teeth)

  • Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign)

Your child’s treatment plan will be based on their growth stage, bite issues, and your preferences for aesthetics and lifestyle. Different types of braces and clear aligners can be mixed together offering a unique solution to your kid.

Clear Aligners for Kids: Invisalign & Beyond

Clear aligner treatment—commonly known as Invisalign—has become a popular choice for kids and teens. This approach uses a series of custom-made plastic trays that fit over your child’s teeth to gently correct misalignment, bite issues, and other orthodontic problems. For the best results, aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.

Each aligner tray applies gentle pressure—similar to braces archwires —but moves teeth in smaller steps, which is why aligners are changed weekly.

While Invisalign is a leading brand, there are other clear aligner systems available that offer similar benefits. These options provide a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.

For families seeking a truly invisible option, lingual braces—which are placed behind the teeth—can be a great alternative. Though not removable like aligners, they offer a highly aesthetic solution without visible brackets or archwires.

Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan

At PORTH, we believe every child deserves a truly personalized approach to orthodontic care. Your child’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs and includes the selection of orthodontic appliances, visit frequency, virtual progress monitoring, treatment costs, and dental insurance optimization. We also offer flexible payment plans to make care more accessible.

To accommodate busy families and minimize missed school days, we provide evening and weekend appointments.

Our goal is to make orthodontic care a seamless and efficient experience—designed around your child, your schedule, and your goals—while delivering the highest quality of care in the shortest effective treatment time.

Aftercare and Retention

Once your child completes treatment—or is between Phase I and Phase II—we provide retainers to maintain the results and prevent relapse. Ongoing dental care is key to protecting their new smile, including regular dental checkups to monitor for tooth decay, gum disease, and overall oral hygiene.

We also coordinate closely with your child’s dentist and share all final x-rays and records to support continued care.

A beautiful, healthy smile paired with strong oral hygiene habits builds lasting confidence—for now and the future.

Schedule Your Free Consult

Are you ready to take charge of your oral health with top-quality orthodontic care? Use the live scheduler 📅 on the website and book your appointment.

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About Dr Rooz Khosravi

Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, University of Washington

American Board Certified Orthodontist

Clinical Advisor & Thought Leader in Digital Orthodontics

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Meet Our Orthodontists

Dr. Rooz Khosravi is not only a board-certified orthodontist, but also a nationally recognized leader in modern orthodontics. As the founder of PORTH (Personalized Orthodontics) and a clinical associate professor at the University of Washington, he brings a unique blend of academic insight and advanced clinical skills to every patient interaction.

With a background in both orthodontics and dental public health, Dr. Rooz is known for his commitment to evidence-based care, digital innovation, and truly personalized treatment plans. He a thought leader in clear aligners, digital braces, 3D printing, and interdisciplinary orthodontic care, offering care that’s tailored to each child’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Rooz is actively involved in orthodontic research and education, frequently presenting at national and international conferences. His warm, thoughtful approach makes kids and parents alike feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

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Schedule a Free Consultation

At Personalized Orthodontics, with convenient locations in Bellevue and Sammamish, we proudly offer free consultations for children and teens.

Whether your child has misaligned teeth, bite and dental problems (malocclusion), or complex orthodontic issues, we’re here to help. During your visit, you’ll meet Dr. Rooz, a board-certified orthodontist and associate professor, who will walk you through all available treatment options tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Looking for kids' braces in Bellevue? At our Sammamish and Bellevue clinics, we offer customized orthodontic care just minutes from Bellevue Square and across Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic. Take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile—schedule your complimentary consultation today to meet our Bellevue orthodontist! Evening and weekend appointments available.

PORTH Bellevue

5 Stars Clinic!

Address

Bellegrove Dental & Medical Building

1515 116th Ave NE #302,

Bellevue, WA 98004

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Cost of Orthodontic Treatment

Use Your Dental Insurance

We accept major dental insurance policies like Premera, Delta Dental, Cigna, and Metlife.

Use Your FSA or HSA

We will work with you to adjust your payment plan to maximize  your FSA or HSA benefits.

Pay Your Way

We build a payment plan that is for you and fit your financial needs. You can start with a small down payment to start your orthodontic care.

What Our Patients Have Told Us

Dr. Rooz and his staff are knowledgeable and willing to answer all of your questions before, during, and after treatment. Dr. Rooz's expertise with new technologies and treatments paired with clear explanations of the process makes the experience more comfortable. I especially appreciate the kindness and patience given when working with patients (I wanted to change my billing option and Elly assisted me right away). Thank you!

Dr. Rooz and his team are the best! After doing traditional braces over 10 years ago and forgetting to wear my retainer I was nervous to do the orthodontist experience again. His office is clean, bright and full of energy!
He walked me through the entire process and answered all of my questions. I extremely appreciate their flexible payment plans and their willingness to go above and beyond for their clients.
Being able to text the office to schedule appointments or ask questions regarding my treatment, makes this process so much easier for me.
If you have ever been interested in clear aligners, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rooz. I’m so happy with my smile and my experience has been amazing!

Alexis N.

My experience was excellent! They corrected my bites and my teeth moved significantly within a year! They are very professional and nice -- they explained every step and set the right expectation with you before you start your treatment, so you won't get any surprises. They made me feel like I am a family & friend than a patient. I began my treatment at their Sammamish location and I am so glad they made the decision to open one in Bellevue. It will be much closer to my location and save a lot of time on commute! I highly recommend them if you are looking for a talented and highly skilled orthodontist with advanced orthodontic techniques! Go and check out them :)

Dan S.

Common Questions About Kids’ Braces

1. What is the best age for a child to get braces?
Most kids benefit from an orthodontic evaluation before the age 7, especially if they still only have baby teeth or early signs of jaw issues.

2. How much do braces cost for kids?
Costs vary, but many families use dental insurance coverage and payment plans. Prices depend on the type of braces and treatment length.

3. How much are teeth braces for kids?
Braces typically range from $2,000–$7500.

4. Is it OK for 8 year old to have braces?
Yes, especially in Phase I treatment to guide growth of both upper and lower jaw growth or assist with eruption of permanent teeth. The goal of phase I is to avoid extraction and tooth loss in adults.

5. When Should Your Child Visit the Orthodontist?
By age 7—early visits help assess oral health, baby teeth, and jaw development before issues progress.

6. What Are the Best Types of Braces for Kids?
Options include metal, ceramic, and clear aligners. Some kids also wear rubber bands to guide upper and lower jaw alignment.

7. What are Clear Aligners and how are they different than Invisalign?
Clear aligners are removable trays that straighten teeth. Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners—others work similarly.

8. Why choose orthodontic treatment?
It improves function and esthetic, prevents tooth loss, and supports long-term oral health—all while helping create a beautiful smile.

9. Does My Child Need Braces?
Braces may be needed if your child has crowding, bite issues, or early tooth loss affecting baby teeth. An orthodontic screening is the best way to find out.

10. How Painful Are Braces for Kids?
Mild discomfort is normal, especially after adjustments or when adding rubber bands—but it fades quickly.

11. How long do kids typically need to wear braces?
Most wear them for 1–2 years, depending on severity and growth of the lower jaw and oral health habits.

12. How do I care for my child's braces?
Daily brushing, flossing, avoiding sticky foods, and regular checkups protect braces and promote good oral health.