New Patients · For Children
Orthodontic care designed for growing smiles.
5.0★ on Google · 67 reviews · LA Top Orthodontist 2025
Maybe their bite looks off when they smile. Maybe their pediatric dentist mentioned crowding. Maybe they've started losing baby teeth in odd places. Or maybe you just heard "kids should see an orthodontist by age seven" and you're wondering if that's right.
You're in the right place. Here's how we think about kids at SmileHaus.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By that age, enough permanent teeth have erupted for an orthodontist to spot — and gently guide — issues that are far easier to address while a child is still growing.
That doesn't mean every seven-year-old needs braces. Far from it. Most kids who come in for a first visit don't need any treatment at all — they just need to be on our radar.
At your child's first visit, Dr. Thompson is looking for:
If any of these are present, a short Phase 1 treatment now can mean faster, simpler treatment when their adult teeth come in. If nothing's wrong, we put your child on a six-month observation schedule — no charge, no pressure.
When early treatment is indicated, it typically runs eight to twelve months and addresses a specific, targeted goal — make space for adult teeth, correct a crossbite, guide jaw growth. It's not "braces for kids." It's targeted intervention that often prevents more complex treatment later.
Phase 1 isn't always followed by Phase 2 — sometimes Phase 1 is all your child will ever need. When Phase 2 is needed (typically as a teen), the case is usually faster and simpler because Phase 1 set the foundation.
FAQ
Our team is built around making kids comfortable. Most kids leave their first visit asking when they can come back.
The right age for evaluation is seven — for treatment, it depends entirely on the case. We don't believe in treating just because we can.
Then we won't recommend it. Period. Dr. Thompson takes a conservative, growth-respecting approach. Many kids leave their first visit with a "see you in six months" plan and nothing else.
Treatment cost varies by case. Your first visit is complimentary, and you'll leave with a written fee quote if treatment is recommended. We offer financing plans designed for family budgets.
It's free, it's friendly, and it takes about 45 minutes:
You'll leave knowing exactly where your child stands.
Patient voices
We are truly at a loss for words to express how grateful we are for Dr. Thompson and her incredible team. After nearly four years, our daughter just had her braces removed, marking the end of a long journey toward building her beautiful smile. From the beginning, Dr. Thompson never hesitated to take on her complex case, and she guided us every step of the way with compassion and expertise.
We cannot thank Dr. Karla Thompson and her amazing team enough for the incredible care they provided our son throughout his braces journey. From the very beginning to the exciting day he got them off, they were encouraging, supportive, and truly hands-on every step of the way. Dr. Thompson not only gave our son a beautiful smile, but she and her staff also made the entire process a positive experience. They were always patient, kind, and willing to answer our questions, which made us feel comfortable and confident. We are so grateful for the dedication and care they put into making this journey a success. Thank you, Dr. Thompson and team, for going above and beyond — you've made such a difference for our son and our family! We highly recommend them to anyone looking for orthodontic care.
Excellent experience so far! We're right in the middle of it with our son and couldn't be more appreciative of how they do their work. We haven't hesitated to give a few of our family friends their contact information when asking about an orthodontist. Our son's alignment has vastly improved while not having much discomfort.
Your child's first visit is complimentary — no charge to find out where they stand.