It’s a common misconception that braces are predominantly for teenagers when in reality, braces are meant for all ages! As long as a patient’s mouth is healthy and needs corrective treatment, they are candidates for braces. Children are no exception to this rule. Kids’ mouths are still forming, and this can make it easier to fix problems that may prove trickier once the jaw is set. If you believe your child could benefit from braces, we are excited to help you start this journey and want to work with you to make sure your child has the best oral health possible.
When Should My Child Get Braces
Kids are encouraged to come in for a consultation with Dr. Brent and Dr. Smith as soon as they start getting their permanent teeth. During the appointment, your child’s doctor can assess the needs of the child and make a decision about whether or not braces are necessary now or at some point in the future.
It’s important to remember that braces are not just about looks, but good oral health as well. The earlier a patient comes in, the sooner we can spot future issues and attempt to prevent any small problems from growing into anything more serious. Braces can be used to fix conditions such as overcrowding, misalignment, and more.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs to See an Orthodontist?
While there are dentists who will refer children to see orthodontists, don’t feel the need to wait! If you spot a tooth that is growing in crooked or your child’s bite looks off, you can come directly to the source, and we will get you in for a free consultation. Here are some issues that may need to be addressed with orthodontics sooner rather than later:
- Crooked or overlapping teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Underbite or Overbite
- Issues caused by accidents or prolonged thumb-sucking
If you have noticed any areas of concern, we are happy to look at your child’s teeth and, if needed, come up with a conservative and efficient approach to head off any problems that may grow with time. From here, we can discuss treatment options and payment plans should corrective treatment be necessary.
What to Expect When Getting Braces for Kids
We know that when you are investing in something such as braces, you want to make sure your investment is being taken care of. Braces can be a bit tricky for children to keep clean when following their normal routine, so it is important to stress the importance of flossing to get the bits of food that can hide behind wires and brackets. We suggest using flossers to ease the process for your little one. Brushing doesn’t always do the trick, so your child may need assistance in this area until they get the hang of braces care.
Patients should continue getting regular check-ups and cleanings from their general dentist, as this will help maintain oral health during their treatment. We don’t want any issues like gum disease or cavities to interfere with them getting a healthy smile they can be proud of.
To ensure there is no damage to the braces, kids will need to avoid foods that are sticky, chewy, or hard. This is because these foods are known for breaking brackets and pulling at wires. No one wants to deal with a poking wire in their mouth, so removing these foods from their diet, for the time being, will help them in the long run.
Typically, treatment length ranges from one to two years. This time frame does vary from patient to patient, so to get a clearer idea of how long your child will need to stay in braces, you will want to schedule a consultation with our team. If the problems being fixed are more extensive, this could elongate the process.
The Cost of Braces
The cost of braces has become more manageable than ever with flexible financing options and assistance from insurance. We believe that everyone deserves to look in the mirror and see a smile they love, so we are committed to helping you get the treatment you need at a price that won’t break the bank.
Join the Peach Orthodontics family and contact us today for your free consultation with Dr. Brent Rickheim, Dr. Brendan Smith, and our team.