For Kids & Teens · Ages 7–18
Braces & Invisalign for Kids Across Dayton, Springboro, Wilmington & Columbus
A specialist orthodontist your child will actually look forward to seeing. Trusted by Ohio families in Springboro, Wilmington, Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, and greater Columbus.
Why Parents Choose Us
The things Ohio parents ask about most
We built our practice around the six things parents care about most when picking an orthodontist for their child.
Board-Certified Expertise
Dr. Kulkarni is a specialist orthodontist with 25+ years focused exclusively on teeth and jaw alignment — not a general dentist offering braces on the side.
Comprehensive First Visit
A thorough new patient exam including digital records, growth assessment, and a clear treatment recommendation you can take home.
Kid-Friendly Environment
Warm, welcoming office designed to make anxious first-timers feel at ease. A kid-friendly waiting room and a team that knows every patient by name — and don't be surprised if Dr. K gives out some high fives at their appointment!
Digital & Traditional Impressions
We use both iTero digital scans and traditional impressions, so every child gets the approach that works best for them. Digital scans let many kids see their future smile on day one.
Convenient for Busy Families
Two Ohio locations (Springboro and Wilmington) serving Dayton, Beavercreek, Kettering, Middletown, and greater Columbus. After-school appointments available.
Kid & Teen Treatments
Every option a growing smile might need
From first evaluations at age 7 to finished teenage smiles, we offer the full range of orthodontic care for children.
Early / Phase 1 Treatment (Ages 7–10)
Interceptive treatment using expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers to guide jaw growth and prevent bigger problems as permanent teeth come in.
Traditional Metal Braces for Kids
Time-tested and highly effective. Fun colored bands at every visit let kids express themselves — school colors, holidays, or a favorite team.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Tooth-colored brackets that blend in — a great option for image-conscious tweens and teens who still need the strength of fixed braces.
Invisalign Teen
Nearly invisible clear aligners designed for teenagers, with wear indicators and replacement aligners built in.
Palatal Expanders
Non-surgical widening of a narrow upper jaw during growth years to correct crossbite, improve breathing, and make room for adult teeth.
Sports Mouthguards & Retainers
Custom-fit protection for athletes and long-term retention plans that keep your child's finished smile straight for life.
Serving Greater Ohio
A short drive from anywhere in the Miami Valley
Families come to Kulkarni Orthodontics from across southwest and central Ohio — because specialist care for your child is worth the drive.
Parent FAQs
What parents ask before their child's first visit
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?+
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most children still have baby teeth at this age, but issues like crowding, crossbite, or jaw growth problems can be identified early — often preventing more invasive treatment later.
Does my child need braces if their teeth look straight?+
Not always — but many bite and jaw issues aren't visible to parents. Problems like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or airway concerns can exist even when front teeth appear straight. An orthodontic evaluation gives you a clear answer with no pressure.
What's the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?+
Phase 1 (early treatment) happens between ages 7–10 while baby teeth are still present. It corrects skeletal and bite issues while the jaw is still growing. Phase 2 usually happens in the early teen years and focuses on aligning permanent teeth. Not every child needs Phase 1.
Are Invisalign clear aligners a good option for teens?+
Yes — Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for younger patients. It includes compliance indicators, replacement aligners for lost ones, and works well for most common teen cases. It's ideal for kids in sports, band, or those self-conscious about metal braces.
How long will my child wear braces?+
Most children complete comprehensive treatment in 18–24 months. Simple cases can finish in 12 months, while complex bite corrections may take up to 30 months. We give you a clear timeline at the first consultation.
Will braces hurt my child?+
There's usually mild soreness for 3–5 days after braces are placed and after each adjustment. Kids adapt quickly. Modern brackets are smaller and gentler than they were a generation ago, and we walk every family through comfort tips at the first visit.
Can my child still play sports and instruments with braces?+
Absolutely. We provide custom mouthguards for contact sports, and most band students adapt to playing wind and brass instruments within a week or two.
How often will my child need appointments?+
About every 6–8 weeks for adjustments. Appointments are typically 20–30 minutes. We offer after-school scheduling so kids don't miss class.
Do you accept dental insurance for kids' braces?+
Yes. We accept most major dental insurance plans, including CareSource, and our team files claims for you. Bring your insurance card to your first visit and we'll confirm your benefits.
After-Hours Help
Kids' braces emergency guide
Most orthodontic emergencies are manageable at home until the next business day. Here's what to do — and when to reach us immediately.
Broken or loose bracket
- Save any broken pieces and bring them to the next visit.
- Cover the loose bracket with orthodontic wax to protect the cheek.
- If a wire is poking, use wax or a clean pencil eraser to gently push it flat.
- Call us the next business day so we can schedule a repair.
Knocked or displaced tooth
- Find the tooth and hold it by the crown (top), never the root.
- Rinse gently with milk or saline; do not scrub or dry it.
- If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and bite down on gauze.
- Call us immediately — or go to the nearest emergency dentist / ER.
Soreness or pain
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritated gums.
- Floss gently around the painful area to remove trapped food.
- Use a cold compress on the cheek and an age-appropriate pain reliever.
- Call if pain is severe, swollen, or lasts more than 48 hours.
Need help right now?
Call your home office. For life-threatening injuries, severe facial trauma, or bleeding that won't stop, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room first.
When to go straight to the ER
- • Severe facial trauma or jaw fracture
- • Uncontrolled bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
- • Trouble breathing or swallowing
- • Knocked-out permanent tooth — time sensitive
Your child's best smile starts here.
Reach out by phone, email, or Instagram @kulkarniorthodontics to get started at our Springboro or Wilmington office.
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