Braces for Kids in Tampa & Brandon, FL: When to Start and What to Expect
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first orthodontic visit by age 7. Miller Orthodontics offers free evaluations and braces for kids at our Tampa, Brandon and Apollo Beach offices. Medicaid is accepted at Tampa and Brandon, and treatment starts at $300 down.
Free consultation, no referral needed, $300 down. Hablamos Español.
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
By age 7. At that age a child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, so Dr. Miller can spot bite problems early. Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. Often we simply monitor your child's growth and recommend treatment only when the timing is right. If it is too early, we monitor your child at no cost.
What happens at the first visit
The visit is free.
- A welcome and a tour of the office.
- Photos and X-rays as needed.
- An exam with Dr. Miller, who explains what he sees.
- A plan and, if treatment is needed, your exact cost in writing.
No referral is needed, except for MCNA Dental and Sunshine Health Medicaid plans, which need one from your general dentist.
Signs it may be time to come in
- Crowded or crooked teeth.
- Teeth that come in early or late.
- A bite that doesn't meet in the middle, or a jaw that shifts.
- Thumb sucking or mouth breathing that continues as permanent teeth come in.
Early (Phase 1) treatment or waiting?
Phase 1 is a shorter round of treatment for children about ages 7 to 10, done while they still have baby teeth. It corrects problems that get harder to fix later, like crossbites, severe crowding or a jaw growing off-center. Most children do not need it. If your child goes on to need braces, we apply a credit from Phase 1 toward the second phase. If it is too soon, we put your child on our no-cost observation program.
Braces options for kids
Metal braces with colored bands your child picks, and ceramic braces with tooth-colored brackets for older kids.
Cost, insurance and Medicaid
Most patients invest between $3,000 and $7,200 for comprehensive treatment. You start with $300 down, with payments as low as $169 a month. Our in-house plan has 0% interest and no credit check. Discounts are available for pay-in-full, families, military, students, teachers and first responders.
Florida Medicaid covers braces for children under 21 when the bite problem is severe enough to qualify. We accept Medicaid at Tampa and Brandon, not at Apollo Beach. Pre-authorization is done the same day as the visit. See Medicaid braces.
Making visits easy for kids
Tampa is open until 7pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so visits fit around school. Brandon is open Wednesdays, and Apollo Beach is open Tuesdays. Meet Millie and Nash, our therapy dogs, on our Dogtors page.
Kids orthodontist near me
Our offices in Tampa (Carrollwood), Brandon and Apollo Beach all see kids.
Tampa (Carrollwood)
1303 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612.
Mon, Tue, Thu 8am to 7pm; Fri 8am to 2pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Medicaid accepted.
Brandon
213 Kingsway Rd, Brandon, FL 33510.
Wednesday 8am to 4pm.
Medicaid accepted.
Apollo Beach
Miller Orthodontics – Apollo Beach (inside SmileLynn Pediatric Dentistry), 122 Harbor Village Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572.
Tuesday 8am to 4pm.
Patients check in at SmileLynn's front desk; Miller Orthodontics handles scheduling.
Medicaid is not accepted at this office.
Frequently asked questions
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
By age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. At that age, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Miller to spot bite problems early. The first visit is free.
Does my child need braces right away?
Usually not. Often we simply monitor your child's growth and recommend treatment when the timing is right. If it is too early, we monitor your child at no cost until it is time.
How much do braces for kids cost in Tampa?
Most patients invest between $3,000 and $7,200 for comprehensive treatment. You start with $300 down, and you get your exact cost in writing at your free consultation.
Does Medicaid cover braces for kids?
Florida Medicaid covers braces for children under 21 when the bite problem is severe enough to qualify. We accept Medicaid at Tampa and Brandon, not at Apollo Beach. See Medicaid braces.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can schedule directly with Miller Orthodontics. The one exception is Medicaid patients with MCNA Dental or Sunshine Health, who need a referral from their general dentist.
What is Phase 1 treatment?
Phase 1 is a shorter round of treatment for children about ages 7 to 10, done while they still have baby teeth. Most children do not need it. If your child goes on to need braces, we apply a credit from Phase 1 toward the second phase.
Will braces hurt my child?
Getting braces put on does not hurt. Soreness typically begins about 24 hours later and can last one to two weeks, though many kids have very little. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers help.
How long will my child need braces?
Most patients are in treatment 12 to 24 months. Simple cases can finish in as little as six months, and complex bite corrections can run 30 months or more. Dr. Miller gives you an estimated timeline at your free consultation.
Do you have after-school or evening appointments?
Yes. Tampa is open until 7pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and until 2pm on Friday. Brandon is open Wednesdays 8am to 4pm, and Apollo Beach is open Tuesdays 8am to 4pm.
What should my child do if a bracket breaks?
Call (813) 427-2237. We will tell you what to do and see you at the right office. See orthodontic emergencies.
Schedule your child's free first visit
Why Patients Choose Miller Orthodontics
Complimentary Smile Assessment (Doctor Exam, X-rays, and Photos)
0% Financing as low as $300 down and $169/mo
Dr. Zack Miller, DDS, MS the 6th orthodontist in his family, combining clinical excellence with a genuine passion for his community
Braces or Invisalign metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners for smiles of all ages
We Accept All Insurances and verify your benefits before your visit
No Referral Needed
Hablamos Español Spanish-speaking staff to help you at every visit
We've removed the barriers. No waiting weeks, no hidden fees, just a straightforward path to confidence.
Book Your Free Consultation
Complete the form below or call (813) 427-2237. Same-day braces available.