When it comes to your child’s dental health, you want to make the best decisions to ensure they grow up with a healthy, confident smile. If your child needs braces, you probably have a lot of questions about the process, costs, and what to expect. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, Dr. Shawne Barron and her team are here to help parents navigate the orthodontic journey with ease. Below are some of the most common questions parents ask about braces for their child.
You try to protect your child from physical injuries like broken bones and skinned knees, but have you considered how to provide for their oral care to avoid dental and orthodontic issues as adults? Early visits to an orthodontist can save your child (and you!) money and time down the road, not to mention avoid some unwanted dental issues such as overbites, crossbites and crooked teeth.
At What Age Should My Child Get Braces?
The ideal age for braces depends on your child’s dental development and alignment needs. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean they’ll need braces right away, but early exams allow orthodontists to monitor jaw growth and tooth eruption.
Most children get braces between ages 9 and 14, once their permanent teeth have come in. However, some kids may benefit from early orthodontic treatment (also known as Phase 1 treatment) as young as 7 or 8 if they have significant jaw growth issues, severe crowding, or bite misalignment.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Braces?
There are several signs that your child may need braces, including:
- Crowded or crooked teeth that don’t fit together properly.
- Early or late loss of baby teeth, which can affect how permanent teeth come in.
- Bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
- Mouth breathing or difficulty closing lips completely.
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use, which can affect jaw growth.
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to misaligned teeth.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to determine if and when braces may be needed.
How Long Will My Child Wear Braces?
Orthodontic treatment is specific to each child and will depend on the placement and growth of your child’s teeth. For many patients needing medium level corrections, treatment can be completed in as little as 12-18 months, if your child is diligent about sticking to their orthodontist’s advice.
For more complex needs, extreme crossbite, overbite or underbite, treatment can take up to 36 months. Your orthodontist will be able to provide an estimate of how long treatment could take from beginning to end after one to two appointments.
Are Kids’ Braces Painful?
Braces can be unpleasant to begin with, no matter whether they are going into a kid’s mouth or an adult’s. Your child might be nervous, anxious or stressed at the thought of a foreign object in their mouth, particularly if they are associating braces with a painful experience. Talking to your child about the transition their teeth will go through and reassuring them that the pain will pass can help to ease worries before the braces are put on.
While the first few days up to two weeks can be uncomfortable and may be painful, there are a few remedies to aid with this discomfort until your child’s mouth has adjusted to the pressure:
- Enjoy soup and soft food, especially the first few days
- Ice cream, frozen yogurt or popsicles to help with swelling and relieve pain
- Rinse with saltwater
- Apply the provided orthodontic wax to irritated areas of the mouth and gums
- OTC pain meds, but be sure to ask your orthodontist before use
- Ice-pack on the cheeks
We know you hate to see your child in any sort of pain, but take comfort in knowing that the pain and tenderness will pass and the result will be a beautiful smile your child and you can both be proud of!
What Types of Braces Are Available for Kids?
There are several orthodontic options available for children, depending on their needs and preferences:
- Traditional Metal Braces: These are the most common and effective braces, using metal brackets and wires to shift teeth into place. They are durable and often the most affordable option.
- Ceramic Braces: These work like metal braces but have tooth-colored brackets that blend in with the teeth, making them less noticeable.
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign): These removable trays are a great option for older kids and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues. They are nearly invisible and allow for easier eating and cleaning.
- Lingual Braces: These braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside. However, they may not be suitable for all children.
Dr. Barron at Ahava Orthodontics can help you determine the best option based on your child’s needs and lifestyle.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces varies depending on the type of braces and the complexity of treatment. On average:
- Metal braces: $3,000 – $7,500
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 – $8,500
- Invisalign (clear aligners): $3,500 – $8,500
At Ahava Orthodontics, we offer lower prices than most other orthodontists and we offer flexible payment plans and financing options. If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover part of the cost of braces.
How Do I Make Sure My Child’s Teeth Stay Clean With Braces?
Dental hygiene while wearing braces is very important to the well-being of your child’s teeth. While it is more difficult to brush and floss around the wires and brackets, it is well worth it to help your child learn how to clean their teeth and braces appropriately, so there aren’t any stains left on their teeth after the braces are removed.
Brushing after any meals and before bedtime is necessary to keep your child’s teeth and their braces clean. Food easily gets stuck in braces and if left there can cause discoloration on your child’s teeth. Flossing is also important and more difficult while wearing braces, so your orthodontic team will show you and your child how to floss appropriately. Using mouthwash is still recommended as it can swish through the hard to reach areas of your child’s mouth and help as another line of defense against cavities.
Will My Child Need A Retainer?
Yes, your child will need to wear a retainer after their braces have been taken off. A retainer is used to help your child’s teeth to stay in place as he or she continues to grow. If your child doesn’t wear their retainer, their teeth may revert to their crooked positioning or worse, rendering the work done by the braces useless.
Children’s Orthodontic Treatment In Fort Worth
Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth is a trusted spot for orthodontic treatment by kids and parents alike. Our staff is experienced with young patients and we provide gentle and thoughtful care as we know braces are a big step for your child!Contact our office today for a consultation.
