18,000+ Young Smiles Transformed

El Dorado Hills' Most Trusted Orthodontist for Children & Teens

A child's smile is about far more than straight teeth. It is confidence in the cafeteria, comfort in class photos, and a foundation for lifelong oral health. When you choose Dr. Michael Guess for your child's orthodontic care, you are choosing the orthodontist nationally recognized and one who has helped more than 18,000 young patients just like yours.

Dr. Guess treats children and teenagers of all ages, from early interceptive treatment at age 7 through teen braces, Hybridis™ clear aligners, and Invisalign Teen. Every treatment plan is customized to your child's specific anatomy, growth pattern, and lifestyle.

Ages 7–9

Early evaluation recommended by the AAO. Interceptive treatment can prevent more serious issues later.

Ages 10–13

Primary window for braces and aligner treatment. Growth and development factors in treatment planning.

Ages 14–18

Teen orthodontics including Hybridis™ and Invisalign Teen. Social confidence matters — we have options.

Book Free Children's Consultation

The Hybridis Family — 18,000 smiles and counting, children and adults with Dr. Guess

Hybridis clear aligners by Dr. Guess — teen patient consultation

A Story Every Parent Will Recognize

"The Kid Who Never Smiled" — Until Dr. Guess

This is the story parents bring us. A child hiding their smile, covering their mouth, dreading photos. Then one visit to Dr. Guess changes everything.

Chapter 1 — The Kid Who Never Smiled

He covered his mouth in every photo. At lunch he kept his head down. His teeth had become his biggest source of shame.

Chapter 2 — A Mother's Hope

"Baby, there is someone special who can help you. They say he can fix any smile." She handed him a glowing business card: Dr. Michael Guess, Super Orthodontist.

Chapter 3 — The Promise

"I have seen cases far more complex than this. Trust me — when we are done, you will never want to stop smiling." Dr. Guess made the promise. And he kept it.

Chapter 5 — The Moment Everything Changed

The mirror. The perfect smile looking back. Tears of joy down both cheeks. Dr. Guess stood back, arms crossed. Another life changed.

Chapter 6: Grand Finale — boy smiling at school, Dr. Michael Guess Super Orthodontist 18,000 smiles

Chapter 6 — The Grand Finale

"He couldn't leap tall buildings — but he gave a boy his smile and changed his life forever." Dr. Michael Guess. Super Orthodontist. 18,000 smiles saved.

Your smile is worth saving — Dr. Guess reaching out to patient in dental chair

Your Child's Story

This story is told 18,000 times and counting. Your child's chapter is waiting to be written. A free consultation is the first step.

Early Intervention

Why the American Association of Orthodontists Recommends an Evaluation at Age 7

Catch Problems Early

Many orthodontic issues are far easier — and less expensive — to treat when caught during jaw development. A phase-one intervention at 7–9 can prevent surgical intervention at 16.

Guide Growth

Dr. Guess can use the natural growth of your child's jaw to guide teeth into better positions — a window that closes once growth is complete. This is not possible with adults.

Shorter Phase Two

Children who receive early interceptive treatment often have significantly shorter — or no — Phase Two treatment. That means less time in braces and less total cost.

Confidence at the Right Age

Completing orthodontic treatment before high school means your child enters those critical social years with the confidence of a great smile already in place.

Airway & Development

Dr. Guess's training includes airway health and facial development — an increasingly important dimension of children's orthodontics that most practitioners are not equipped to address.

Expert Eyes on Your Child

Even if no immediate treatment is needed, having One of America's Most Elite Orthodontists evaluate your child's development annually gives you peace of mind no parenting app can provide.

Treatment Options

Orthodontic Options for Every Child & Teenager

🦷 Traditional Braces

The gold standard for complex tooth movement. Metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth. Ideal for severe crowding, significant bite corrections, and younger patients who benefit from fixed treatment.

✨ Hybridis™ Clear Aligners

Dr. Guess's patented system. Virtually invisible, removable for eating, and averaging 14–21 months. Available for teens and older children who are responsible for their care. The preferred choice for image-conscious teenagers.

🔵 Invisalign Teen

The Invisalign system specifically designed for teenagers — with compliance indicators and replacement aligners built in. Administered by Dr. Guess with the expertise of elite nationally recognized orthodontist.

🌙 Phase One (Early) Treatment

Interceptive treatment for children ages 7–9 that addresses developing issues before they become serious problems. Often eliminates the need for extractions or more extensive treatment later.

😮‍💨 Airway Orthodontics

Treatment that considers your child's breathing, sleep quality, and facial development alongside tooth alignment. Dr. Guess's advanced training makes him one of a small number of orthodontists equipped to offer this approach.

🎖️ Pain-Free with Acupuncture

Dr. Guess is UCLA-certified in dental acupuncture and can use it to minimize discomfort during orthodontic treatment — an option almost no other local orthodontist offers.

Parent FAQ

Questions El Dorado Hills Parents Ask

When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn't mean treatment will start at 7 — in many cases Dr. Guess will simply monitor your child's development annually. But early evaluation allows him to spot developing issues while there is still a window to address them most effectively.

What is the difference between Hybridis™ and Invisalign Teen for my child?

Hybridis™ is Dr. Guess's patented system — developed by him personally based on 36+ years of clinical expertise and research. Invisalign Teen is a commercial product available from many providers. Hybridis™ often achieves results in fewer months and with greater precision, particularly for teen patients with more complex presentations. At your free consultation, Dr. Guess will recommend the best option for your child's specific case.

Is the free consultation really free — even for children?

Yes, 100% free for children and adults. No obligation, no pressure, no catch. Dr. Guess believes every family deserves access to an expert evaluation regardless of whether they choose to proceed with treatment. Call (916) 933-0123 to schedule.

How long will my child's treatment take?

With the Hybridis™ system, average treatment is 14–21 months. With traditional braces, the range is typically 18–24 months for children and teens. Complex cases may take longer. Dr. Guess will give you a personalized timeline estimate at your free consultation based on your child's specific situation.

My child is shy about their teeth. How does Dr. Guess handle anxious patients?

Dr. Guess and his team — many of whom have been with him for 20+ years — are experienced at putting anxious children and teens at ease. The office environment is welcoming, the consultations are low-pressure, and Dr. Guess takes the time to explain every step of the process in terms your child can understand. Many anxious patients become enthusiastic patients once they see the results Dr. Guess achieves.

Children & Teen Orthodontics — Dr. Michael Guess