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Kids Orthodontics

Kids Orthodontics in Manitowoc and Sheboygan

We provide the best kids’ orthodontic care in the Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and greater Lakeshore area in a fun and exciting environment.

start their smile

Dr. Jeff Just meeting with young patient at Just Orthodontics

Your Child's Airway Development

No two children’s mouths are the same. That’s why we recommend scheduling a visit with a board-certified orthodontist by age 7 to confirm that your child’s permanent teeth are developing and erupting properly. We offer free consultations for kids to evaluate their growth, development, and airway, focusing on preventative orthodontic treatment. Our goal is to guide healthy tooth alignment early on and promote optimal oral development.

At Just Orthodontics, we rely on evidence-based practices that are minimally invasive and deliver faster treatment times. Backed by four generations of dental excellence since 1919, our dedicated team has proudly served families in Manitowoc and Sheboygan for over a century. If you’re looking for the best kids’ orthodontist, you’ve found the right place.

Secure your child’s dental health and future smile today. Schedule a free consultation with our board-certified orthodontist to give them the best start possible!

Early Orthodontic Treatment for Kids in Manitowoc and Sheboygan

Focusing on the overall well-being of our patients is our core value at Just Orthodontics. We offer free growth and development evaluations without a referral from a dentist to ensure every child can have a healthy smile. We would like to evaluate children by the age of 7 to assess their arch width and tooth eruption.

What does a growth and development evaluation look like? The evaluation usually takes 30 minutes. We record a series of images to evaluate the eruption of permanent teeth and jaw development. By leveraging the latest technology, the process is quick and simple — so you can sleep well knowing your child is growing correctly.

Dr. Ethan Just examining a young patient at Just Orthodontics

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive or children’s orthodontics, is a proactive approach to correct dental issues in young children. For more complex cases, we use two phases of orthodontics for treatment: Phase 1, for growth and development of the jaws when baby teeth are still present — and Phase 2, when all permanent teeth are in for the fine details.

Phase 1

Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 1, also known as early interceptive treatment, typically begins when a child is between the ages of 6 and 10 and still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal of this phase is to address issues early, such as:

Jaw growth discrepancies — such as underbites or overbites

Crowding or spacing problems

Habits like thumb-sucking that may affect dental development

By starting treatment early, we can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and reduce the severity of future orthodontic issues. Depending on the child’s specific needs, this phase may involve appliances like expanders, partial braces, or retainers.

Phase 2

Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 2 begins once most or all permanent teeth erupt — usually around age 11 to 13. The focus of this phase is achieving a straight, healthy smile and a functional bite. Comprehensive treatment often includes full braces or clear aligners to:

Fine-tune tooth alignment

Correct bite issues

Ensure long-term stability and health

Phase 2 builds on the foundation established in Phase 1, ensuring the best possible results for the child’s smile and oral health.

Two Phases, One Perfect Smile

Think of your child’s orthodontic treatment like building a house: 

Phase 1 is the foundation: Just like a strong foundation is essential for a sturdy home, this phase sets the stage for a healthy, properly aligned smile. By addressing jaw growth and space issues early, we make sure the permanent teeth have the best environment to come in.

Phase 2 is the finishing work: Once the foundation is in place and all or most permanent teeth are present, we focus on the fine details — straightening teeth, correcting the bite, and ensuring everything works together seamlessly.

By breaking the process into two smaller, targeted treatments, we can tackle complex orthodontic problems in manageable steps — making it easier to create a lasting, beautiful smile.

It is important for children to be evaluated by an orthodontist to address and prevent more severe problems from developing as your child grows. By beginning treatment early, we can guide the development of the airway and the growth of the jaws — ensuring proper alignment and spacing for the incoming teeth.

Young girl smiling in dentist chair at Just Orthodontics

What problems can be addressed with early orthodontic treatment?

Nighttime snoring

Crossbites

Open bites

Thumb-sucking habits

Mouth breathing

Crowded and blocked-out teeth

Teeth that are not biting together correctly

Narrow upper jaws

Crowded front teeth around age 6 and 7 years old

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Prevention of Future Dental Problems

Early intervention can prevent severe issues later in life.

Guided Growth

Early treatment helps the guidance on jaw growth and permanent teeth into their correct positions.

Improved Oral Health

Correcting alignment issues early can improve overall oral health and offer correction of harmful oral habits, making it easier to clean teeth and prevent cavities and gum disease.

Improvement of Appearance and Self-Esteem

A beautiful, healthy smile can boost your child's self-esteem and confidence.

Airway Development and Speech

Early orthodontic treatment supports proper airway development and enhances speech clarity by aligning the teeth and jaws correctly.

Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs

Get an Early Orthodontics Consultation

KIDS 7 & UP:  JOIN KIDZ KLUB!

Free membership for all children! While waiting for orthodontic treatment, your child will become a member of our 7 & Up Club, where they receive a membership card to bring to their follow-up appointments. Each visit with their membership card gives them the chance to win fun membership rewards, like gift certificates. Every six months, your child will have a no-charge recall examination, where our orthodontists in Sheboygan and Manitowoc will monitor their mouth’s growth and development! Once your child is ready for braces, they will graduate from the 7 & Up Club.

join the club

Invisalign First for Kids in Manitowoc and Sheboygan

At Just Orthodontics, we provide Invisalign First for kids from the ages of 6 to 10 to create a lifetime of healthy smiles. We assess your child's smile, personalize a custom orthodontic treatment plan to meet their unique needs, and determine if clear aligners are the best option. Our team of orthodontists in Sheboygan and Manitowoc will create a custom treatment plan for your child during a pain-free visit in a fun and comfortable environment.

What is Invisalign First?

Invisalign First is a clear aligner system specifically designed for young children. These aligners are custom-made to fit your child's mouth and gradually move their teeth into the desired positions. Invisalign First is an excellent option for children who need early orthodontic intervention but prefer a more discreet treatment option.

Invisalign trays inside of a case at Just Orthodontics

Benefits of Invisalign First for Kids

Discreet Appearance

Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them an appealing option for kids who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces.

Comfort

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic that won't irritate the inside of your child's mouth.

Removability

Aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, making it easier for kids to maintain good oral hygiene.

Custom Fit

Each aligner is custom-made to fit your child's teeth perfectly, ensuring effective and precise treatment.

Invisalign First FAQs

Get an Invisalign Consultation

Young boy smiling with perfect teeth from Just Orthodontics

The Best Kids’ Orthodontic Care in Sheboygan and Manitowoc for Your Child's Smile

Just Orthodontics is committed to providing the best orthodontic care for kids in Manitowoc and Sheboygan. Our personalized approach and comprehensive range of services ensure that your child receives the highest quality treatment. If you’re looking for a kids’ orthodontist near you, and the best kids orthodontist for braces or Invisalign First, we are here to help.

Ready to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child?

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