If you or your children have questions about getting braces, it’s important to ask trained and caring professionals who can answer your questions. Our goal at Sunrise Orthodontics is to make sure everyone feels comfortable when they come see us. No matter your children’s age, we know seeing the dentist might not always be easy.
But we’re focused on an inclusive experience that gives children and parents the knowledge they need to make the right decisions for their oral and dental health. When it comes to braces, there’s a lot to learn. Here are some of the most important questions to get started on the process.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
By the time kids are around seven years old, it’s possible to get a good idea of whether they’ll need braces. That’s the time when most children have lost a lot of their baby teeth. Having their permanent teeth come in helps an orthodontist see if those teeth are coming in straight and even if they need adjustment. Usually, children who get braces do so between eight and 14 years of age. However, there may be cases where a child needs corrective intervention earlier or where getting braces is a decision made later in life.
Some children look forward to their braces because they know they’ll have a great smile when they’re done. For pre-teens getting braces, it’s also a signal that their teen years are getting closer. That’s an exciting time in life and one that a lot of children are focused on because they want to grow up and have a great experience. Braces are a big part of that for a lot of children, and the goal is to make their time with braces as comfortable as possible.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs to See an Orthodontist?
Most children should see an orthodontist in order to make sure their teeth are coming in correctly. If you have a general dentist, they may also recommend an orthodontist if they see signs of crooked teeth or other concerns. Taking children to the dentist from an early age is the key to making sure they have good oral health and straight teeth as they get older. If your child needs braces, or it looks like they might need them when they get a little older, it’s a good idea to find that out early on and start planning for them.
Keep in mind that braces aren’t just for crooked teeth. They may also be needed for a “bad” bite, such as an overbite or underbite. This is called a malocclusion, and braces can help correct it. If you notice your child’s teeth are coming in crooked or if they seem to have difficulty with their bite or chewing, it may be time for an orthodontist visit. Their regular dentist may also suggest this visit, and you can ask them what specific concerns they’re seeing when they make that recommendation.
What to Expect When Getting Braces for Kids?
The first visit to the orthodontist usually consists of a thorough examination of the teeth and jaw to see what kinds of concerns are present and how significant those issues might be. There are also usually questions about whether your child has had any problems with chewing or swallowing or whether their jaw clicks or pops at any time. Checking your child’s bite will probably be part of the examination, too. That way, it’s easy to see whether braces are going to be needed and come up with a plan to correct any dental issues your child is experiencing.
X-rays and a mold of your child’s teeth may be part of the first visit, too, and can give the orthodontist more information. If your child needs braces, there are several kinds. Which one will be right depends on the problem that’s being corrected, its severity, and other factors. The standard metal braces are the most common, but clear or white ceramic braces may also be an option.
For children who need more significant corrective intervention, headgear may need to be worn at night. Children who need less correction to their teeth could have the opportunity for a clear aligner instead of actual braces.
The Cost of Braces
We know that orthodontic treatment is a big investment, but we don’t want this to be the reason someone holds back from making a worthwhile decision to achieve a healthier and more confident smile for themselves, a child, or a loved one. We will work hard to make a payment plan that fits your budget! We accept assignments from most insurance plans. In many cases, your orthodontic benefit will reduce your out-of-pocket cost even further. We conveniently take care of all of this for you by submitting your claim directly from our office, so you don’t have to!
