--- title: "Appliance Therapy & Braces for Children and Adolescents" description: "Early orthodontics for growing smiles in Austin: crossbites, crowding, jaw and palate development, growth-guidance appliances, and clear aligners at Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry and Braces." canonical_url: "https://greenappleatx.com/braces/" markdown_url: "https://greenappleatx.com/braces.md" site_name: "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry" lang: "en-US" type: "WebPage" date_published: "2020-12-15T01:29:44+00:00" date_modified: "2026-08-13T16:51:22+00:00" image: "https://greenappleatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/green-apple-pediatric-dentistry-hero-austin.jpg" generator: "md4wp/3.0.7" builder_detected: "generic" content_source: "page" --- # Appliance Therapy & Braces for Children and Adolescents UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM ## What Causes Malocclusions? The proper development of the jaws and palate is often hindered by malocclusions, sleep-disordered breathing, and oral habits. It is necessary to identify such problems at an early age to diminish the degree of damage caused. Some of these problems are evident as early as 3 years old, when all baby teeth have erupted. ### Malocclusion Factors - Crossbites - Deep bites - Open bites - Crowding - Tongue tie - Lip tie - High narrow palate - Genetic expression ### Sleep Breathing Disorders - Mouth breathing - Snoring - Grinding of teeth - Chronic respiratory allergies - Chronic nasal congestion - Sleep apnea - Obstructive inflamed tonsils - Adenoids - Atypical nasal anatomy - Buteyko breathing therapy — coming soon ### Oral Habits - Thumbsucking - Tongue thrusting - Non-nutritive habits - Extensive pacifier use - Incompetent lip closure - Poor tongue posture - Hypotonic or hypertonic oral muscles - Atypical swallowing habits (reverse swallow) Such habits usually require assistance from a myofunctional therapist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist. OUR APPROACH ## Gentle, Natural Development At Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we continue to add new treatments that can actually help widen the dental arches gently and naturally, encouraging them to develop to their full genetic potential while optimizing the growth and development of the craniofacial complex. Not only does this decrease the likelihood of crowded, crooked teeth -- and orthodontics to straighten them later -- but it sets the foundation for a lifetime of good health through supporting the development of: Proper posture Healthy breath patterns Healthy swallow patterns Good orofacial habits overall ![Child with healthy smile](https://greenappleatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/child-smile-two-rows-of-teeth.jpg) OUR SERVICES ## Braces & Airway Development for Children with Sleep Disordered Breathing Green Apple is one of the few pediatric practices in Austin offering early airway development alongside braces — treating the upstream causes of sleep disordered breathing, mouth breathing, and underdeveloped jaws, not just straightening teeth. We focus on developing the airway starting at an early age, especially for children who struggle to breathe due to poor oral development, narrow jaws, and poor oral and breathing habits. Dr. Evy identifies these issues during the dental examination and will explain what we can address in our office and where a medical specialist should be involved. ### Early Interceptive Orthodontics Expanders, thumbsucking appliances, and habit solutions to guide proper jaw development. - Expanders - Thumbsucking appliances - Habit-breaking advice ### Sleep Breathing Intervention Fixed appliances to help address sleep breathing disorders and improve airway function. - Fixed appliances - Airway assessment - Airway support devices - Mouth breathing correction protocols - Myotape recommendations - Coming soon: Buteyko breathing therapy ### Comprehensive Braces Limited and comprehensive braces for patients who are candidates to be treated in our office. - Metal braces - Clear/ceramic braces - Comprehensive orthodontic treatment **Note:** Cases requiring advanced orthodontic care are referred to an orthodontist specialist. METAL-FREE ORTHODONTICS ## Clear Aligner Therapy For families looking for a discreet, metal-free option, Dr. Evy uses a clear aligner provider that is owned and operated by orthodontists who personally review each patient's records to formulate a treatment plan — so every case is overseen by a specialist, not a software algorithm. Clear aligners can address mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite problems while remaining nearly invisible. They are removable for eating and brushing, which makes them especially well suited for older children and adolescents who can be trusted to wear them consistently. ![Clear aligner therapy for children and adolescents](https://greenappleatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-3-scaled-e1781626014192.jpg) ![Child with braces](https://greenappleatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iStock-1160083966-e1783108885689.jpg) BEYOND COSMETICS ## Are Braces Only a Cosmetic Solution? The desire for braces is most commonly sought due to cosmetic reasons. However, there are many **health benefits of braces**. When upper front teeth are proclined outwardly, there is higher risk of severe damage if a child suffers trauma to the mouth. Crooked and misplaced teeth can make cleaning very difficult, causing an enormous risk of tooth decay, and sometimes general health issues. ### Health Benefits - Reduced risk of severe trauma damage to proclined teeth - Easier cleaning and maintenance - Lower risk of tooth decay - Reduced headaches and jaw pain - Improved breathing patterns - Better sleep quality Braces work by gently applying continuous pressure to your child's teeth over time to straighten them and correct the bite. Metal braces are still the most reliable common option, but you may be able to wear clear or tooth-colored ceramic braces. ## Holistic Options for Braces Unfortunately, when it comes to holistic options for braces, there are limitations and it is not easy to address most orthodontic problems with metal-free appliances. In order to determine if your child can tolerate the different metals contained within the orthodontic appliances, an allergy test should be done first. **If your child has a true nickel allergy, please inform the doctor.** [Contact Us](https://greenappleatx.com/contact/) ## Disclaimer Medically reviewed by [Dr. Maria Evelina Guerrero, DDS](https://greenappleatx.com/about/#person-dr-evy) — Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist Last updated: August 13, 2026 The information on this page is provided for general education and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. Every child is different — for guidance about your child's specific needs, please talk with Dr. Evy or your pediatric care provider. Call us at [512-917-4550](tel:512-917-4550) with any questions. ## Structured data ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://greenappleatx.com/#website", "url": "https://greenappleatx.com/", "name": "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry", "publisher": { "@id": "https://greenappleatx.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": [ "Dentist", "MedicalOrganization", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://greenappleatx.com/#organization", "name": "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry and Braces", "alternateName": [ "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry", "Green Apple" ], "url": "https://greenappleatx.com/", "description": "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry and Braces is the longest-established holistic pediatric dental office in Austin and Central Texas, serving families since 2014. 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