Building confident smiles — one child at a time.
Every parent wants the best for their child, and a healthy, beautiful smile is a gift that lasts a lifetime. At Sharp Orthodontics, we believe that great orthodontic care begins early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, and at our Springfield and Branson offices, we make that first visit easy, welcoming, and completely stress-free.
Dr. Frank Sharp, a board-certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, has spent decades helping children in the Springfield and Branson communities build healthy bites, straight smiles, and unshakeable confidence. With the latest technology, a warm team, and flexible options designed for growing kids and busy families, we are proud to be the trusted children’s orthodontic practice in Southwest Missouri.
It might seem early, but age seven is the sweet spot. By this age, your child typically has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving Dr. Sharp a unique window to assess jaw development, bite alignment, and tooth eruption patterns before they become harder to correct.
An early evaluation does not always mean early treatment, but it does mean we can identify any developing issues and create a proactive plan. In many cases, catching a problem at age 7 or 8 can prevent the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery down the road. What we look for at your child’s first visit:
Phase 1 treatment, also called early interceptive treatment, is orthodontic care that takes place while a child still has some baby teeth, typically between ages 7 and 10. It is designed to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and correct bite problems while the bones are still developing and most responsive to treatment.
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. Many children are best served by simply being monitored until all permanent teeth have erupted. When Phase 1 treatment is recommended, though, it can make the eventual Phase 2 treatment (braces or aligners during adolescence) shorter, simpler, and less invasive. Conditions that may benefit from early treatment include:
At Sharp Orthodontics, every child’s treatment plan is as unique as they are. Dr. Sharp offers a full range of orthodontic solutions tailored to children’s growing smiles and the real demands of family life.
Metal braces remain one of the most reliable and effective orthodontic treatments available for children. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before. Kids can even choose colorful elastic bands to make their braces their own, a surprisingly popular feature! Metal braces are an excellent choice for treating a wide range of alignment and bite issues, from simple crowding to more complex corrections.
For children who prefer a less noticeable option, ceramic (clear) braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend beautifully with the teeth. They work just like metal braces but are far less visible, perfect for kids who are a little self-conscious about their smile during treatment. As with any braces, good oral hygiene habits are especially important with ceramic brackets.
Sharp Orthodontics is proud to offer LightForce braces, the world’s first fully customized, 3D-printed clear braces. Each bracket is designed precisely for the individual shape of your child’s teeth, delivering more targeted tooth movement, greater comfort, and often faster results with fewer in-office adjustments. For families seeking a high-precision option with great aesthetics, LightForce is a wonderful choice.
We know how busy family life can be. That is why Sharp Orthodontics offers DentalMonitoring® remote monitoring technology for eligible patients. Dr. Sharp is a key opinion leader with DentalMonitoring®, meaning he was among the first orthodontists in the country to use and teach this technology. Using a simple app on your phone, your child can share progress scans from home, and Dr. Sharp reviews them remotely. This means fewer in-office visits without ever compromising on the quality of care, a true win for busy families in Springfield and Branson.
There are many orthodontic practices in the area. Here is why parents keep choosing and recommending Dr. Sharp for their children’s care:
Investing in your child’s smile today pays dividends for a lifetime. Here is why early orthodontic care matters beyond just straight teeth:
Straight teeth are significantly easier to clean, reducing the lifetime risk of cavities and gum disease.
Proper alignment improves how your child chews, speaks, and breathes.
A healthy smile positively impacts social interactions, school performance, and how your child sees themselves.
Children who receive early intervention often have simpler, shorter Phase 2 treatment as teens.
Protruding teeth are more vulnerable to trauma during sports and play; early correction reduces this risk.
Properly aligned jaws support better facial development and, in some cases, improved airway health.
The best gift you can give your child is a smile they will love for the rest of their life. At Sharp Orthodontics, we offer complimentary orthodontic consultations, virtual or in-person, so that starting the conversation is easy, convenient, and completely pressure-free.
Dr. Sharp and our team are here to answer every question, walk you through every option, and support your family every step of the way. Families across Springfield and Branson trust us for a reason, and we would love the chance to earn your trust, too.
Contact us today and schedule a consultation, or call us: Springfield (417) 888-3030 | Branson (417) 337-8020
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, Dr. Sharp can assess your child’s bite, jaw development, and the eruption of permanent teeth. Many children will not need treatment right away, but an early evaluation allows us to catch any developing issues and plan, which can save time, discomfort, and cost down the road.
Not at all, and this is one of the biggest misconceptions about early evaluations. Most children who come in at age seven simply go on a complimentary monitoring schedule and do not begin active treatment until they are older. An early visit is about gathering the right information so we can make the best decision for your child at the right time.
Phase 1 (early interceptive) treatment happens while your child still has some baby teeth, typically between ages 7 and 10. It addresses specific jaw or bite issues that are easier to correct while the bones are still growing, such as crossbites, severe crowding, or protruding teeth. Phase 2 is the more comprehensive treatment (braces or aligners) that takes place after most or all of the permanent teeth have come in, usually during the early teen years. Some children need both phases; many need only Phase 2.
Yes! Dr. Sharp offers Invisalign First® for younger children who are candidates for Phase 1 treatment, as well as Invisalign for older children approaching their teen years. Clear aligners are a fantastic option for kids who play sports, play instruments, or simply prefer a more discreet treatment. Dr. Sharp is a Diamond+ Invisalign provider, one of the highest designations available, so your child is in exceptionally experienced hands.
Treatment length varies depending on the type and complexity of the case. Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9 to 18 months. Phase 2 treatment generally ranges from 12 to 24 months. During your consultation, Dr. Sharp will give you a realistic estimate based on your child’s specific needs. With remote monitoring technology available at Sharp Orthodontics, we can often reduce the total number of in-office visits while keeping treatment right on track.
