WildSmiles Braces: Are Fun Brackets Really Worth It for Kids?

• WildSmiles braces are real metal braces with fun-shaped brackets (hearts, stars, footballs, flowers, etc.) designed to make orthodontic treatment more enjoyable for kids and teens.
• WildSmiles work just like traditional braces in terms of tooth movement and results but add extra style and personalization with shapes and colored elastics.
• Eagle Rock Orthodontics offers WildSmiles Braces at its Eagle Rock office and serves nearby communities like Glendale, Highland Park, Los Angeles, and Pasadena. A free initial consultation and flexible payment options may be available.
• WildSmiles is priced similarly to traditional braces. Your consultation is the best place to confirm what applies to your child’s specific treatment plan.
• Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Garen Utudjian to see shape samples in person and find out if WildSmiles are a good fit for your child.

What Are WildSmiles Braces?

If your child feels nervous about getting braces, you’re not alone, and there’s good news. WildSmiles are designer braces with shaped brackets that turn orthodontic correction into something your young patient can actually look forward to. Instead of the standard square bracket design, WildSmiles let kids express their personality right on their teeth.

WildSmiles features fun bracket designs like hearts, stars, flowers, and footballs, plus themed collections that can help kids feel more excited about treatment. The brackets work like traditional braces to guide tooth movement while adding shapes that show when your child smiles.

This option is especially popular for elementary and middle school patients who feel self-conscious about braces. Choosing a design that matches their personality can make treatment feel more comfortable and confidence-boosting. Your orthodontist can walk you through the available options during your visit.

How WildSmiles Braces Work

Here’s something that helps parents feel confident: the science and mechanics behind WildSmiles are exactly the same as regular braces. Your child gets the same orthodontic correction, just with more personality.

The basic components include:

WildSmiles works using the same overall mechanics as traditional braces: brackets and an archwire apply controlled forces to guide teeth into better alignment over time. Your orthodontist will recommend the right schedule and treatment approach based on your child’s specific bite, goals, and growth.

Adjustments still happen every 6–10 weeks, just like with standard braces. Treatment time is typically the same as traditional metal braces (usually 18–24 months depending on the case) when worn and cared for properly. The bracket shape doesn’t change how your child’s teeth move; it just makes the braces journey more enjoyable.

WildSmiles Shapes, Styles, and Collections

Think of WildSmiles as a “pick your style” braces option. Your child gets to begin treatment with shapes and colors that feel uniquely theirs, which can make all the difference in how they approach their smile transformation.

Main shape themes commonly available include:

• Hearts – A classic choice for kids who want something sweet.
• Stars – Popular with kids who want to shine.
• Flowers – A fun option for spring vibes year-round.
• Footballs – Great for young athletes and sports fans.
• Diamonds – A subtle but noticeable geometric look.
• Sports balls – Basketball, soccer, baseball designs.

Kids can often choose shapes and colors that match their personality, which can make the braces experience feel more positive and personal. Your orthodontist can help your child choose options that fit their smile and treatment plan.

Colored bands add another layer of customization. Kids can match their school colors, support their favorite team, celebrate holiday themes, or simply choose their favorite colors each visit. The elastic bands get changed at every adjustment appointment, so there’s always a chance to try something new.

Benefits of WildSmiles for Kids, Teens, and Parents

WildSmiles can turn anxiety about braces into excitement and ownership. When kids have a say in how their braces look, they often feel more positive about the entire treatment process, and that enthusiasm carries over into better cooperation with care instructions.

For kids:

• Confidence to smile freely at school, in photos, and during special events.
• A way to show personality and stand out in a fun way.
• Conversation starters with friends who notice the cool shapes.
• Something to look forward to at adjustment appointments.

For teens:

• Option to choose more subtle, coordinated color schemes.
• Shapes that feel unique but not “too kiddie.”
• Even more personality than standard braces offer.

For parents:

• Same clinical results as traditional braces.
• High-quality, biocompatible materials you can trust.
• A happy child who stays engaged throughout treatment.

When kids feel excited about their braces, they’re often more motivated to keep up with daily care and appointments. Good brushing and flossing habits are still essential with any braces system, including WildSmiles.

