Over 2,700 ★★★★★ Reviews – Trusted Family Dentist Near You in Mesquite, Balch Springs and Garland TX

Braces for Kids and Teens in Mesquite, Garland & Balch Springs

At Inspire Dental & Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist provides expert braces treatment for children and teens at all three locations. We offer traditional metal braces starting at $2,999 with flexible payment plans, and our team guides every family through the process from the first consultation through the day the braces come off. Medicaid may cover braces when treatment is medically necessary, and we accept most PPO plans as well.

Child with braces at Inspire Dental orthodontist in Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs TX

Expert Braces Care Led by a Board-Certified Orthodontist

Braces use brackets, wires, and precise tension to gradually guide teeth and jaws into proper alignment. At Inspire Dental & Orthodontics, all orthodontic treatment is overseen by a board-certified orthodontist, a specialist who has completed two to three additional years of accredited residency training beyond dental school specifically focused on tooth movement and bite correction. This distinction matters for complex cases, for Medicaid pre-authorization, and for the long-term outcome of your child's smile.

We treat children and teens across Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs. Children's braces start at $2,999 with flexible monthly payment plans. Medicaid may cover treatment when medically necessary, and we accept most PPO insurance plans with orthodontic benefits.

When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted for an orthodontist to identify developing bite and spacing problems, even if treatment will not begin for several more years. Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment, but it allows our team to monitor your child's development and time any intervention for maximum effectiveness. Most children begin braces between ages 9 and 14.

Braces Options at Inspire Dental

We offer multiple orthodontic treatment options to match each patient's clinical needs and personal preferences.

Metal Braces

Starting at $2,999

Traditional stainless steel brackets and archwires. The most effective and affordable option for children and teens, and highly reliable for complex corrections including significant bite issues.

Ceramic Braces

Tooth-Colored Brackets

Clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets blend in with the teeth for a less visible appearance. Work the same as metal braces but are preferred by older teens and adults who want a more discreet look.

Invisalign

Clear Removable Aligners

For teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment needs who prefer a removable, nearly invisible option. See our Invisalign page for full details on this treatment.

Corrects Crowding and Spacing

Braces create room where teeth are overcrowded and close gaps where spacing is excessive, resulting in a more even, easier-to-clean arch.

Fixes Bite Problems

Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites affect chewing, jaw health, and long-term tooth wear. Braces address all of these at the root cause.

Improves Long-Term Oral Health

Straight teeth are dramatically easier to brush and floss. Properly aligned teeth reduce the risk of decay, gum disease, and uneven wear over a lifetime.

Builds Lasting Confidence

A well-aligned smile has measurable effects on a child's self-confidence during some of the most socially formative years of their life.

Medicaid and PPO Accepted

Medicaid may cover braces for children when medically necessary. We accept most PPO plans with orthodontic benefits and offer flexible monthly payment options.

Board-Certified Orthodontist On Staff

All treatment is planned and overseen by our board-certified orthodontist, ensuring your child receives specialist-level care at a family dental office.

$2,999 Children's braces starting price
2,700+ Five-star Google reviews across 3 locations
Board-Cert. Orthodontist overseeing all treatment

Book Your Child's Orthodontic Consultation Today

Braces starting at $2,999. Medicaid, CHIP, and most PPO plans accepted. Flexible payment plans available at all three locations.

What to Expect: Getting Braces at Inspire Dental

Here is a step-by-step look at the orthodontic process from your first visit through retainers, so you and your child know exactly what is ahead.

1

Initial Orthodontic Consultation

We examine your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development, take X-rays and photos, and discuss findings and treatment options with the family.

2

Treatment Planning

Our orthodontist creates a customized treatment plan specifying the type of braces, estimated duration, and any pre-treatment steps such as extractions if needed.

3

Insurance and Payment Setup

We verify your insurance benefits, submit any Medicaid pre-authorization paperwork, and set up a payment plan before the bonding appointment.

4

Bracket Bonding

Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth using dental adhesive. The archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with elastic ties. This appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.

5

Regular Adjustment Appointments

Every four to eight weeks, we adjust the archwire to apply fresh pressure and advance tooth movement. These visits typically take 20 to 30 minutes.

6

Monitoring Progress

We take periodic X-rays and photos to confirm teeth are moving as planned and that root and bone health remain good throughout treatment.

7

Debonding

When treatment is complete, brackets and wires are removed and the teeth are polished. Your child gets to see their new smile for the first time without hardware.

8

Retainers

Retainers are fitted immediately after debonding to hold the teeth in their new positions. Consistent retainer wear is essential to keep the results of treatment permanent.

Does Medicaid Cover Braces for Children?

Medicaid may cover braces for children when treatment is medically necessary, such as for severe crowding, significant bite problems, or jaw misalignment that affects function. Our board-certified orthodontist performs a detailed evaluation and handles the documentation required for Medicaid pre-authorization. Families in Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs can rely on our team to guide them through the eligibility and approval process clearly and thoroughly. If your child has CHIP or Texas Medicaid dental coverage, contact us to find out if they qualify.

