Orthodontics for Kids in Manhattan
Every growing smile deserves a personalized approach that supports healthy development, not just straighter teeth.
Dr. Lin is a Board-Certified pediatric orthodontist and children’s orthodontist serving families throughout Union Square, Manhattan and New York City.
Your Pediatric Orthodontist in Manhattan
As a Board-Certified pediatric orthodontist, Dr. Lin believes in the right treatment at the right time.
He carefully evaluates your child’s growth and development before recommending treatment, ensuring every decision is personalized to their needs.
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 lifetime of confident smiles.
When should my child see a pediatric orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Most children won’t need braces or Invisalign First® at age 7, and that’s completely normal.
This first visit simply allows Dr. Lin to monitor your child’s growth, identify developing concerns early, and recommend treatment only if and when it’s truly needed.
For many families, the greatest benefit of an early orthodontic evaluation is simply the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child’s smile is developing as it should.
Our goal is to give parents that peace of mind through clear guidance and personalized recommendations every step of the way.
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, but for those who do, timely care can make a lasting difference.
Early orthodontic treatment isn’t simply about straightening teeth. It’s about guiding healthy jaw and facial development, creating space for permanent teeth, improving bite function, and supporting long-term oral health while your child is still growing.
By addressing concerns such as crossbites, underbites, severe crowding, or other developmental issues early, Dr. Lin can often help reduce the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later in life.
Every recommendation is made with your child’s unique growth and development in mind.
Even if treatment isn’t needed today, an early orthodontic evaluation gives you the confidence of knowing your child’s smile is developing as it should.
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.
Frequently asked questions about pediatric orthodontics
What does a pediatric orthodontist do?
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?
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 orthodontic appointment take?
How long will my child's first orthodontic 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 if they see a children's orthodontist at age 7?
Will my child need braces if they see a children's orthodontist at age 7?
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?
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?
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?
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.