When parents search for a pediatric orthodontist, they usually want two things: an orthodontist who is excellent with children, and an office where a seven-year-old feels at home. At Montgomery, Prattville & Pike Road Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics, kids’ orthodontics happens inside a practice built around children. Our board-certified orthodontists work under the same roof as our pediatric dentists, in offices with child-sized chairs and decor kids love.
What Is a Pediatric Orthodontist?
“Pediatric orthodontist” isn’t a separate dental specialty. It’s how most families describe an orthodontist who treats children, and the training that matters is orthodontic specialty training. An orthodontist completes dental school and then a residency in orthodontics, focused on how teeth and jaws grow and how to guide them.
Both of our orthodontists, Dr. Rob Owen and Dr. Frank Litchfield, are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. They treat children, teens and adults, and they see current pediatric dentistry patients of the practice as well as children who see another dentist for routine care.
Meet Our Orthodontists
Dr. Rob Owen is a Montgomery native. He attended dental school at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and earned his Master of Science and Certification in Orthodontics from the University of Iowa. He is board certified with the American Board of Orthodontics, is a past President of the Alabama Association of Orthodontics, and was voted “Best Orthodontist” in the Montgomery Advertiser’s Best of the River Region Community Choice Awards 2025.
Dr. Frank Litchfield is also a Montgomery native. He completed both dental school and his orthodontic residency at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and is board certified with the American Board of Orthodontics. He lives in Pike Road with his family and coaches his children’s teams.
Our pediatric dentists include Dr. John Payne, Dr. David Stanley, Dr. Davis Denney and Dr. Andrew Owens. Dr. Stanley, Dr. Denney and Dr. Owens are board certified with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Meet all of our doctors.
Why a Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Practice Helps Kids
- A child-friendly setting. Our team is trained to help children feel comfortable and to turn anxiety into enjoyment. Child-sized chairs and fun office decor help too.
- Dentists and orthodontists who work together. Our pediatric dentists and orthodontists practice together, so a child who already sees our dental team can move into orthodontic care in a familiar office.
- Easier scheduling for families. We can co-schedule appointments, see siblings in the same time slots, and combine routine dental visits with orthodontic appointments where possible.
- Open to every family. Orthodontic patients do not have to be pediatric dentistry patients here. Children who see another dentist for routine care are welcome for a free orthodontic consultation.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
Along with the American Association of Orthodontists, we recommend an orthodontic exam at age seven. Most children don’t need braces that young. The point of an early exam is to look at how the teeth are coming in and how the jaws are developing while there’s still time to guide growth.
Signs that make an earlier visit worthwhile include:
- Crowded, crooked or widely spaced teeth
- Front teeth that stick out or a bite that looks off
- Upper teeth that sit behind the lower teeth
- Chronic mouth breathing or snoring
Read more in When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
Your child’s first orthodontic exam is free. Here’s what to expect:
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Records | We take facial and intraoral photos, plus X-rays if needed. |
| Exam | One of our orthodontists examines your child’s teeth and bite and talks with you about eruption and development. |
| Recommendation | We explain whether treatment is needed now, later or not at all. |
| Next steps | If treatment is recommended, our treatment coordinator reviews financial options and explains your orthodontic insurance benefit. |
If no treatment is needed yet, your child joins our observation program. We’ll see them every six months to monitor their orthodontic needs as they grow into adolescence, so treatment starts at the right time.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children
Early Treatment and Airway Health
Some problems are easier to correct while a child is still growing. Guiding jaw development, for example by widening a narrow upper jaw with an expander, can make room for incoming teeth and can support easier nasal breathing. Our team also evaluates airway health, because chronic mouth breathing, snoring and other sleep-disordered breathing can affect a child’s growth, sleep and focus. Learn more on our airway page.
Braces for Kids
Braces remain the most familiar option for children and teens. We offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and gold braces. Treatment with braces usually takes about two years, though every case is different. If your child plays sports, they’ll need a mouthguard, and they’ll want to skip hard, chewy and sticky foods during treatment. See Braces for Kids and Types of Braces.
Invisalign for Kids
We typically see children for Invisalign at age seven or older. Kids wear a series of clear aligners, switching to the next set every few weeks. Because their teeth and jaws are still developing, Invisalign can be very effective for kids who keep their aligners in as directed. There are no food restrictions, since aligners come out for meals, and there are no brackets or wires to break. See Invisalign for Kids.
Retainers
Every treatment ends with a retainer to keep teeth from drifting back. We’ll walk your child through how to wear it and care for it. See Retainers.
Helping Kids Succeed in Treatment
Good habits make treatment faster and keep teeth healthy. Plaque that builds up around braces can leave permanent white marks, cavities or swollen gums, so we teach kids to brush after every meal or snack and floss every night, using a floss threader or pre-threaded floss to get under the wire. Wearing rubber bands and removable appliances as instructed matters too. When they’re skipped, treatment takes longer. Your child will get clear instructions and tips at every step.
Serving Families Across the River Region
We see children and teens from three convenient offices:
- Montgomery: 2600 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 · (334) 277-6690
- Prattville: 460 McQueen Smith Road, Prattville, AL 36066 · (334) 358-6411
- Pike Road: 9547 Vaughn Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 · (334) 675-9777
Our team also visits local preschools and elementary schools with the Tooth Fairy to help young children get comfortable with the dentist and orthodontist, and we sponsor schools throughout the area and volunteer with churches, youth leagues and charity events.
Ready to find out whether your child needs orthodontic care? Schedule a free orthodontic consultation or call the office closest to you.
Pediatric Orthodontics FAQs
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
We recommend a first orthodontic exam at age seven, following the American Association of Orthodontists. Most children won’t start treatment that early, but the exam shows whether anything needs watching.
Does my child have to be a patient of your pediatric dentists?
No. Children who see another dentist for routine care are welcome to schedule a free orthodontic consultation with our orthodontists.
Is the first orthodontic visit free?
Yes. Your child’s first orthodontic exam is free, and we’ll walk you through every option.
How much do braces for kids cost?
Our fees are based on treatment complexity. We offer many different payment plans, and our financial team will create one that meets your family’s needs and explain your orthodontic insurance benefit.