Back-to-School Orthodontics: What Atlanta Parents Should Know Before Fall

Fall is closer than you think. And if your child has been on your mental to-do list for an orthodontic check-up, now is genuinely one of the best times to get it done.

Summer schedules are looser, kids have more flexibility, and starting treatment before school begins means any initial adjustment period — the first week or two of getting used to braces or aligners — happens before homework and activities pile back on. It's just smart timing.

Here's what parents in the Atlanta area should know heading into the back-to-school season.

When Should Kids Actually See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening around age 7. That might sound early, but it's not necessarily about starting treatment — it's about knowing what's coming.

At that age, Dr. Behnaz Yavari can spot developing issues like crowding, bite problems, or jaw concerns while the jaw is still growing. Catching these things early sometimes means simpler, shorter treatment later. Other times, everything looks great and you just get peace of mind. Either way, you're not walking in blind.

For most kids, active orthodontic treatment starts between ages 9 and 14 — typically once enough permanent teeth have come in. But every child is different, and that's exactly what a kids braces consultation is designed to figure out.

What Happens at a First Orthodontist Visit?

A lot of parents aren't sure what to expect, so let's break it down simply.

The first orthodontist visit at Artemis Smiles is a consultation — not a treatment appointment. There's no drilling, no impressions with that goopy tray from the old days. We use an iTero digital scanner to get a detailed, accurate picture of your child's teeth and bite. It's fast, comfortable, and the images are actually kind of cool to look at together.

During that first visit, Dr. Bennie will walk through what she sees, explain any concerns, and outline options if treatment makes sense. You'll leave with a clear picture — not just vague suggestions to "think about it."

The whole thing usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. And the first consult? It's free.

Braces vs. Aligners: What Works for Kids and Teens?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents. The honest answer: it depends on the case, the age, and — yes — the kid's personality and habits.

Factor	Braces	Invisalign / Aligners
Best for	Complex cases, younger kids, patients who may not comply with removable trays	Motivated teens, mild to moderate cases, active kids who prefer flexibility
Removable?	No — fixed to teeth throughout treatment	Yes — worn 20-22 hours/day, removed to eat and brush
Treatment length	Typically 18–24 months	Typically 12–18 months depending on compliance
Visit frequency	Every 6–8 weeks, 20–30 minutes per visit	Every 6–10 weeks depending on stage
Cost range	$3,000–$6,000	$4,000–$7,000

For teens especially, Invisalign can be a great fit — there's even a teen-specific version that includes compliance indicators and replacement trays. But if your child is younger or has a more complex bite issue, teen braces often give more predictable results.

We also offer LightForce custom 3D-printed braces — a newer option that's fully personalized to each tooth. It's one of the things that makes our practice a little different from the traditional chain orthodontic offices you might see around Atlanta.

How to Fit Orthodontic Appointments Into a School-Year Schedule

One of the biggest worries parents have is missed school time. It's a fair concern.

Here's some reassurance: routine adjustment appointments only take about 20 to 30 minutes. Most families schedule them first thing in the morning or right after school. Once you're in a rhythm with every-6-to-8-week visits, it rarely disrupts the school week in any meaningful way.

The bigger appointments — like the initial bonding visit when braces first go on — take a bit longer, around 60 to 90 minutes. Those you'd want to plan in advance, ideally on a day with flexibility. That's another reason summer is such a good window to get started.

What About Cost and Insurance?

Orthodontic treatment for kids and teens ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, and the length. We always go over exact pricing during the consultation — no surprises.

Artemis Smiles is in-network with several major insurance providers including Delta Dental, MetLife, BCBS, and Aetna. A lot of pediatric orthodontic coverage includes a lifetime benefit for orthodontic treatment, which can cover a significant chunk of the cost. We'll help you figure out exactly what your plan covers.

We also offer flexible payment plans for families who want to spread out the cost. It's something we work through with every family individually.

Don't Skip the Retention Conversation

This one surprises a lot of parents. Treatment doesn't end when the braces come off.

After active treatment wraps up, your child will need to wear retainers to keep everything in place. Teeth move — especially in teens whose jaws are still developing. A retainer is what protects all that hard work.

We'll walk through retainer options at the appropriate stage of treatment. It's part of the process, not an afterthought.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child's dentist hasn't mentioned orthodontics. Should I still go?

Yes. General dentists are great at catching a lot of things, but orthodontic screenings are a specialist's job. An orthodontist evaluates bite development and jaw growth in ways that go beyond a standard dental check-up. You don't need a referral to schedule a consultation with us.

Will braces hurt my child?

There's usually some soreness for a few days after braces are placed and after each adjustment. It's not intense — more like pressure and mild tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods for a couple days usually handle it. Most kids adapt quickly.

How long will treatment take?

It varies by case. Most kids and teens are in active treatment for 12 to 24 months. Simpler cases can wrap up faster. Dr. Bennie will give you a realistic estimate after reviewing your child's records — not a generic number.

Is the first consultation really free?

Yes, completely. No obligation. You come in, we take a look, and we talk through what we see. If treatment makes sense, we explain the options and costs. If it doesn't, we tell you that too.

Do you see patients from all over Atlanta?

We do. Our practice is based in Sandy Springs and we regularly see families from Buckhead, Dunwoody, Roswell, Marietta, and across the greater Atlanta metro area. You can find us here if you want to check the location before your first visit.

Ready to Get Ahead of the School Year?

Summer flies by. If orthodontics has been sitting on your list, the window to get started before fall — and let your child settle in before the school rush — is right now.

Dr. Behnaz Yavari and the Artemis Smiles team work with Atlanta-area families every day and understand that school schedules, sports, and busy family life don't pause for orthodontics. Appointments are built around your schedule, and the first visit is completely free with zero pressure to commit. Contact us to get your child's consultation on the calendar before the back-to-school season hits.