Orthodontics for Kids in Manhattan Beach
Because Every Great Smile Starts Early
Your child won't be young forever, but a well-guided smile will last them a lifetime. At Turley Orthodontics, we specialize in children's orthodontic care that starts at the right time, moves at the right pace, and is always delivered with the gentleness and expertise your family deserves.
As Manhattan Beach's only pediatric dentist and orthodontic family practice, we bring something no single-specialty office can: two generations of Turleys, working side by side, watching your child grow from their very first tooth all the way through a beautifully finished smile.
When it comes to kids, timing matters. And nobody understands that better than we do.
The Right Time to Start Is Sooner Than You Think
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives us a clear window into how their smile is developing and whether early intervention could make a meaningful difference.
Catching issues early doesn't mean starting braces at seven. Most children don't begin full treatment until their early teens. But early evaluation allows us to:
● Identify crowding, spacing, or bite problems before they become complex
● Guide proper jaw growth while the bones are still developing
● Reduce the likelihood of tooth extractions or surgery later on
● Shorten the duration, and sometimes the cost of Phase 2 treatment
● Create a clear roadmap so you're never left guessing what comes next
If your child is seven or older and hasn't had an orthodontic evaluation, now is a great time to schedule one. If we see nothing to address, we'll simply say so and check back in as they grow. There's no pressure, and no commitment required.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care
Parents aren't expected to know what to look for; that's our job. That said, here are some common signs that it may be time to bring your child in for an evaluation:
● Early or late loss of baby teeth
● Difficulty chewing or biting food
● Mouth breathing or snoring
● Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
● Jaws that shift, pop, or click
● Teeth that don't come together evenly when biting
● A visibly protruding upper or lower jaw
● Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use past age four
Even if none of the above apply, a routine evaluation is a smart step. Some of the most significant bite and development issues aren't visible; they only show up on a diagnostic X-ray.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment: A Smarter Path to a Beautiful Smile
Not every child needs two-phase treatment, but for those who do, it makes a world of difference. Here's how it works:
Phase 1: Early Intervention (Typically Ages 7–10)
Phase 1 focuses on the foundation. When jaw growth and tooth development are still in progress, we can use targeted appliances to guide things in the right direction.
This might include palate expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers, depending on what your child needs.
The goal of Phase 1 isn't to finish treatment. It's to create the ideal environment so that Phase 2 can be shorter, simpler, and more successful.
Phase 2: Full Treatment (Typically Ages 11–15)
Once your child's permanent teeth have come in, we move into Phase 2, the alignment stage. This is when braces or clear aligners take center stage, and we fine-tune the bite, spacing, and overall appearance of the smile. Followed by retainers to hold those results for good.
Because Turley Orthodontics also has a pediatric dentist in-house, we follow your child's dental development through every stage. That continuity of care means fewer surprises, better planning, and a team that truly knows your child.
Our Orthodontic Services for Kids
Every child's smile is different. That's why we offer a full range of orthodontic options, so the treatment fits the child, not the other way around.
Metal Braces for Kids
Metal braces remain one of the most effective tools in orthodontics, and today's versions are sleeker, smoother, and more comfortable than ever. Kids love customizing their look with colored bands, and parents love the consistent, reliable results. For complex cases and growing smiles, traditional braces are often the gold standard.
Metal Braces for Kids
Metal braces remain one of the most effective tools in orthodontics, and today's versions are sleeker, smoother, and more comfortable than ever. Kids love customizing their look with colored bands, and parents love the consistent, reliable results. For complex cases and growing smiles, traditional braces are often the gold standard.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces for Kids
For children who prefer a less visible option, ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally with the teeth. Just as effective as metal braces, with a subtler look that appeals to image-conscious tweens and teens. Ask us whether ceramic braces are a good fit for your child's case.
Palatal Expanders
A palate expander gently widens the upper jaw to create space for incoming permanent teeth and correct crossbites. It's one of the most powerful tools available during early treatment and one that can only be used while the jaw is still growing. If your child needs one, we'll explain why, how it works, and how to care for it at home.
Clear Aligners for Kids
Clear aligners aren't just for adults. For children who are responsible enough to wear them consistently, clear aligners offer a removable, nearly invisible alternative to braces. They're especially popular for kids who play wind instruments or contact sports. We'll let you know honestly whether your child is a good candidate, and if they are, we'll walk you through exactly what to expect.
Retainers
Once treatment is complete, a retainer is what protects your child's investment. We create custom retainers that fit comfortably and keep teeth exactly where they belong. We'll guide you on how often to wear them, how to clean them, and what to do if one gets lost or damaged.
Why Manhattan Beach Families Choose Turley Orthodontics for Their Kids
We know you have options. Here's what sets Turley apart and why families in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and across the South Bay keep coming back:
Two Generations. One Dental Home.
Our practice is led by two generations of the Turley family: Dr. Patrick Turley, who brings 40+ years of experience, including dual training in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry and a former faculty position at UCLA, and Dr. Connor Turley, his son, who brings a fresh, patient-centered approach to every case. Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof means your child's care is always coordinated, always connected, and never siloed between specialists who don't talk to each other.
Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialists
Not all orthodontists are the same. Our team holds board certification in orthodontics, meaning advanced training, rigorous testing, and an ongoing commitment to clinical excellence. When your child's smile is on the line, that distinction matters.
We Know Your Child
Because we follow children from their very first dental visit through completed orthodontic treatment, our team builds real relationships with the kids in our care. We know their names, their personalities, and their history. That familiarity makes appointments easier, more comfortable, and more productive, especially for kids who get nervous in the dental chair.
Complimentary Consultations
We never charge for a first visit. Your child's consultation is completely complimentary, no pressure, no commitment. You'll meet the team, have a thorough evaluation, and get a clear picture of what treatment might look like.
Flexible Scheduling and Transparent Pricing
We understand that family life is busy. We do our best to work around school schedules and after-school activities. We also believe in clear, upfront conversations about cost, so you're never surprised. Our team will walk you through insurance, financing options, and payment plans at your consultation.
Ready to Give Your Child a Head Start on a Beautiful Smile?
Every great smile has a starting point. Let's make sure your child is in good hands.
Book your child's complimentary consultation at Turley Orthodontics in Manhattan Beach. We'll evaluate their smile, answer your questions, and help you build a plan, one that works for your family now and sets your child up for a lifetime of confident smiling. Book an appointment or call us today at (310) 643-0125.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age seven. At this age, a mix of baby and permanent teeth gives us the clearest picture of how your child's smile is developing. Schedule an evaluation as soon as you're concerned.
-
Not necessarily, but baby teeth don't always tell the whole story. Bite problems, jaw discrepancies, and crowding issues often don't become visible until permanent teeth begin to erupt. An X-ray evaluation at age seven gives us a much more complete picture than a visual check alone. Many parents are surprised to learn about issues they couldn't see.
-
Treatment length depends on your child's specific case, the type and complexity of the correction needed, how quickly they grow and respond to treatment, and how consistently they follow their care instructions.
-
Yes, for the right candidates clear aligners require a level of discipline and consistency that not every child is ready for. They need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating and brushing.
-
There can be some mild soreness or pressure in the first few days after braces are placed, and after each adjustment visit. This is completely normal and usually resolves within 48 to 72 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods usually do the trick. We'll give you detailed guidance on managing any discomfort at home, and our team is always just a phone call away if you have questions.