Children's Orthodontist in St. Louis Hills | Early Treatment, Braces & Aligners
Gentle Orthodontic Care from a Board-Certified Orthodontist & Fellow Mom
Saracino Orthodontics provides children's orthodontic care in St. Louis Hills for kids ages 7 and up. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Catherine Saracino offers early intervention braces, palate expanders, and Invisalign to guide healthy jaw development and prevent future alignment problems.
AAO recommends first orthodontic check-up by age 7
Early intervention can prevent more complex treatment later
Metal braces, Lightforce ceramic, and Invisalign for children
Grin app allows remote monitoring - fewer in-office visits
Free consultation for all new patients
As a parent, I treat our patients with the same care as my own children, recommending the best treatments for long-term oral health and beautiful smiles.
Our bright, friendly office offers a relaxed environment to ease anxieties, with post-appointment snacks and refreshments for everyone to enjoy.
The New Standard of Oral Health for Children & Adolescents
Proactive Treatment for Gentle Jaw and Facial Development
Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding the development of the jaw and facial structures in children and adolescents to address imbalances early on. Using appliances (like expanders), we can correct bite and spacing issues and promote proper alignment,to lay the foundation for a healthy, happy smile.
Early Intervention Builds Happier, Healthier Smiles
Orthodontic Treatment for Children Under 10
The American Board of Orthodontics recommends a first check-up with an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, we can assess developing adult teeth and jaws to spot issues early for easy mitigation and prevention.
We may find no treatment needed, opt for periodic check-ins to monitor development, or recommend early intervention to correct or prevent issues like underbites, crossbites, overcrowding, or the effects of thumbsucking.
Beyond Straight Teeth: Breathe Easier with Healthier Airways for Your Child
Early intervention orthodontics guides proper jaw development and palate expansion, allowing space for the tongue and effectively enhancing nasal airflow to reduce the risk of conditions such as mouth-breathing and obstructive sleep apnea.
What to Expect with Early Intervention Treatment
Once we assess x-rays and 3D-rendered images of your child’s mouth, a treatment plan is customized to their specific needs to support healthy growth and alignment for their jaws and teeth.
Comprehensive Orthodontics for Confident Smiles
Treatment for Children Ages 11 & Up
We offer a variety of comfortable and convenient treatment options specifically tailored to the needs of our older child and teen patients. Treatment Options Include:
Getting Started
We offer a simple onboarding process for patients of all ages. To learn more about next steps, please visit our New Patients Page.
If you’re ready to book your free consultation, we invite you to schedule an appointment by clicking below.
How Does the Grin® App Reduce In-Office Visits for Families?
Great for busy families, Grin® technology lets patients easily scan their smiles with their smartphone through the Grin® app. Dr. Saracino reviews scans virtually and provides in-app guidance and feedback throughout treatment, limiting the need for in-office visits and even shortening the duration of treatment.
Want to learn more? Schedule your free consultation!
Happy Families Who Made Us Smile
I had the most incredible experience at Saracino Orthodontics! ...The care that I received was individualized, thorough, and timely. It is evident that Dr. Saracino cares greatly for her patients and wants the best for them! I couldn’t recommend Saracino Orthodontics more!!
Nina Simon
Dr. Saracino is the best! She truly cares about each and every patient. Dr. Saracino is so knowledgeable...She really takes pride in her work and the results show just that! I highly recommend Saracino Orthodontics anyone looking for an orthodontist. You will not be disappointed!
Jennifer Ramshaw
Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Rita at the front desk is so kind and welcoming and gets you all set up with everything you’ll need! Everything was quick and easy, and they made sure you were comfortable and were very friendly. It was very reasonably priced!
Katie McNally
FAQs
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Saracino can identify early signs of jaw misalignment, crowding, underbites, and crossbites, even before all adult teeth have come in. Early assessment does not always mean early treatment; many children simply need monitoring. However, for cases that do benefit from early action, Phase 1 treatment can prevent more complex problems later.
What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment for children?
Phase 1 treatment (also called early intervention orthodontics) typically begins between ages 7 and 10, before all adult teeth have erupted. It uses appliances such as expanders to guide jaw development, correct bite issues, and create space for incoming adult teeth. At Saracino Orthodontics, Phase 1 treatment addresses underbites, crossbites, significant crowding, and habits like thumb-sucking. Successful Phase 1 treatment may reduce or eliminate the need for more complex Phase 2 treatment later.
Can orthodontic treatment help my child breathe better?
Yes, in some cases. Early orthodontic intervention, particularly palate expansion, can widen the upper jaw and improve nasal airflow, which may reduce mouth breathing and lower the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea in children. At Saracino Orthodontics, Dr. Saracino evaluates airway health as part of every new patient assessment for children. This is part of the dentofacial orthopedics approach used in Phase 1 treatment.
What braces options are available for children under 10?
For children under 10, Saracino Orthodontics offers limited braces (traditional metal or LightForce 3D-printed brackets on specific teeth), Angel Clear Aligners (3D-printed, removable), Invisalign for Kids, and functional appliances including expanders for jaw alignment. The right option depends on the child's specific needs, age, and compliance capability. Dr. Saracino discusses every available option at your child's free initial consultation and recommends the most effective approach for long-term results.
What is dentofacial orthopedics and how is it different from orthodontics?
Orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth. Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jawbones and facial structure, using appliances like expanders, headgear, and functional devices. At Saracino Orthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics is typically used in Phase 1 treatment for children aged 7 to 11, when the jaw is still growing and most responsive to guidance. It is most effective before growth plates close, which typically occurs in early adolescence.
How does the Grin app work for children's orthodontic treatment?
The Grin app, developed by Grinscope Health, allows families to submit smartphone scans of their child's teeth directly to Dr. Saracino from home. Dr. Saracino reviews each scan and provides guidance through the app, reducing the frequency of in-person visits during active treatment. This is particularly helpful for busy families with school and activity schedules. The Grin app is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.
Does my child need a referral to see Dr. Saracino at Saracino Orthodontics?
No referral is needed. Any parent can book a free consultation directly at Saracino Orthodontics without a referral from a dentist. However, many children are referred by their general dentist or paediatric dentist, who may notice early signs of orthodontic issues during routine check-ups. Dr. Saracino welcomes self-referrals and dental referrals alike. Book a free consultation at 314-649-8999 or through saracinoortho.com.
What should I expect at my child's first orthodontic appointment at Saracino Orthodontics?
At your child's first appointment, which is free, Dr. Saracino takes X-rays, photographs, and an iTero digital scan of your child's teeth and jaw. She then reviews the findings with you and discusses whether treatment is needed now, soon, or not yet. You will also receive information about treatment options and estimated costs. The entire appointment typically takes about one hour and is designed to be calm and comfortable for children of all ages.