Kids' orthodontics in El Puerto de Santa María, near Rota
The first orthodontic check-up is recommended at age 6 or 7. Catching a growth problem early avoids much longer treatment later on. Free first visit.
You'll be seen by Dr. Susana Ramos, orthodontist · registered no. 28011013
When should a child first see an orthodontist?
The leading orthodontic associations recommend a first check-up at around age 6 or 7. By then the first molars and the permanent incisors have come through, which lets us see how the bite is coming together and how the jaws are growing.
That doesn't mean a child needs an appliance at that age. In most cases the conclusion is that everything is fine and a check-up every so often is enough. But when something does need attention, catching it early makes a huge difference.
The reason is simple: while a child is still growing, we can guide how the bones develop. A crossbite or a lack of space that at age 8 is solved with a simple appliance in a few months may, at 16, call for extractions, full orthodontic treatment or even surgery.
Smilestudio is a clinic in El Puerto de Santa María focused on orthodontics, a short drive from Naval Station Rota, and we see families from across the Bay of Cádiz.
Warning signs parents can spot
If you notice any of these in your child, it's worth a check-up even if they haven't yet reached the usual age for conventional orthodontics.
- Breathes through the mouth habitually, especially while sleeping.
- Snores or sleeps with the mouth open.
- Sucks a thumb or still uses a pacifier past age three or four.
- Struggles to bite or tear food with the front teeth.
- The upper teeth bite inside the lower ones.
- Teeth come through very crowded or overlapping one another.
- Lost a baby tooth very early to decay or a knock.
- The jaw shifts to one side when closing the mouth.
- Pushes the tongue against the teeth when swallowing or speaking.
- Grinds their teeth at night on a regular basis.
None of these signs is cause for alarm
They're simply reasons for someone to take a look. Many resolve on their own or with minimal intervention. The check-up is free and comes with no obligation, so if in doubt, it's better to check.
The two phases of kids' orthodontics
Phase 1: interceptive orthodontics (ages 6–10)
It's done while the child is still growing and baby teeth and permanent teeth coexist. The aim isn't to straighten the teeth but to correct the underlying problem: create space, widen the palate, correct a crossbite or stop a habit.
It usually lasts between six and twelve months. Many children need nothing more afterwards, and those who do reach the second phase with a much simpler case.
Phase 2: corrective orthodontics (from age 11–12)
It starts once all the permanent teeth have come through. This is where we aim for final alignment and a bite that fits together properly, with braces or clear aligners.
In teenagers, aligners work very well as long as the teen is consistent about wearing them. We assess it case by case and talk it through with you and with them.
Appliances we use with children
Palatal expander
Widens the palate while the bone hasn't yet fused. Used mainly for crossbites and when there's a lack of space.
Space maintainer
When a baby tooth is lost too early, it holds the gap so the permanent tooth can come through in the right place.
Removable appliances
The child puts them in and takes them out. Used for specific movements and to correct habits such as tongue thrust.
Functional appliances
Help reposition the jaw by making use of growth, in cases of a receding lower jaw or a very deep bite.
Braces
In the second phase, once the permanent teeth are in. Metal with colored ligatures, or ceramic, whichever they prefer.
Clear aligners
An increasingly popular choice among teenagers. They require consistency, but they're far more discreet and comfortable.
What the first visit is like
Dr. Ramos explains it on video
Two short videos recorded at the clinic (in Spanish): how to help your child lose their fear of the dentist, and what the first visit is like. Tap and they play right here.
Price and financing
The price depends on the type of appliance and the expected length of treatment. We give you the exact figure at the first visit, and that figure doesn't change.
- Free first check-up and full study
- Fixed, all-inclusive quote from day one
- Financing: we'll walk you through the options
- All check-ups included
- All the cleanings the treatment requires
Frequently asked questions
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
Isn't it better to wait until all the teeth have come through?
Does it hurt?
How long does treatment take?
What if my child won't cooperate with a removable appliance?
Does dental insurance cover kids' orthodontics?
Will any teeth need to be removed?
Can I stay with my child during the appointment?
What types of appliances are used in kids' orthodontics?
Depending on age and the problem being treated, we use removable functional appliances (to guide bone growth), palatal expanders (to widen the palate), and fixed braces once the permanent teeth have come through. At Smilestudio we assess every case individually.
How do I know if my child needs orthodontics?
Some signs your child might need orthodontics: crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, early loss of baby teeth, or upper teeth that don't meet the lower ones properly. Book your free first visit at Smilestudio for a full assessment.
What families say
Real reviews published on Google by our patients, reproduced as written (some in Spanish).
«Trato superagradable, saben cómo tratar a los niños y adolescentes. Disponibilidad para cualquier duda. Citas puntuales. No hay ningún pero.»
«Clínica de total confianza con personal super cualificado y trato personal inmejorable. Recomiendo tanto para adultos como para niños. Mil gracias por atendernos siempre tan genial!»
«¡Excelente servicio de ortodoncia! Las instalaciones son modernas y extremadamente limpias. El trato súper profesional y las explicaciones muy claras…»
«Estoy encantada con mi ortodoncia, me hablaron tan bien de ellas que no dudé en hacer mi tratamiento con ellas. Susana y Coral son un encanto, trato inmejorable. Es una alegría ir cada mes y que te atiendan así de bien…»
★★★★★
5.0 average over 117 reviews on Google · See all reviews
Kids' orthodontics in the Bay of Cádiz
We're at Calle de las Magnolias 37, Vistahermosa, El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz), a short drive from Naval Station Rota. We see families from across the province of Cádiz.
Other treatments at Smilestudio
Clear aligners
Clear, removable aligners. Straighten your smile without anyone noticing.
See treatment →Dental veneers
Porcelain and composite to transform the look of your smile.
Teeth whitening
Brighten the shade of your teeth under dental supervision, in the clinic or at home.
See treatment →Book your child's first check-up
Examination, X-rays and 3D scan, free and with no obligation.