Affordable Children’s Orthodontics at 8 Locations Across the Wasatch Front
Getting braces is one of the most important investments you can make in your child’s health and confidence. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we specialize in orthodontics for kids — providing expert evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and affordable payment options that make braces accessible to every Utah family.
We recommend bringing your child in for a free orthodontic evaluation by age 7, following the guidelines of the American Association of Orthodontists. Early evaluations help us identify issues before they become bigger problems — and many kids don’t need treatment right away. When they do, we’re here with the right plan at the right time.
Schedule your child’s free evaluation: Book online or call (801) 999-4431.
Why Does My Child Need Braces?
Children may need braces for a variety of reasons, and many orthodontic issues are easier to correct while your child is still growing. Common reasons kids need braces include:
Crowded or overlapping teeth. When there isn’t enough room in the jaw for all permanent teeth to come in properly, teeth can overlap, twist, or get blocked from erupting. Crowding also makes brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities.
Gaps and spacing. Extra space between teeth can result from missing teeth, small teeth, or jaw growth patterns. While some gaps close on their own, others require orthodontic correction.
Bite problems. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites affect how your child’s teeth come together. Left untreated, bite issues can cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing.
Early or late tooth loss. If baby teeth fall out too early or too late, it can disrupt the spacing and alignment of permanent teeth. Orthodontic intervention can guide permanent teeth into the right positions.
Jaw growth concerns. If the upper and lower jaws are growing at different rates, early orthodontic treatment can help redirect growth while your child’s bones are still developing.
Many of these issues are hard for parents to spot on their own, which is why a professional evaluation by age 7 is so valuable — even if everything looks fine.
When Should Kids Get Braces?
The right timing depends on your child’s specific situation. There are two main phases of orthodontic treatment for children:
Phase I (Early Treatment) — Ages 7 to 11
Phase I orthodontics is designed for younger children who still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Not every child needs Phase I — but for those who do, early intervention can make a significant difference.
Phase I treatment may include palatal expanders to widen a narrow jaw, space maintainers to hold space for permanent teeth, limited braces on a few teeth to correct specific problems, or functional appliances to guide jaw growth.
The goal of Phase I is to address developing problems early — reducing the complexity, duration, and cost of full braces later.
Phase II (Comprehensive Treatment) — Ages 11 to 16
Phase II is what most people think of as “getting braces.” Once all or most permanent teeth have erupted, your child receives full braces — either traditional metal brackets, clear ceramic brackets, or in some cases Invisalign for teens.
Phase II treatment corrects the final alignment of all teeth, closes remaining gaps, and ensures the bite comes together properly. Treatment typically takes 12 to 24 months, followed by a retainer to maintain results.
Not sure which phase your child needs? That’s exactly what the free evaluation determines. Schedule one here.
Hear It from Our Patients
Our customers love our service! Here are some of their glowing reviews:
“This clinic is AWESOME! Everyone is so friendly and the doctor is great! I’m happy with my teeth and you really can’t beat the price! Great services and low pricing! I would recommend everyone to come here! Also they are always doing patient appreciation events that are so fun! Bring your kids, your spouse, your friends, your neighbors, BRING EVERYONE!”
“Great orthodontics! I got my braces at UOC and they’ve been so amazing! First appointment is free, they’ll evaluate your teeth and talk to you about braces option options and prices/ plans.My dental insurance did not cover braces for adults ( I chose not to when I made my plan ) and even if I switched my plan I don’t think it would be a nice affordable plan like UOC offered me with monthly payments … I’m happy with them! They were always nice, friendly and flexible with schedules! Recommend it 100%!”
“I love this office. The doctor is fun with the kids, very friendly and approachable. The staff is typically very easy to work with and any time we have any question or concern they have been quick to make it right with us. We had a billing hiccup and Lauren was incredibly understanding and made the process to fix it easy. As a lower income family with multiple kids needing orthodontic work, this has been a huge weight off my shoulders. I cannot recommend them enough.”
