Parents on Spokane’s north side rarely arrive certain that their child needs braces — usually a dentist mentioned crowding, or a permanent tooth came in sideways. That is exactly what a free evaluation is for. At our Spokane office, 510 E Hastings Rd, Suite B in Spokane, Dr. Josh Johnson will tell you what he sees and whether anything needs doing yet.
Start With An Age-7 Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. At that age a child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which lets us see crowding, spacing, and jaw development before problems compound.
Most 7-year-olds we see do not need braces. They need monitoring, and we will schedule periodic growth checks at no charge until the timing is right. A smaller group benefits from early growth guidance — see other treatments for how two-phase treatment works and who it suits. Being told to wait is a legitimate outcome, and we say it often.
What Braces Do For A Growing Smile
Braces for children do more than straighten front teeth. They create room for permanent teeth that would otherwise be blocked, correct crossbites that can wear enamel or shift the jaw, and align a bite so chewing forces spread evenly. Teeth that are easier to clean are also teeth less likely to develop decay during the years when brushing is inconsistent.
Both options in our braces lineup are available for children: durable metal brackets, which most kids choose because of the colored elastics, and tooth-colored clear brackets for children who want something subtler. Some older children with enough permanent teeth are candidates for clear aligners instead, though that depends on how reliably your child will wear them.
What Treatment Looks Like Day To Day
Expect short adjustment visits every several weeks — not weekly. We are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can usually place siblings in back-to-back slots. Our iTero scanner takes a comfortable digital scan instead of putty impressions, and DentalMonitoring lets your child scan at home with a phone so we can check progress without an extra trip in from North Spokane or Colbert. More on our technology page.
At home the rules are simple: brush after meals, floss daily, skip hard and sticky foods that break brackets, and wear elastics exactly as prescribed. Teeth feel tender for a few days after placement and briefly after adjustments; soft food and an over-the-counter pain reliever handle it.
Who Is Treating Your Child
Dr. Johnson has been practicing since 2006. He earned his DDS at the University of Washington, graduating at the top of his class, and a Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Michigan, and he is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and the Washington State Society of Orthodontists. You can meet our team and read our patient reviews before you book.
What Parents Ask Us Most
- Is my child too young? Rarely too young for an evaluation, often too young for braces. We will tell you which.
- Will early treatment mean braces twice? Sometimes. Growth guidance addresses space and jaw development; a later course of braces may still be needed. We say so at the start rather than years in.
- How long will braces take? Commonly 18 to 24 months, depending on the correction and on cooperation.
- What does it cost? Fees depend on the case. Payment plans and a payment calculator are available under patient resources, and we review insurance benefits with you.
- Do you take our insurance? Most dental plans with an orthodontic benefit, yes. Bring the details.
Coming In From Around Spokane
Our Spokane office draws families from across the north side, and we schedule with the drive in mind: short visits, several weeks apart, siblings grouped together, and remote check-ins by DentalMonitoring instead of extra trips. If you are further out, orthodontic treatment and patient resources answer most questions before your first visit, and you can read patient reviews from families in the area.
Get Your Free Smile Consult
Evaluations are free and carry no obligation. Call or text (509) 277-9773 or contact us to schedule at our Spokane office.