Kids Orthodontist · San Carlos, CA

Braces for Kids in San Carlos, CA

A kids orthodontist visit should feel like a good day, not a scary one. Dr. Chang treats mostly kids, and the contests, patient wall and laughter in our office show it.

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Dr. Chang with a young patient with braces holding her soccer jersey
Dr. Chang and a young patient holding a contest prize
Why kids love it here

Fun Visits. Serious Expertise.

  • Board-certified, UCSF-trained orthodontist who treats mostly kids
  • After-school appointments and low wait times parents can plan around
  • Free first exam with digital X-rays, a $199 value
  • Fun color choices, a patient photo wall and office contests
Book a Free Kids Exam
Age 7 is the magic number

When Should Kids See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. Most kids will not need treatment yet. The check simply catches the few cases where early treatment saves time, teeth and money later.

Every kids exam here also includes an airway assessment, because how your child breathes shapes how their jaw grows.

About Early Treatment
A mother and daughter smiling at the orthodontist
A laughing kid showing off her metal braces
Braces, aligners or both

Options Built for Growing Smiles

Metal braces with fun color choices are still the kid favorite. Ceramic braces keep things subtle for self-conscious kids.

Invisalign First straightens while the jaw is still growing, and the Invisalign Palatal Expander offers modern expansion without the metal.

Braces for kids start around $299/month, or $199/month with insurance. See cost and financing.

Dr. Michael Chang, DDS, MS, orthodontist in San Carlos, CA
Your orthodontist

Board-Certified Care From Dr. Michael Chang

Dr. Chang treats mostly kids and teens, plans every case personally, and never recommends treatment a child does not need. Parents call the office calm, fast and genuinely fun.

Board-certified orthodontist
UCSF-trained, UCSF faculty
10,000+ smiles transformed
5.0-star rated on Google
Meet Dr. Chang
Serving the Peninsula

A Kids Orthodontist Close to Home

Our office is on El Camino Real in San Carlos, an easy drive for most mid Peninsula families. After-school appointments and low wait times keep treatment from eating into the school day.

We welcome families from Belmont, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, San Mateo, Foster City and Menlo Park.

The plan changes as kids grow. Phase 1 patients often move on to braces for teens later, and airway orthodontics becomes part of the conversation whenever breathing is shaping how the jaw develops.

Free consultation · San Carlos, CA

Book Your Child’s Free Exam

Our team will call or text to find a time that works around school. Exam, digital X-rays and a clear recommendation, all free.

Rather just call or text?

(650) 598-0888

“My daughter always tells me how wonderful Dr. Chang is and how he always pumps up the good work she is doing.”

Jennifer Johnson · Google review

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No medical details needed here, we'll cover everything at your visit. Your information is never shared.

Common Questions

How much do kids braces cost in San Carlos?

Braces start around $299/month, or $199/month with insurance, and your free consultation ends with exact numbers. In-house financing keeps payments manageable.

Will braces hurt my child?

There is pressure for a few days after adjustments, and it fades fast. Our team coaches kids through every step so nothing feels scary. See Life With Braces for tips.

What age should my child first see an orthodontist?

Age 7 is the standard recommendation. Most kids just get monitored while they grow, free of charge, until the timing is right.

Do you offer anything besides metal braces for kids?

Yes: ceramic braces, Invisalign First and the Invisalign Palatal Expander. Dr. Chang matches the tool to your child’s case.

Are braces or Invisalign better for kids?

It depends on the bite, not on the brand. Metal and ceramic braces handle the widest range of cases, while Invisalign First suits kids who can keep aligners in and like taking them out for sport. Dr. Chang recommends the option that fits your child, and will tell you plainly when treatment can simply wait.

What is included in the free kids exam?

A full exam, digital X-rays, an airway assessment and a walk through the treatment plan and pricing, a $199 value at no cost. If your child is not ready for treatment, we keep monitoring them as they grow.