Orthodontics for Kids in Dothan, AL
Every child's smile develops at its own pace. And seeing an orthodontist early doesn't mean your child needs braces early.
At McClimans Orthodontics, we take a thoughtful, conservative approach to orthodontics for kids. Dr. McClimans will evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and growth, explain what he sees, and recommend treatment only when there's a reason to begin.
For many children, the right plan is simply to keep growing while we keep an eye on their smile.
Book Your Child's Complimentary Consultation
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
That may sound young, but the goal isn't necessarily to start treatment. At this age, an orthodontist can evaluate how your child's teeth and jaws are developing while baby teeth are still being replaced by permanent teeth.
An early evaluation can help us identify concerns with:
- Jaw growth and bite development
- Crossbites, underbites, and other bite problems
- Crowding and spacing
- Permanent teeth that aren't erupting as expected
- Habits or developmental concerns that may affect the teeth or jaws
If everything is developing well, we'll tell you that too.
Many Kids Don't Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
Dr. McClimans believes in treating children when treatment will make a meaningful difference, not simply because they've reached a certain age.
That means we don't automatically recommend Phase I orthodontic treatment or braces for kids at age 7.
For many of our younger patients, we recommend observation visits about every six months. These visits allow Dr. McClimans to monitor growth, watch permanent teeth come in, and determine when or if treatment would be beneficial.
There's no pressure to start before your child is ready. You'll simply get honest guidance about what's happening with their smile and what we recommend next.
When is early orthodontic treatment helpful?
While many children can wait, certain orthodontic concerns may be easier to address while the jaws are still growing.
Early orthodontic treatment may be recommended to:
- Correct certain crossbites or developing bite problems
- Guide jaw growth and development
- Create space for permanent teeth when needed
- Address severe crowding or eruption concerns
- Reduce the risk of trauma to significantly protruding front teeth
- Address certain habits that are affecting dental or jaw development
The decision is always based on your child's individual needs.
If Dr. McClimans believes early treatment would benefit your child, he'll explain what he recommends, why he recommends it, and what you can expect before you make any decisions.
What is Phase I orthodontic treatment?
Phase I, or interceptive orthodontic treatment, takes place while a child still has a combination of baby and permanent teeth.
It isn't necessary for every child.
When a specific developmental concern would benefit from treatment now rather than later, Dr. McClimans may recommend Phase I treatment while your child is still growing.
Depending on your child's needs, treatment may involve an orthodontic appliance, a palatal expander, limited braces, or another personalized approach.
After Phase I treatment, we'll continue monitoring your child as their permanent teeth erupt. If additional treatment is needed later, comprehensive treatment can focus on final tooth alignment and bite correction.
What if my child doesn't need treatment yet?
Our observation program allows Dr. McClimans to continue monitoring your child's smile as they grow, typically with visits about every six months.
These quick check-ins help us track tooth eruption, jaw development, and changes in the bite so we can recommend treatment at the right time rather than starting too soon.
For many children, that means waiting until most or all of their permanent teeth have erupted and moving directly into comprehensive treatment with braces or clear aligners.
You don't have to figure out the timing on your own. We'll keep an eye on things with you.
A Children's Orthodontist Families Have Trusted for Generations
For more than 25 years, Dr. Tee McClimans has cared for families throughout Dothan and the Wiregrass, including generations of patients who first came to us as kids and now bring in children of their own.
We don't take that trust lightly. We want your child to feel like the focus of every visit and parents to feel confident that they're getting straightforward recommendations from a team that respects their time.
From efficient appointments and flexible scheduling to a friendly team that knows how to make kids feel comfortable, we work to make orthodontic care a positive part of your family's routine.
How much do braces for kids cost?
The cost of braces for kids depends on your child's individual orthodontic needs, the type of treatment recommended, and the length of treatment.
At your child's consultation, Dr. McClimans will evaluate their smile and explain whether treatment is needed now or if waiting is the better option. If treatment is recommended, our team will review the cost with you and walk you through your payment options.
We offer flexible payment plans with 0% interest in-house financing and also accept CareCredit® financing.
Does insurance cover braces for a child?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for children, but coverage varies by plan.
McClimans Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans and is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. We also file claims with other insurance providers, including United Concordia, on your behalf.
Once treatment begins and the claim is submitted, your insurance provider will determine your available orthodontic benefits and coverage.
When It's Time for Treatment, We Make It Personal
When your child is ready for comprehensive orthodontic treatment, Dr. McClimans will create a treatment plan specifically for their smile.
Depending on their needs and preferences, options may include:
- Metal braces
- Clear ceramic braces
- Gold braces
- Clear aligners (Invisalign® & 3M™ Clarity™
- Specialized growth appliances, like palatal expanders
Dr. McClimans personally places every bracket for our braces patients, taking a careful, hands-on approach from the very beginning.
And when braces are the right choice, eligible patients may be able to take advantage of Same-Day Braces and begin treatment during the same visit instead of coming back for another appointment.
Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit
Wondering whether it's time to bring your child to an orthodontist for kids in Dothan, AL? Getting answers is simple.
1. Book a complimentary consultation
Choose a convenient time to visit our Dothan orthodontic office with your child.
2. Meet with Dr. McClimans
He'll evaluate your child's smile and development, talk with you about any concerns, and explain what he sees.
3. Know what comes next
If treatment would help now, we'll walk you through the recommendation. If the better choice is to wait, we'll continue monitoring your child as they grow.
Either way, you'll leave knowing where your child's smile stands and what comes next.
Book a Complimentary Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This allows an orthodontist to evaluate your child's developing teeth, jaws, and bite while growth is still underway.
An evaluation at age 7 does not mean your child will need treatment at age 7. Many children simply return for periodic observation until the timing is right.
Does every child need Phase I orthodontic treatment?
No. Many children do not need Phase I treatment and can wait until more of their permanent teeth have erupted before beginning comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Dr. McClimans recommends early treatment only when there is a specific concern that would benefit from being addressed while your child is still growing.
What are signs my child may need early orthodontic treatment?
Early treatment may be considered when a child has concerns such as a crossbite, significant crowding, unusual jaw development, difficulty with permanent teeth erupting, or other developing bite problems.
The best way to know whether treatment is needed is to have your child's smile evaluated by an orthodontist.
What happens if my child isn't ready for braces?
If your child doesn't need treatment yet, we can continue monitoring their growth through observation visits, typically about every six months.
Dr. McClimans will keep an eye on their developing teeth and bite and let you know when the timing is right for treatment.
What types of braces for kids do you offer?
We offer several orthodontic treatment options for children and teens, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, gold braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, and 3M™ Clarity™ Clear Aligners.
The right option will depend on your child's orthodontic needs, age, development, and preferences.
How much does orthodontic treatment for kids cost?
The cost of treatment depends on your child's individual needs and recommended treatment plan.
If treatment is recommended, we'll explain the cost and payment options clearly. McClimans Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans with 0% interest in-house financing, as well as CareCredit® financing. We also accept most insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf.
Thoughtful Orthodontics for Kids in Dothan, AL
You don't need to know whether your child needs braces before you walk through our doors. That's what we're here to help you determine.
Schedule your child's complimentary consultation with Dr. McClimans and get honest guidance from an orthodontic team that has cared for generations of families throughout Dothan and the Wiregrass.
If it's time for treatment, we'll explain why. If it's better to wait, we'll tell you that too.