Pediatric Orthodontics in Garden City, NY
Orthodontic care for children and teens, from a first check-up around age 7 to braces or aligners in the teen years, timed to your child’s growth by one orthodontist.
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Most parents start wondering about braces when they notice crowding, a gap, or a bite that does not look quite right. The hard part is knowing when to act. Start too early and a child may wear braces longer than needed. Wait too long and a problem that was easy to guide during growth can take more work to fix later.
At Elite Orthodontics Studio, Dr. David Elsharouny sees children from their first check-up through the teen years and plans every case himself. He earned his DDS at the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine and completed advanced training in orthodontics at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics. Pediatric care is part of the full range of orthodontic treatments at our Garden City studio, and every plan is timed to your child’s growth.
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, when a child has a mix of baby and adult teeth. You do not need to wait until then if something looks off, and you do not need a referral from your dentist to book a visit.
Watch for any of these signs, which the American Association of Orthodontists lists as reasons to see an orthodontist.
- Baby teeth lost much earlier or later than usual
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- A jaw that shifts or clicks
- Frequent cheek biting
- Crowding, a crossbite, or a thumb-sucking habit that continues
If you notice one of these, an evaluation tells you whether it needs treatment now or simply a watchful eye.
How Orthodontic Care Changes as Your Child Grows
Treatment follows your child’s development, not a fixed age. Most children move through some or all of these stages.
Around age 7
First Check-Up
An unhurried exam, 3D imaging when it is indicated, and a plain-language talk about how the bite is developing.
If needed, ages 7 to 11
Early Treatment
A short phase of treatment for the few problems that respond best while the jaw is still growing.
Teen years
Braces or Aligners
Comprehensive treatment once the adult teeth are in, with braces, clear aligners, or C5 hidden orthodontics.
After treatment
Retainers
Custom retainers hold the result, and we show your child exactly how and when to wear them.
Early (Phase I) Treatment
Phase I is early, interceptive treatment for children, usually between the ages of 7 and 11. It addresses smaller problems before they become larger ones, while growth can still be guided. Examples include crossbites, severe crowding, jaw-width issues, and habits like persistent thumb-sucking or mouth breathing.
Not every child needs Phase I, and most children evaluated at 7 simply return for monitoring. When early treatment does help, Dr. Elsharouny explains why, what it involves, and whether a second phase of treatment is likely once the adult teeth come in. Learn what to expect at an early orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
Watch and Wait vs. Early Treatment vs. Teen Treatment
After a first check-up, most children follow one of three paths. Your child’s exam shows which one fits.
Watch and Wait
Monitoring growth with recheck visits
Early (Phase I) Treatment
Guiding growth to address problems early
Teen Treatment
Comprehensive care once adult teeth are in
Swipe to compare all three paths.
Braces and Aligners for Teens
Teens get a say in how treatment looks. Dr. Elsharouny recommends what fits the bite, and the finish or system is often a family decision.
Metal or Ceramic Braces
Fixed braces need nothing to remember, which makes them a dependable choice for busy teens.
Gold Braces
The same mechanics with a warm finish for teens who want their gold braces to look intentional.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign and clear aligners suit teens who will wear their trays 20 to 22 hours a day.
C5 Hidden Orthodontics
C5 hidden orthodontics sits behind the teeth for teens with mild alignment goals.
A Studio Kids Are Happy to Visit
Our studio is designed to feel calm and welcoming, more like a modern lounge than a medical office. Behind the scenes, our team focuses on running on time, keeping visits organized, and making sure parents always know what comes next.
A Relaxed Waiting Area
Soft tones, natural textures, and open space for parents and siblings.
Something Fun to Do
An arcade game and bright artwork help younger patients feel at home.
Clear Next Steps
We check in often, so you and your child always know what is coming at the next visit.
What to Do if You Think Your Child Needs Braces
A few simple steps help you get clear answers quickly.
Book a Check-Up
Schedule a free consultation by age 7, or sooner if you notice any of the signs above.
Start From Home
Prefer to begin with photos? A virtual assessment gives you an early read before an in-person visit.
Send Your Insurance Details
Once you book, share your plan information so we can check your orthodontic benefit before you arrive.
Note Your Questions
Write down any habits, chewing problems, or concerns from your child’s dentist to bring along.
Meet Dr. David Elsharouny
Dr. Elsharouny sees orthodontics as a partnership between the patient, the family, and the team. He listens first, explains options in plain language, and builds each plan around your child’s goals, schedule, and growth.
What Children’s Orthodontics Costs in Garden City
Cost depends on whether your child needs early treatment, comprehensive treatment, or simply monitoring, and on how long treatment takes. You receive an exact, all-in figure with your insurance verified at your free consultation, before anything starts.
What Affects the Cost
- Phase
- Early, comprehensive, or both
- Length
- Months in treatment
- Appliance
- Braces, aligners, or C5
- Coverage
- Your plan’s orthodontic benefit
Insurance
We are in-network with most PPO plans, including:
Out of network? We still verify your benefits and file claims for you.
Ways to Lower Your Cost
Spread payments over time with Cherry, including 0% APR options for qualifying patients and no hard credit check to apply. In-house financing is available if Cherry is not a fit. See insurance and financing for every plan we accept.
Garden City Families Rate Elite Orthodontics Studio 5.0 out of 5
Parents often mention the welcoming studio, clear explanations, and a team that keeps visits on time.
Children’s Orthodontics Near the Nassau County Courthouse
Other Orthodontic Options in Garden City
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up by age 7. If you notice crowding, a crossbite, or a chewing problem before then, you can book a visit sooner.
Does every child need early treatment?
No. Most children evaluated at 7 do not need treatment yet. They return for monitoring, and treatment starts only if and when it genuinely helps.
What is Phase I treatment?
Phase I is early, interceptive treatment, usually between ages 7 and 11. It addresses problems such as crossbites, severe crowding, and jaw-width issues while growth can still be guided.
Will my child need braces again after Phase I?
Some children need a second phase of treatment once their adult teeth come in. Your child’s plan explains whether that is likely before early treatment begins.
Can teens get clear aligners instead of braces?
Yes, for teens who will wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. If daily wear is a concern, braces may be the more reliable choice.
Do we need a referral from our dentist?
No. You can book a consultation directly. Parents are often the first to notice that something looks off, and an evaluation gives you a clear answer.
Book Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation in Garden City
Dr. David Elsharouny brings advanced orthodontic training from Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, in-house CBCT 3D imaging, and a 5.0 Google rating to every child and teen he treats at Elite Orthodontics Studio, 350 Old Country Rd, Suite 105A, Garden City.
The first visit is free and includes an insurance benefits check, so you leave knowing whether your child needs treatment now, later, or not at all. Call (516) 276-0307 or request your child’s consultation online today.