Orthodontics for Kids in Manhattan
Every growing smile deserves personalized care designed to support healthy development and lasting results.
Your pediatric orthodontist in Manhattan
As a Board Certified orthodontist, Dr. Lin provides personalized orthodontic care for children throughout Manhattan and NYC, with a focus on the right treatment at the right time.
He carefully evaluates your child’s growth and development before recommending treatment.
Many children simply benefit from observation through our Kids Club until the timing is right.
When early treatment is recommended, it’s because it can support healthy development and set the stage for a confident, healthy smile.
When should my child see a pediatric orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Many children won’t need braces or Invisalign First® at that age.
An early evaluation allows Dr. Lin to identify developing concerns and determine whether your child would benefit from treatment or simply continued observation.
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
No. Early orthodontic treatment is only recommended when addressing a developing concern could benefit your child’s growth, bite or oral health.
Treatment may help guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, or address concerns such as crossbites, underbites and severe crowding while your child is still growing.
Dr. Lin recommends early treatment based on each child’s individual needs and development.
Signs your child may need orthodontic treatment
if you notice any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation:
- Persistent mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking or tongue-thrusting habits beyond early childhood
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Crooked, crowded, or widely spaced teeth
- Crossbite, underbite, overbite, or other bite concerns
- Difficulty chewing or biting comfortably
- Jaw pain, clicking, shifting, or popping
- Teeth that don’t fit together properly when biting
- Concerns about your child’s smile or confidence
Not sure if your child needs treatment? That’s exactly what an orthodontic evaluation is for.
Two-phase early orthodontic treatment
Early orthodontic treatment is best separated into two phases, designed to work alongside the natural development of the teeth and jaw bones.
What is Phase 1
treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 7 and 10 and is aimed to prepare the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge in a healthy alignment with a sufficient amount of space.
During this phase, Dr. Lin may recommend a Regenerative Palatal Expander (RPE) or another orthopedic appliance to gently guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, and support healthy facial growth.
What is Phase 2
treatment?
This phase generally begins in the early teen years, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 treatment focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to create a harmonious facial appearance.
During this phase, treatment may include Invisalign First® (for younger patients who still qualify), or braces, depending on your child’s needs.
Every child develops at a different rate, and your child’s treatment plan will be 100% personalized to his or her needs.
FAQs about children's orthodontics
What does a pediatric orthodontist do?
A pediatric orthodontist specializes in evaluating how a child’s teeth, jaws, and bite develop over time.
As a Board-Certified pediatric orthodontist in Union Square, Dr. Lin focuses on guiding healthy growth and recommending treatment only when it can provide long-term benefits.
Not every child needs treatment right away. Many children simply benefit from observation through our Kids Club until the appropriate time.
What's the difference between a children's orthodontist and a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist focuses on your child’s overall dental health, including cleanings, fillings, and preventive care. A children’s orthodontist specializes in how the teeth, jaws, and bite develop over time.
Dr. Lin works closely with your child’s dentist when needed to ensure their smile develops as healthily and comfortably as possible.
How long will my child's first orthodontist appointment take?
Your child’s first visit typically takes about an hour.
During this time, Dr. Lin will evaluate their smile, bite, jaw growth, and overall development, discuss any digital imaging that may be needed, and answer your questions.
You’ll leave with a personalized recommendation and a clear understanding of whether treatment, observation, or no treatment is the right next step.
Will my child need braces?
Not necessarily. While many children won’t need treatment at age 7, others can benefit from early orthodontic treatment during important stages of growth and development.
Depending on your child’s needs, Dr. Lin may recommend a Regenerative Palatal Expander (RPE) or another orthopedic appliance to help guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, and support healthy facial growth.
If treatment isn’t needed yet, we’ll simply continue monitoring your child’s smile until the timing is right.
Can Invisalign® be used for children?
Yes. Depending on your child’s age and orthodontic needs, Invisalign First® may be an excellent option for guiding the development of growing smiles.
Dr. Lin is recognized for his expertise with the Invisalign System and even mentors other orthodontists in advanced Invisalign treatment planning.
During your consultation, he’ll determine whether Invisalign, braces, or another treatment is the best fit for your child.
Is early orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for children.
At Fellow Orthodontist, we work with all major insurances. Our team will review your insurance coverage, explain your benefits, and help you maximize any available coverage before treatment begins.
How do I choose the right pediatric orthodontist in Manhattan?
Choosing a pediatric orthodontist is about more than finding someone close to home.
Look for a Board-Certified orthodontist who has experience treating growing smiles, takes a personalized approach to early treatment, and offers advanced technology to make care more comfortable and convenient.
Families throughout Union Square, Manhattan, and New York City choose Dr. Lin for his thoughtful philosophy of providing the right treatment at the right time, along with his expertise in early orthodontic treatment, Invisalign®, and facial growth and development.
Give your child the best start in life.
Schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation at our Union Square office today.