Inspire Dental orthodontist serving Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs TX

Orthodontic treatment at Inspire Dental & Orthodontics is planned and overseen by our board-certified orthodontist, who completed an accredited orthodontic residency program following dental school. Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics requires passing a rigorous written and clinical examination and represents a higher level of demonstrated clinical competency. Our bilingual team (English and Spanish) ensures that every family, regardless of the language spoken at home, fully understands the treatment plan, what is expected during each phase, and how to care for braces at home.

For patients who prefer a removable option, we also offer Invisalign clear aligners for teens and adults. Learn more about orthodontic treatment and what to expect from the American Dental Association.

Why Families Choose Inspire Dental & Orthodontics for Braces

  • Over 2,700 five-star Google reviews across our Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs locations
  • Board-certified orthodontist overseeing all treatment at all three locations
  • Bilingual team (English and Spanish) serving the full DFW community
  • Medicaid, CHIP, and most PPO plans accepted; Medicaid pre-authorization handled in-office
  • Three convenient locations: Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs
  • Flexible monthly payment plans with children's braces starting at $2,999
5.0
★★★★★
2,700+ Google Reviews

What Parents Say About Braces at Inspire Dental

Real reviews from families at our Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs locations.

★★★★★

"My daughter was nervous about getting braces but the orthodontist here was incredible with her. He explained everything in terms she could understand and made her feel like it was no big deal. She is six months in and her teeth already look so different. Worth every penny."

Michelle T. — Mesquite patient
Kids Braces Mesquite
★★★★★

"We were worried about Medicaid coverage and the team here walked us through the whole approval process. My son qualified and his braces are almost fully covered. The payment plan made the rest manageable. The orthodontist is great and the staff always makes him feel comfortable."

Carlos V. — Garland patient
Medicaid Braces Garland
★★★★★

"Llevamos a nuestra hija para brackets y el ortodoncista fue muy paciente y profesional. Nos explicaron todo en español y nos ayudaron a tramitar el Medicaid. El precio es muy accesible y los resultados son excelentes. Todo el equipo es muy amable con los niños."

Ana L. — Balch Springs patient
Brackets para Niños Balch Springs

Braces FAQs

At what age should my child get braces?
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Most children begin braces between ages 9 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have erupted to allow full treatment. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7 so that developing problems can be identified early. Some children benefit from a phase of early treatment before all permanent teeth arrive, while others simply need monitoring until the right time. A consultation is the only way to know what your child specifically needs.
How long does braces treatment take?
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Most children and teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months, though simpler cases can finish in as little as 12 months and more complex corrections can take up to 30 months. Treatment duration depends on the severity of crowding or bite issues, how much growth remains in the jaw, and how well the patient follows care instructions such as avoiding hard foods and keeping adjustment appointments.
Does Medicaid cover braces for my child?
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Medicaid covers orthodontic treatment for children in Texas when the case meets the program's criteria for medical necessity, typically severe crowding, significant bite problems, or jaw misalignment that affects function. Our board-certified orthodontist evaluates your child's case and handles the pre-authorization documentation required by Medicaid. If your child has Texas Medicaid or CHIP dental coverage, contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if they qualify.
Do braces hurt?
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The bonding appointment itself is not painful. For the first few days after braces are placed, and after each adjustment appointment, children typically experience soreness and pressure as the teeth begin to move. This is normal and usually resolves within two to four days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help manage discomfort during these periods. Brackets can occasionally irritate the inside of the cheeks early on, and orthodontic wax applied over any rough spot provides quick relief.
What foods should my child avoid with braces?
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Patients with braces should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can bend wires or dislodge brackets. Common items to avoid include hard candies, popcorn, ice, corn on the cob, whole apples, bagels, gum, caramel, and taffy. Most other foods are fine as long as they are cut into small pieces. Maintaining a braces-friendly diet throughout treatment reduces the chance of emergency visits for broken hardware and helps keep treatment on schedule.
How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?
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Cleaning around brackets and wires requires more care than brushing without braces. We recommend brushing after every meal using a soft toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the brackets, and flossing once daily using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to get under the archwire. An electric toothbrush and a water flosser can make the process easier and more effective. Routine professional cleanings every six months are especially important during orthodontic treatment.
What happens after braces come off?
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After debonding, retainers are fitted and must be worn as directed to prevent teeth from shifting back. Most patients wear retainers full time for the first three to six months, then transition to nighttime-only wear for the long term. Skipping retainer wear is the most common reason teeth relapse after orthodontic treatment. We provide detailed retainer instructions and schedule follow-up visits to confirm the results are being maintained.

Orthodontist Near You in Mesquite, Garland & Balch Springs

Inspire Dental & Orthodontics — Mesquite 909 Tripp Rd Ste 190, Mesquite, TX 75150
(972) 408-4003
Inspire Dental & Orthodontics — Garland 930 W Centerville Rd Ste A, Garland, TX 75041
(469) 329-1069
Inspire Dental & Orthodontics — Balch Springs 11203 Lake June Rd Ste 120, Balch Springs, TX 75180
(972) 752-6210

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