Comfort, Care, and Daily Maintenance

Caring for WildSmiles is almost identical to caring for traditional braces. The shaped brackets don’t require special techniques, just consistent attention to keeping teeth and brackets clean.

Basic hygiene routine:

• Brush after meals with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Carefully brush around each shaped bracket, angling the brush to reach all surfaces.
• Spend at least two minutes brushing each time.

Flossing tools that help:

• Floss threaders to get under the archwire.
• Orthodontic flossers designed for braces.
• Water flossers (a nice add-on many families enjoy).
• Interdental brushes for cleaning around bracket edges.

Foods to avoid:

• Hard candies.
• Sticky caramels and taffy.
• Chewing ice.
• Very crunchy chips.
• Popcorn kernels.
• Chewy candies.

Occasional soreness after adjustments is normal. This temporary discomfort usually lasts a day or two and can be managed with orthodontic wax on any brackets that rub, soft foods for the first day, and over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by your orthodontist.

WildSmiles vs. Traditional Braces and Other Options

Choosing the right braces option depends on your child’s age, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

WildSmiles and traditional metal braces use similar overall mechanics to guide tooth movement. The main difference is the look: WildSmiles uses shaped brackets for added personalization.

Ceramic (clear) braces are a good option for patients who prefer a more discreet look. They blend with tooth color but don’t offer the fun shapes that make WildSmiles stand out.

Clear aligners like Invisalign are a removable option and require consistent wear to work as planned. Your orthodontist can explain whether aligners or braces are the best fit based on your child’s needs.

At Eagle Rock Orthodontics, Dr. Utudjian reviews each patient’s bite, age, and goals to recommend whether WildSmiles, standard braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign is the best fit. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on what works for your family.

Cost, Insurance, and Financing for WildSmiles Braces

Many families assume “designer” braces must cost much more than regular braces. That’s usually not the case with WildSmiles.

In most cases, fees for WildSmiles are comparable to traditional metal braces in the Los Angeles area. The shaped brackets don’t come with a premium price tag that puts them out of reach for most families.

During your consultation, the office can review treatment options and explain pricing and payment choices. If WildSmiles is a fit for your child, you’ll be able to review the estimated cost and available financing options before making a decision.

WildSmiles at Eagle Rock Orthodontics

Eagle Rock Orthodontics offers WildSmiles Braces from its Eagle Rock office and serves nearby areas including Glendale, Highland Park, Los Angeles, and Pasadena. The team can help you compare WildSmiles with other options and choose what fits your child best.

Dr. Garen Utudjian brings over 15 years of experience to every treatment plan. He earned his undergraduate degree with high honors from UC Berkeley, completed dental school at the University of Southern California, and finished his orthodontic residency at Roseman University of Health Sciences. His hands-on, people-first approach means your child gets personalized attention throughout their braces journey.

Our full spectrum of care includes:

• WildSmiles braces.
• Traditional metal braces.
• Ceramic braces.
• Invisalign and other clear aligners.
• Early/Phase 1 treatment.
• Retainers.

We use digital imaging and modern planning tools to customize each WildSmiles treatment plan to your child’s specific bite and growth patterns. This technology allows us to confirm tooth positions, predict movement, and ensure the ultimate braces experience for your child.

Families are welcome to visit one of our Los Angeles-area locations for a complimentary exam. Your child can see and touch actual WildSmiles brackets and pick out favorite shapes before treatment begins.

What to Expect at Your Child’s WildSmiles Consultation

The consultation is relaxed, informative, and kid-friendly. We want your child to feel comfortable and excited about the possibility of a wild smile, not nervous or overwhelmed.

What happens during the visit:

1. Health and dental history review – We’ll request information about your child’s dental background and any concerns.
2. Photos and imaging – Digital X-rays or 3D scans as needed (our scanners work in under 3 minutes with no messy putty).
3. Clinical exam – Dr. Utudjian examines teeth, jaws, and bite alignment.
4. Treatment discussion – We explain whether WildSmiles are a good option and how long treatment is likely to take.
5. Shape and color sampling – Kids can view shape options, test color combinations, and ask questions.