“This clinic is AWESOME! Everyone is so friendly and the doctor is great! I’m happy with my teeth and you really can’t beat the price! Great services and low pricing! I would recommend everyone to come here! Also they are always doing patient appreciation events that are so fun! Bring your kids, your spouse, your friends, your neighbors, BRING EVERYONE!”
“Great orthodontics! I got my braces at UOC and they’ve been so amazing! First appointment is free, they’ll evaluate your teeth and talk to you about braces option options and prices/ plans. My dental insurance did not cover braces for adults ( I chose not to when I made my plan ) and even if I switched my plan I don’t think it would be a nice affordable plan like UOC offered me with monthly payments … I’m happy with them! They were always nice, friendly and flexible with schedules! Recommend it 100%!”
“I love this office. The doctor is fun with the kids, very friendly and approachable. The staff is typically very easy to work with and any time we have any question or concern they have been quick to make it right with us. We had a billing hiccup and Lauren was incredibly understanding and made the process to fix it easy. As a lower income family with multiple kids needing orthodontic work, this has been a huge weight off my shoulders. I cannot recommend them enough.”
Types of Braces for Kids
Utah Orthodontic Care offers several options depending on your child’s age, orthodontic needs, and preferences:
Traditional Metal Braces. The most common and effective option for children. Today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than older designs. Kids can personalize them with colored bands at each visit. Metal braces work well for all levels of complexity.
Clear Ceramic Braces. Ceramic brackets blend with the natural color of teeth, making them less noticeable than metal. These are a good option for older kids and preteens who want a more subtle appearance while still getting the benefits of fixed braces.
Invisalign for Teens. Clear, removable aligner trays that are nearly invisible. Best suited for older kids and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues who can commit to wearing the trays 20–22 hours per day.
Limited (Partial) Braces. Used during Phase I treatment, partial braces are placed on only a few teeth to address specific early-stage concerns like crossbites or crowding.
For a full comparison of bracket types, visit our types of braces page.
How Much Do Kids’ Braces Cost in Utah?
The cost of braces for kids depends on the type of treatment and the complexity of the case. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we’re committed to making orthodontic care affordable for families — especially those managing treatment for multiple children.
How We Keep Braces Affordable
- Free initial evaluations — Find out what your child needs with zero financial commitment
- In-house financing with low monthly payments
- No credit check required for payment plans
- Medicaid accepted at all 8 locations
- Most dental insurance accepted — we’ll help you maximize your benefits
- Family pricing — ask about discounts when multiple children need treatment
We’ll walk you through all costs and payment options during your child’s free consultation so there are no surprises. Visit our affordable financing page for more details.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
Many parents are nervous about bringing their child to the orthodontist for the first time. Here’s what happens — and what doesn’t:
What we do:
- Complete oral examination by a licensed orthodontist
- Digital X-rays and/or 3D scan of your child’s teeth and jaw
- Assessment of tooth alignment, bite, jaw growth, and developing issues
- Clear explanation of findings — in plain language, not clinical jargon
- If treatment is needed: a personalized plan with timeline and cost
What we don’t do:
- No pressure to start treatment at the first visit
- No charge for the consultation
- No commitment required
Many children evaluated at age 7 are told to come back in 6–12 months for monitoring. That follow-up visit is also free. We only recommend treatment when it’s genuinely needed.
Learn more about what to expect at your first visit.
Kids’ Orthodontist Locations in Utah
Utah Orthodontic Care provides children’s orthodontics at all 8 of our offices across northern and central Utah. Every location is designed to be welcoming and comfortable for kids and families:
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Kids
Give Your Child the Gift of a Confident Smile
Early orthodontic care sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and genuine confidence. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we’ve helped thousands of Utah families give their kids the smiles they deserve — with expert care, honest guidance, and pricing that works.
Every consultation is free. There’s no cost to find out what your child needs and no obligation to start treatment.
Call (801) 999-4431 or book your child’s free consultation online to get started today.
