Looking for a pediatric orthodontist in Allen, TX? At OPD Smiles, children and teens are treated by orthodontic specialists who work side by side with board-certified pediatric dentists in the same office. That means your child’s bite is watched from their very first dental checkups, early problems are caught at the right time, and treatment is planned around a growing smile. Care starts with a free orthodontic evaluation.
What does a pediatric orthodontist do?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed two to three additional years of specialty residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: how teeth move and how the jaws grow. “Pediatric orthodontist” and “kids orthodontist” are the terms parents use for an orthodontist who treats children and teens. For a growing child, that specialty training matters most in three areas:
- Timing: knowing when to treat now, when to wait and watch, and when to do nothing at all.
- Growth guidance: using a child’s natural growth to make room for incoming teeth and correct jaw problems while they are easier to fix.
- Comfort and communication: explaining treatment so a seven-year-old understands it and a twelve-year-old stays motivated.
Who treats kids’ orthodontics at OPD Smiles?
Our orthodontic team is led by Dr. Michael Choy, DDS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He completed his specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Afra Saleh completed her orthodontic specialty training at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. She is passionate about building children’s confidence through orthodontic care.
What makes our practice different is who works down the hall. Our pediatric dentists, Dr. Russell Choy (board-certified, and Dr. Michael’s brother) and Dr. Momal Umrani, both trained in interceptive orthodontics. Because your child’s dentist and orthodontist work in the same office, they can plan your child’s care together.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check no later than age 7. By then, the first permanent molars and front teeth are usually in, so an orthodontist can see how the bite and jaws are developing. At OPD Smiles, that early evaluation is free.
You don’t have to wait for age 7 if something looks off. Signs worth mentioning include:
- Crowded, overlapping or widely spaced teeth
- Baby teeth lost much earlier or later than usual
- Upper teeth that sit behind the lower teeth (crossbite), or front teeth that stick out
- Front teeth that don’t meet when your child bites down
- Thumb or finger sucking that continues past about age three
- Jaw shifting, clicking, or difficulty chewing
Our pediatric dentists also look at bite development during routine checkups and may recommend Phase 1 orthodontic treatment when a child could benefit.
Early treatment, observation or waiting: what are the options?
Not every child who comes in at age 7 needs treatment. Many simply need monitoring. After the evaluation, your child’s orthodontist will usually recommend one of three paths:
| Path | Who it is for | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Observation | Children whose bite is developing normally, or whose issue is best treated later | Periodic check-ins to watch growth and tooth eruption, with no appliances |
| Early intervention (Phase 1) | Children with a problem that is easier to correct during growth, such as jaw discrepancies or severe crowding | Functional appliances or Invisalign® First aligners to guide growth and make room for incoming teeth |
| Comprehensive treatment | Pre-teens and teens, once most permanent teeth have erupted (often around age 12) | Braces or clear aligners to align the teeth and finalize the bite |
Early intervention can make room for current and incoming teeth, correct jaw abnormalities and help save time and money on treatment in the teenage years. Your child’s orthodontist will only recommend it when the benefit is clear.
What orthodontic treatments are available for kids and teens?
- Metal braces: smaller, more comfortable and more efficient than the braces many parents remember, and versatile enough for complex cases. See braces in Allen.
- Clear (ceramic) braces: tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable when your teen smiles.
- Invisalign® clear aligners for teens: removable aligners with blue dot wear indicators to help teens hit the recommended 22 hours a day, plus extra aligners in case one is lost or damaged.
- Invisalign® First and functional appliances: for early intervention in younger children.
Not sure which fits your child? Our braces vs. aligners guide compares look, comfort, food rules, cleaning and typical timelines side by side. Our office also uses in-house 3D printing, so many aligners and retainers can be made on site with less waiting. Every treatment ends with a retainer to keep the new smile in place.
What happens at a free orthodontic evaluation?
- Your concerns first: we talk through what you and your child have noticed.
- Smile exam: we take photos and X-rays as needed to see the teeth, roots and jaw growth.
- A clear recommendation: observation, early treatment or comprehensive treatment, and why.
- Time for questions: including treatment options, timing and payment.
It is a no-obligation appointment, so you never have to feel pressured to start. More detail is on our first visit page.
How much does orthodontic treatment for kids cost in Allen?
Cost depends on the type of treatment, how complex the case is and your insurance. After a free consultation, most patients pay between $150 and $175 per month. OPD Smiles accepts most major dental insurance plans and offers zero-interest, extended-term financing. Our in-office membership plan also includes 10% off orthodontic treatment. See orthodontic costs for details.
Why have a pediatric dentist and orthodontist under one roof?
- No gaps between offices: the dentist who cleans your child’s teeth and the orthodontist who straightens them work in the same practice and can coordinate directly.
- Earlier, better-timed referrals: bite problems are flagged at routine checkups instead of waiting for a referral letter.
- Coordinated care: extractions, space maintainers and cleanings during braces are planned with the orthodontic goal in mind.
- Less driving for Allen and Lucas families: one office on South Angel Parkway for checkups and orthodontic visits.
Kids also earn stamps for things like great brushing and keeping their orthodontic observation appointments through our patient rewards program. Our pediatric dentistry team handles the checkups and cleanings that keep teeth healthy during treatment.
Pediatric orthodontics FAQs
Is 7 too young for braces?
Most 7-year-olds don’t need braces. The age-7 visit is about spotting problems early. If treatment is needed that young, it is usually a short phase with an appliance or Invisalign® First rather than full braces.
How long does treatment take for kids and teens?
Every case is different. Braces typically take 18 to 24 months and clear aligners 12 to 18 months, depending on the case and wear time. You’ll get a specific timeline at your free consultation.
Can my child play sports or an instrument with braces or aligners?
Yes. Clear aligners won’t get in the way of sports or musical instrument practice. With braces, a mouthguard is a smart idea for contact sports, and our office makes custom-made sports mouthguards.
What happens if a bracket breaks or a wire pokes?
Contact us and we will help. Our life with braces page explains what counts as an orthodontic emergency and how to care for braces day to day.
Do you treat adults too?
Yes. We treat patients from age 7 to 70, and parents are welcome to start treatment alongside their child. See our orthodontics page for all options, or view real before and after results.
Book a free orthodontic evaluation for your child in Allen, TX
Whether your child is turning 7 or you have noticed crowding, a crossbite or a stubborn habit, a free evaluation will tell you where things stand. Book online or call or text (972) 646-7774 to meet our orthodontists in Allen.