Loading...
Braces for Children
A first orthodontic check around age 7 is common advice, even though full braces usually come later. Our orthodontist treats children from age 6, and our dentists look after everyday dental care.
A child's bite is easiest to read early. Around age 7, the first adult molars and front teeth have usually come in, and an orthodontist can see whether the jaws and teeth are growing in a way that may cause trouble. That does not mean braces at 7. Often the answer is to watch and come back.
At our Malad West clinic, Dr. Ila Vyas, our orthodontist (MDS Orthodontics), treats children from age 6. We take a gentle approach with young and anxious patients, and our dentists look after general dental care such as fillings and cleaning.
When braces for children can help
- Baby teeth lost very early, or still firmly in place long after the adult tooth has appeared
- Front teeth that are crowded, crossed over or sticking out
- A thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing habit that continues past the early years
- Difficulty biting or chewing, or a jaw that shifts to one side when the mouth closes
- Teeth that meet unevenly, or an upper or lower jaw that looks set back or forward
Your options
Interceptive treatment
Early, short treatment while the child is still growing, for example an appliance to widen a narrow upper jaw or correct a crossbite. It does not replace braces later, though it may make them simpler. We advise it only when the check shows a clear reason.
Space maintainers
A small fixed or removable appliance that keeps a gap open after a baby tooth is lost early, so the adult tooth has room to come through. It can reduce the chance of later crowding. It needs regular checks until the adult tooth erupts.
Metal braces
Metal brackets and wires, small and sturdy. Coloured elastic ties are usually available, which many children enjoy. They are a common choice for active children and for bites that need more control.
Ceramic braces
Tooth-coloured brackets that are less noticeable. They are usually more brittle than metal and need careful brushing, because the elastic ties can stain if cleaning is poor.
What happens, step by step
- 1
First orthodontic check
Our orthodontist looks at the teeth, jaws and bite, and may advise an OPG X-ray to see teeth that have not yet come through. We explain what we see in plain words. Many children leave with advice to review in six months, not a treatment plan.
- 2
Planning the right time
Full braces generally wait until most permanent teeth are in, often around 11 to 13. If something should be done sooner, we explain the reason and what it involves.
- 3
Fitting the braces
Brackets are bonded to the teeth and a thin wire is placed. The teeth are not drilled. They feel sore and tight for a few days, and soft food helps.
Close-up of braces with clear brackets bonded to the teeth and a thin wire running through them. Photo: Tamaki Sono, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0), cropped - 4
Regular adjustments
Your child comes about once a month, sometimes at longer gaps, for a wire change or adjustment. We check how well the teeth are being cleaned at each visit.
- 5
Removal and retainers
When the teeth are in place, the braces come off and retainers help keep them there. A child who skips retainers risks losing some of the correction.
Want the detail?
Braces vs Invisalign: How to Choose →
Real Patient Results
View full gallery →
Orthodontic braces case 1
← Swipe to compare →
Orthodontic braces case 2
← Swipe to compare →
After treatment
- Brush after every meal, including at school if possible; a small travel brush in the school bag helps
- Avoid sticky sweets, hard candy, and chewing on pens or ice, which break brackets
- Use orthodontic wax on any wire or bracket that rubs the cheek, and call us if a bracket comes loose
- Help younger children clean around the brackets with an interdental brush, and check their work
- Use a mouthguard for contact sports, and ask us which type fits over braces
- Wear retainers as instructed once the braces come off
When we suggest something else
Not every child needs treatment at the first check. If the teeth and jaws are developing normally, the right plan is to review at intervals and do nothing yet. We would rather tell you that than start early without a reason.
Clear aligners are sometimes used for older teenagers, once all the permanent teeth are in, and only if the teenager will wear them reliably. For younger children and complex bites, braces are generally the more dependable choice.
Cost
Typical cost across Mumbai
- Metal braces, full treatment
- ₹30,000 to ₹55,000
- Ceramic braces, full treatment
- ₹50,000 to ₹75,000
Treatment length and how complex the bite problem is decide the cost.
Ranges published by Mumbai clinics and price guides, checked October 2026: WhatClinic, MediBuddy, Sabka Dentist. These are not our prices.
What changes the cost
- Whether early interceptive treatment is needed before full braces
- The type of braces: metal or ceramic
- How long the child's teeth take to move, which depends on the bite
- Extra visits for broken brackets or poor cleaning
- Retainers after treatment, and replacements if they are lost
Visit us for a detailed quote. We examine your teeth and give you a written estimate before any treatment starts.
Who treats you
- Dr. Ila Vyas, Specialist Orthodontist (MDS Orthodontics (SDM Dharwad, Distinction), BDS (Manipal))
- Dr. Kanchan Koli, General Dentistry Specialist (BDS)
Questions patients ask
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
Around age 7 is common guidance, when the first adult teeth are in. Earlier is fine if you see a problem. Our orthodontist treats children from age 6.
Does my child need braces just because the teeth look crooked at 8?
Not necessarily. Some crowding eases as the jaws grow, and some does not. A check tells you which, and we say if waiting is the right call.
Do braces hurt?
Teeth feel tight and sore for a few days after fitting and after adjustments. Soft food and ordinary pain relief usually cover it. Wax helps if a wire rubs.
What is a space maintainer?
A small appliance that holds the gap open after a baby tooth is lost early. It helps stop neighbouring teeth drifting in and blocking the adult tooth. Your child will need regular checks until the adult tooth comes through.
Metal or ceramic braces for a teenager?
Metal is sturdier and can come with coloured ties. Ceramic is less noticeable but needs very good cleaning to avoid stained ties. We help you choose based on your teenager's habits.
How long will my child wear retainers?
We will give a plan. Many children wear them full time at first, then at night for a longer period, because teeth tend to drift back.
Typical Duration
Varies widely; braces often run 12 to 24 months
Visit Us in Malad West
A-102, Marve Link Appt., 1st Floor, Marve Road, Mith Chowky, Malad (W), Mumbai 400064
- Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed