Braces for Kids Staten Island
Why Families Choose Us for Braces
Unlike orthodontic-only practices, your child's braces treatment here is coordinated by a team that already knows your child — their dental history, their comfort level, their growth patterns. Dr. Sara Skurnick, our orthodontist, has over 30 years of experience treating children and adults in Staten Island, and she works directly alongside Dr. Michelle Flanigan, Dr. Yelena Lange, and Dr. Geena Bell our board-certified pediatric dentists, so nothing falls through the cracks between "the dentist" and "the orthodontist."
That means:
- One team, one record — your child's growth, tooth eruption, and orthodontic needs are tracked continuously, not handed off between separate offices
- Early detection built in — because we already see your child for routine cleanings, we catch orthodontic issues early, often before you'd think to ask
- 30+ years of orthodontic experience from Dr. Skurnick, treating patients of all ages
- A practice built specifically for kids — a comfortable, non-intimidating environment designed around children, not adapted from a general or adult-focused practice
- 570+ five-star Google reviews from Staten Island families who trust us with their kids' care
- Open 6 days a week, including evening hours, because we know parents juggle a lot
When Should My Child Start Orthodontic Evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, your child is in what's called the "mixed dentition" stage — some baby teeth are still present, but the first adult molars have usually come in. This gives our orthodontist a valuable early window to see how the jaw and teeth are developing.
Why age 7 matters:
- The jaw is still growing, which makes certain problems easier (and less invasive) to correct early
- We can spot issues like crowding, crossbites, underbites, and overbites before they become more complex
- Not every child needs treatment at 7 — but for those who do, early intervention can prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on
- For kids who don't need early treatment, we simply monitor growth at regular visits until the timing is right
Signs your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or thumb/finger sucking habits past age 4
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds when opening/closing
- Teeth that don't meet properly, or don't meet at all
- Protruding front teeth
- A noticeable "gummy" smile or teeth that don't line up when the mouth is closed
Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment for kids often happens in two phases, and not every child needs both.
Phase 1 (Early/Interceptive Treatment): Typically starts between ages 7–10, while baby teeth are still present. The goal isn't to straighten every tooth yet. It's to guide jaw growth and create enough space for adult teeth to come in correctly. Phase 1 treatment may include:
- Palatal expanders (to widen a narrow upper jaw)
- Space maintainers (to hold room for permanent teeth)
- Partial braces on select teeth
- Habit-correcting appliances (for thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting)
Resting Period: After Phase 1, many kids enter a resting period. Here we simply monitor as remaining baby teeth fall out and adult teeth erupt, often with no active treatment needed.
Phase 2 (Comprehensive Treatment): Once most or all permanent teeth have erupted (typically early-to-mid teens), full braces or clear aligners are used to bring every tooth into its final, correct position and perfect the bite.
Not every child needs Phase 1. Many kids only need one round of comprehensive treatment once their adult teeth have come in. Dr. Skurnick will always give you an honest recommendation based on what your child actually needs — not what generates the most appointments.
Types of Braces We Offer
We believe kids (and parents) deserve options. Depending on your child's needs, age, and preferences, we offer:
Traditional Metal Braces The most common and often most efficient option for correcting complex bite and alignment issues. Today's metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, and kids can pick their own colored bands to make them fun and personal.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces Work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in more discreetly — a popular choice for older kids and teens who are more self-conscious about their smile during treatment.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign®) A series of custom, removable, nearly invisible aligners that gradually shift teeth into place — best suited for older teens with mild-to-moderate alignment issues who can be responsible about wear time. Average treatment time is 12–18 months.
Early Orthodontic Appliances For younger kids in Phase 1 treatment, we use palatal expanders, retainers, and space maintainers to guide growth before full braces are ever needed.
Dr. Skurnick evaluates each child individually and will walk you through which option makes the most sense — not just cosmetically, but for the specific bite issue being corrected.
What to Expect: The Braces Process at Our Office
- Orthodontic Evaluation & Consultation — A thorough exam, plus a panoramic X-ray, so Dr. Skurnick can see all developing and erupted teeth, jaw structure, and bone in a single, low-radiation image.
- Custom Treatment Plan — You'll get a clear explanation of what your child needs, why, how long it will take, and what it involves — no surprises.
- Getting Braces On — A comfortable, straightforward appointment. Our team walks your child through every step so nothing feels scary or unexpected.
- Regular Adjustments — Typically every 4–8 weeks, we fine-tune the braces to keep treatment on track.
- Debanding Day — Braces come off, and we celebrate that new smile!
- Retention — A custom retainer keeps teeth in their new position. This step is just as important as the braces themselves — skipping it is the most common reason smiles shift back.
Meet Dr. Sara Skurnick, Our Orthodontist
Dr. Sara Skurnick has been treating children and adults in Staten Island and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. She works closely with Dr. Michelle Flanigan and Dr. Yelena Lange to make sure every child begins orthodontic treatment at exactly the right time — not too early, not too late. Her approach is always honest and straightforward: if your child doesn't need treatment yet, she'll tell you. If they do, she'll walk you through every option so you can make the decision that's right for your family.
Read Dr. Skurnick's full bio →
Braces & Your Investment
We know cost is one of the first questions on every parent's mind, and we believe in being upfront about it.
Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry is a fee-for-service practice, meaning we bill your insurance as a courtesy on your behalf, but treatment isn't dependent on network participation. During your child's consultation, we'll give you a clear, itemized breakdown of orthodontic treatment costs and walk you through payment plan options, so there are no surprises along the way.
