Kids orthodontics in West Covina

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Is orthodontic care really necessary for my child?

Early orthodontic care can make a big difference in a child’s smile and overall oral development. By addressing issues like crowding, misaligned bites, or jaw growth problems early, we can often reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. Even if your child still has baby teeth, Dr. Kim can evaluate how their smile is developing and recommend whether early intervention is right. Our approach is always personalized and gentle—we’ll never recommend treatment unless it truly benefits your child.

The benefits of orthodontic care for kids

Encourages healthy development

Orthodontics can guide jaw growth, reduce risk of impacted teeth, and ensure adult teeth come in properly. Early care can help your child avoid bigger problems down the road.

Boosts self-esteem

A straight, balanced smile helps kids feel more confident—at school, with friends, and in photos. Our goal is to help them feel proud of their smile every step of the way.

Makes oral hygiene easier

Correcting alignment improves how teeth fit together, making it easier to brush and floss effectively and avoid cavities or gum problems.

Which treatment is right for you?

Smiling woman holding a clear dental aligner near her open mouth.

Clear Aligners

A woman in a black and white striped shirt.

Damon Braces

Cost

Cost

$3,400 - $7,550
$2,950 - $6,550

Visibility

Slightly visible
Visible

Appliance Type

Removable
Bonded to teeth

Discomfort

More comfortable than braces
Some soreness

Speech

Mild lisp
Some speech changes

Best For

Mild to severe cases
Mild to severe cases

Food Restrictions

No limitations
Some limitations

Appointments Interval

10-14 weeks
6-10weeks

Our orthodontic treatments for kids

Invisalign®

These clear, removable aligners gently guide teeth into the right position while letting kids eat, brush, and play sports without hassle. They're comfortable, discreet, and great for kids who prefer a low-profile option over traditional braces.

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Braces

Braces remain one of the most effective and versatile ways to treat complex orthodontic issues. Our kid-friendly approach to metal or ceramic braces makes the process smooth and stress-free. Brackets and wires are used to gradually align teeth, with options that suit your child’s needs, personality, and lifestyle.

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Space maintainers

When a baby tooth is lost early, space maintainers can help preserve the space for permanent teeth to grow in properly. These small custom devices prevent crowding and reduce the need for more extensive treatment later on. They’re simple, comfortable, and often used in younger children during early intervention.

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Retainers

After active treatment, retainers keep your child’s smile stable as their face and jaw continue to grow. We make retainers comfortable and easy to wear—especially with our retainer guarantee program for peace of mind. Consistent retainer wear helps ensure that your child’s confident smile lasts for life.

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Airway-focused orthodontics

Some orthodontic issues stem from narrow jaws or blocked airways, which can lead to mouth breathing, restless sleep, or even behavioral concerns. Airway-focused orthodontics addresses these root issues by guiding jaw growth and improving breathing. Early treatment can support healthier sleep, better focus, and proper facial development.

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The orthodontic process for kids

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1

Complimentary consultation

Your child’s first visit includes photos, a digital scan, and a conversation with Dr. Kim. We’ll evaluate growth, spacing, bite alignment, and discuss if (or when) treatment is needed.

2

Personalized treatment planning

If treatment is recommended, we’ll walk you through all options, including braces or aligners, the timeline, and what to expect. We’ll also review payment options that work for your budget.

3

Treatment begins

Once you're ready, we’ll begin treatment with a kid-friendly, comfort-first approach. Our team ensures every visit is smooth, positive, and stress-free—for kids and parents.

4

Stay in Observation then Visit Us as a Teen

As your child’s smile takes shape, we’ll monitor progress with regular check-ins. After treatment, we’ll provide retainers and guidance to help maintain their new smile for life.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions from our clients.

We recommend a first orthodontic visit around age 7. This doesn’t always mean starting treatment, but it gives Dr. Kim a chance to monitor development and catch any early signs of concern.

Not necessarily! Some children may benefit from early intervention, while others can wait until more adult teeth come in. We’ll help you understand the best timing for your child.

Every smile is different, but most kids’ treatments last 12–24 months. We’ll keep you updated every step and make sure the process is clear, efficient, and tailored to your child’s needs.

Real smiles.
Real stories.

If you are an adult patient who is considering a ortho treatment that you've been thinking about for your entire life, I highly recommend Dr. Kim. I was initially nervous about the process but Dr.Kim was very attentive and took time to come up with the plan that will address my concerns so I decided to start the treatment. My two main concerns were crowded lower anterior teeth and narrow upper jaw. Before starting the treatment, Dr. Kim clearly explained the treatment plan and timeline, which helped alleviate my concerns. Since I didn't want to wear the palate expander, Dr. Kim came up with alternative solution that can be done with Invisalign. Even as a first time ortho patient, I felt treatment plan was well thought out and precisely moving my teeth without causing excessive pain. I'm currently done with my initial treatment and waiting for refinements sets but I'm already very happy with the results so far. One Smile Orthodontics truly lives up to its name.

Yubin S.

I don't normally leave reviews, but after visiting Dr. Namgu Kim I feel compelled to share it.

I went for a consultation about possibly getting braces or Invisalign, and as someone who always had a lot of anxiety around dental visits, I was honestly nervous walking in. But the moment I met Dr. Kim, I felt at ease. He has a reassuring presence and a genuine way of listening that makes you feel cared for as a patient -- not rushed, not pressured, just understood.

Dr. Kim took the time to thoroughly examine my teeth, explain what he was seeing, and walk me through my options in a way that was clear and easy to understand. He pointed out details that other dentists had overlooked and laid out a step-by-step plan that made me feel confident about what comes next. He focused on what would genuinely serve my needs and comfort level. As someone with dental anxiety, that meant a lot. For the first time, I felt like I was in the hands of a specialist who really prioritized my well-being.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment -- Invisalign, braces, or even just a professional opinion -- I cannot recommend Dr. Namgu Kim highly enough. His expertise is exceptional, his communication is clear, and his compassion is unmatched. I walked out feeling informed, supported, and surprisingly excited about the next steps. Thank you!

Nick L.