Your child deserves a healthy, confident smile, and Wedding Thompson Orthodontics is here to make it happen. As Owensboro's trusted pediatric-friendly provider of kids braces, Dr. Justin Wedding and Dr. Sam Thompson bring more than 30 years of experience as a practice to every young patient who walks through our doors. Say hello to your new smile.

What Are Kids Braces?

Kids braces are orthodontic appliances that gently guide developing teeth and jaws into proper position while a child is still growing. Options include metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign. These appliances correct crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites and jaw alignment concerns.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7. That's when Dr. Wedding and Dr. Thompson can spot developing issues early, long before they grow into bigger concerns. At Wedding Thompson Orthodontics, that first visit is always a free consultation. No pressure. No surprises. Just honest answers about your child's smile.

Benefits of Braces for Children

Kids braces do much more than straighten teeth. They set your child up for a lifetime of better oral health, smoother function and stronger self-confidence.

Here's what your child gains:

  • Easier brushing and flossing. Straight teeth are simpler to clean, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums.
  • Better bite function. Correcting overbites, underbites and crossbites improves chewing, speech and jaw comfort.
  • Guided adult tooth development. While the jaw is still growing, we can steer permanent teeth into their ideal spots.
  • A confidence boost. School years are formative, and a smile your child loves makes a real difference socially.
  • Less treatment later. Catching issues early can mean fewer extractions and shorter treatment down the road.
  • Long-term protection. Proper alignment can help reduce uneven tooth wear and jaw strain as your child grows into adulthood.

Kids who start treatment at the right age often finish with results that last a lifetime.

The Kids Braces Process at Wedding Thompson Orthodontics

Getting your child started with braces at Wedding Thompson Orthodontics is simple, comfortable and even a little fun. Here's what to expect from start to finish.

  1. Free consultation and digital exam. Dr. Wedding or Dr. Thompson will meet your child, look at their smile and answer every question you have. No commitment required.
  2. Digital scans and custom treatment plan. Using our digital scanner, we capture a detailed 3D image of your child's teeth. These are not your father's braces. No goopy molds required. From there, we build a custom plan just for your child.
  3. Braces placement. This is the longest visit of treatment. Your child stays comfortable the whole time while our dream team bonds each bracket in place.
  4. Regular check-ups. Every few weeks, your child comes in so we can track progress, make small tweaks and swap out fun colored bands if they're wearing metal braces.
  5. Braces removal and retainer fitting. Once the smile is where it should be, we remove the brackets and fit a custom retainer to keep everything in place.

Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Treatment

Some kids benefit from a two-phase approach:

  • Phase 1 (ages 7-10): Early treatment that addresses jaw growth, bite issues and space for incoming adult teeth. This can include a palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw.
  • Phase 2 (ages 11+): Full braces or Invisalign treatment once most permanent teeth have come in.

Not every child needs Phase 1. During your free consultation, Dr. Wedding and Dr. Thompson will let you know exactly what your child needs, and what they don't.

Is My Child a Candidate for Braces?

Wondering if it's time to schedule that first check-up? Here are some signs to watch for:

  • Crowded, crooked or overlapping teeth
  • Trouble chewing or biting food properly
  • Mouth breathing or snoring
  • Baby teeth lost too early or too late
  • Thumb-sucking past age 5
  • Jaws that shift, click or protrude noticeably
  • Teeth that don't meet properly when biting down

Most kids begin active treatment between ages 9 and 14, but evaluations should start at age 7. You don't need a referral from your dentist to schedule with us. Just book a free consultation and we'll take it from there.

Why Families Choose Wedding Thompson Orthodontics

Families trust Wedding Thompson Orthodontics because we deliver the celebrity experience every visit. Here's what sets us apart:

  • More than 30 years of experience as a practice. Our roots run deep in the Owensboro community, growing right alongside the families we serve.
  • Dr. Wedding and Dr. Thompson. Two skilled orthodontists working together to give your child the rockstar treatment they deserve.
  • Modern technology. Digital scanning makes getting started quick and comfortable for kids.
  • Kid-friendly environment. Our beautiful new office is designed to feel welcoming, with a game room and a hype team that makes kids actually look forward to their check-ups.
  • Five-star reviews from local families. Parents have shared their experiences, and many highlight how our dream team welcomes children of all ages and needs with warmth and patience.

We've never met a stranger, and when your child becomes part of our practice, you're getting friends for life.

Kids Braces FAQ

What braces options are available for kids?

Wedding Thompson Orthodontics offers metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign. Dr. Wedding or Dr. Thompson will recommend the best fit based on your child's age, bite and how many adult teeth have come in.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7. That's why we created our SUPER 7 program at Wedding Thompson Orthodontics. Most kids won't need treatment yet, but this early visit lets Dr. Wedding and Dr. Thompson catch developing issues early.

Will my child need two phases of treatment?

Not always. Some kids benefit from early Phase 1 treatment around ages 7 to 10, followed by full braces or Invisalign later. Many kids only need one phase. Your consultation will tell you exactly what your child needs.

How long will my child need to wear braces?

Most kids wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though some cases finish faster and others take a bit longer. Treatment time depends on your child's specific needs, how well they follow instructions and whether they need one or two phases of treatment. We'll give you a clear timeline at the start.

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No. You don't need a referral from your dentist to schedule with us. Just book a free consultation and we'll take it from there.

Schedule Your Child's Free Consultation

Ready to give your child the smile they deserve? Book a free, no-obligation consultation at Wedding Thompson Orthodontics today. During your visit, Dr. Wedding or Dr. Thompson will meet with you and your child, review any concerns and outline the best path forward. You'll leave with clear answers and zero pressure. Call our Owensboro office at 270-683-0275 or use our online form to get started. We're located at 3823 Fairview Drive, Owensboro, KY.

At Wedding Thompson Orthodontics, our only job is to make you smile.