Giving Growing Smiles the Best Start
Benefits of early orthodontic treatment
- Creates space for developing teeth and guides healthy jaw growth
- Helps avoid removing permanent teeth due to crowding
- Supports better speech development in growing kids
- Reduces the chance of needing future oral surgery
Caring for Growing Smiles in Milwaukee and Beyond
Gentle Orthodontic Care for Growing Smiles
Every child deserves to feel confident when they smile — and to have a healthy, comfortable bite that lasts a lifetime. At Griffin Orthodontics, we’re here to guide that process with care, honesty, and personalized treatment built around your child’s needs.
Many orthodontic concerns like crowding, spacing, bite problems, or jaw growth issues can be corrected early — often making treatment simpler and more comfortable down the road.
Depending on your child’s smile, Dr. David J. Griffin may recommend:
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Palatal Expanders — to create space and guide healthy jaw growth
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Clear Aligners — a discreet way to straighten teeth without brackets or wires
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LightForce Braces — fully customized braces designed for faster, more precise results
With over 30 years of experience caring for Milwaukee-area families, Dr. Griffin knows that orthodontic treatment isn’t just about teeth — it’s about building trust, reducing stress, and creating a positive experience for every patient (and parent).

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
It’s a question we hear often—and the answer might surprise you.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, we can start to detect subtle issues with jaw growth, bite alignment, and tooth development—even if baby teeth are still in place.
This doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away. In fact, most kids don’t start treatment until later. But early checkups help us keep an eye on how their smile is developing and guide things in the right direction—before small concerns turn into bigger problems.
Watch this quick video from the AAO to learn more about early orthodontic evaluations:
Real Patients Cases
- 40 Weeks
Ready to Learn More About Your Child’s Smile?
Let’s talk! Schedule a free consultation today — we’ll answer your questions, evaluate your child’s needs, and help you feel confident about their next steps.
Orthodontic treatment length depends on each patient’s case, but most people at Griffin Orthodontics complete treatment in about 12 to 24 months. Minor adjustments or early-phase treatments can take less than a year, while more complex cases (for example, significant bite corrections) might take up to about 2 years. Whether you choose LightForce braces or Spark Clear Aligners, our West Allis orthodontist will give you an estimated timeframe after evaluating your smile. With modern techniques and regular check-ups, we make sure your treatment stays on schedule as much as possible. Remember, following your orthodontist’s instructions (like wearing aligners as directed or keeping appointments) also helps finish your treatment on time.
Yes. Griffin Orthodontics treats patients of all ages – children, teens, and adults – at our West Allis and Oak Creek offices. For children, we offer early evaluations (usually around age 7) and treatments like palatal expanders or early-phase braces to guide jaw growth and make future corrections easier. Teens can get traditional braces (with options like clear or LightForce braces) or clear aligners like Spark for a nearly invisible option during high school years. Adults are also welcome – it’s never too late to improve your smile, and we provide discreet treatment choices such as ceramic braces or Spark Clear Aligners to fit adults’ lifestyles. Our team personalizes treatment plans for each age group to ensure the best results and a comfortable experience.

Griffin Orthodontics in West Allis offers a full range of orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages. These include LightForce 3D-printed bracket braces (advanced traditional braces tailored to your teeth), Spark Clear Aligners (nearly invisible trays to straighten teeth), and palatal expanders for growing children who need jaw expansion. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a child, teen, or adult, this West Allis, WI orthodontist provides modern solutions to help everyone achieve a healthy, aligned smile.
Orthodontic treatment costs can vary based on the length and complexity of care. For most cases requiring 12 to 36 months of treatment, the average cost ranges from $3,800 to $6,500. If your child needs early interceptive treatment, which typically lasts 8 to 15 months, costs may be up to $3,600. Every smile is unique, so we’re here to provide personalized care that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Yes! Spark clear aligners can be a great option for young athletes since there are no brackets or wires to worry about. The aligners can be removed during games or practices if needed, making it easier to wear a standard sports mouthguard. Discuss this option with your orthodontist to see if Spark clear aligners is suitable for your child. If your interested in the difference between Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign look here!
Resources & Support
Straight Talk: Navigating Your Orthodontic Journey
From expert advice on choosing the right braces to tips on maintaining your oral health during treatment, our articles aim to empower you on your journey to a beautiful, confident smile.
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Other Services Offered

LightForce Braces
Traditional Personalized Braces for All Ages Introduction to LightForce Brackets LightForce braces represent the cutting edge of orthodontic technology. Unlike traditional braces, which use generic brackets and wires, LightForce offers a fully customized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique dental anatomy. By combining advanced 3D printing technology with digital treatment planning, LightForce provides a more […]
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PALATAL Expanders
What is a palatal expander? Palatal Expander: A Gentle Solution for Orthodontic Alignment A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance designed to gently widen the upper jaw, creating more space in the mouth. This device is commonly used for children and adolescents whose jaws are still developing, making it easier to address issues such as […]
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Spark Clear Aligners
Straighten Your Smile with Spark Clear Aligners in Milwaukee Looking for a clear, comfortable, and nearly invisible alternative to braces? At Griffin Orthodontics, we offer Spark Clear Aligners—the next generation of clear aligner technology designed for precision, comfort, and results. Whether you’re a busy professional, a college student, or a parent on the go, Spark […]
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Adult Orthodontics
Confident Smiles at Every Age: Advanced Adult Orthodontics in Milwaukee Are you ready to achieve the straight, healthy smile you’ve always wanted? Discover the power of advanced orthodontic treatments at Griffin Orthodontics in Milwaukee. Since 2003 Dr. David J. Griffin, and 20+ years of experience, Dr. Griffin offers cutting-edge solutions for patients of all ages. […]
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