This step verifies that WildSmiles are the right match for your child’s orthodontic needs. We’ll also discuss other choices like Invisalign Teen or ceramic braces if those might be better suited to your child’s situation.

Kids often enjoy picking their shapes and colors during the consultation. They can ask questions about comfort, school activities, and sports. By the end of the appointment, parents leave with a clear, written treatment plan, estimated costs, and payment options.

There’s no pressure to start the same day, but the option is available if you’re ready to proceed.

FAQs About WildSmiles Braces

Are WildSmiles braces only for young children, or can teens use them too?

While WildSmiles are especially popular for elementary and middle school kids, many younger teens also enjoy the fun shapes and color combinations. The key is matching shapes to the patient’s personality and age.

Dr. Utudjian can help older patients choose shapes and color themes that feel age-appropriate and match their personal style. Hearts or stars paired with coordinated colored elastics can look stylish rather than childish on a younger teen.

For high-schoolers wanting something more discreet, ceramic braces or Invisalign are also available options at Eagle Rock Orthodontics. If your teen wants something more discreet, your orthodontist can also discuss other treatment options that may fit their goals and lifestyle.

Can my child switch from WildSmiles to regular brackets later on?

In most cases, brackets can be changed during treatment if there’s a strong reason. However, this does require additional chair time and may include an extra fee. It’s not something we recommend unless truly necessary.

We advise families to think through bracket style at the beginning of treatment. Let your child participate in choosing shapes and colors they’ll enjoy. When kids feel ownership of their braces, they’re often more positive about treatment and more likely to follow care instructions.

Any desire to change systems mid-treatment should be discussed directly with the orthodontist to review pros, cons, and potential impact on cost and schedule.

Do WildSmiles brackets make it harder to keep teeth clean?

Although the shapes look different, cleaning around WildSmiles is very similar to cleaning around standard braces. The human complete approach to hygiene works the same way: consistent brushing and flossing around each bracket.

Recommended tools include:

• Interdental brushes for shaped edges.
• Floss threaders to get under the wire.
• Water flossers for thorough cleaning.

One advantage: the WildSmiles bracket pad extends beyond the tie-wings, which helps protect tooth enamel and makes it easier to spot areas that need more attention. If you can see the shape clearly, brushing has been thorough.

Eagle Rock Orthodontics provides brushing and flossing instructions and demonstrates techniques on the day WildSmiles are placed. We support families throughout treatment to prevent plaque buildup.

Can my child play sports or musical instruments with WildSmiles braces?

Kids can continue most sports and band activities while wearing WildSmiles, just as with regular braces. The brackets don’t interfere with athletic performance or musical ability.

For contact or collision sports, a properly fitted mouthguard is essential. This helps protect teeth, brackets, and soft tissues from impact. We can recommend mouthguard options that work well with braces.

Some wind or brass instrument players may need a short adjustment period. This is similar to any braces, not unique to WildSmiles. Almost all students adapt quickly with a few simple comfort tips from our office. We’re happy to offer support and confirm your account of any issues during follow-up visits.

How soon should we schedule a WildSmiles evaluation for our child?

Many orthodontists, including Dr. Utudjian, recommend a first evaluation around age 7. At this age, permanent teeth are starting to come in and jaw growth patterns are easier to assess.

Kids don’t usually get full WildSmiles braces at age 7. Early exams help identify whether Phase 1 (early) treatment may be helpful to guide growth before comprehensive braces later. Think of it as a security check on your child’s developing smile.

Families in Eagle Rock, Glendale, Pasadena, Highland Park, and surrounding neighborhoods can book a free consultation any time they or their dentist notice crowding, bite issues, or concerns about their child’s smile. There’s no need to retry later; if you’re ready now, proceeding with an evaluation is the first step toward a smile your child can feel confident about.

Ready to see if WildSmiles braces are right for your child? Schedule a free consultation at Eagle Rock Orthodontics. Dr. Garen Utudjian and our team will ensure your family has all the information needed to make the best choice. Visit us in Eagle Rock, Glendale, Pasadena, or Highland Park—your child’s braces journey can begin with a smile they’re proud to show off.