At SoCO Smiles Orthodontics, we always craft treatment plans with our patient’s best interests at heart. This is why we will never push unnecessarily early treatment upon our younger treatments if we don’t believe it will serve them well in the long run. However, braces go beyond improving aesthetics and can be vital in protecting your child’s future smile by correcting small problems that could grow with time. If you decide the corrective treatment is right for your little one, braces are an amazing and time-tested appliance that delivers consistently beautiful results for patients of all ages.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
There are a variety of reasons your child may benefit from braces treatment. From overcrowding to bad bites, braces are widely known and praised for fixing and preventing issues big and small. While it may seem counterintuitive to correct teeth that are due to fall out, creating these spaces can be essential in ensuring their permanent teeth have the room to grow correctly.
There is no definite age that your child should visit for the first time, but we suggest that they come in once their permanent teeth grow in around age seven. This way, issues that will affect their future smile will be more apparent, and we can give a more comprehensive outlook on their treatment needs. During their first visit, one of our knowledgeable doctors will assess whether they would succeed in braces right away or if it may be an option to look into more down the road.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs to See an Orthodontist?
Often, your general dentist will be able to spot a few key signs that your child may need to see us for a complimentary first visit. These trained specialists are skilled at identifying orthodontic needs in their patients and will be able to point this out to you early on.
However, if you see areas of concern such as overcrowded teeth, you can schedule a consultation with our office without a referral from a dentist. We are happy to walk you through treatment options and help you set your child up for success with a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
What to Expect When Getting Braces for Kids?
During your child’s first complimentary consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive exam that allows us to identify their current or potential orthodontic needs. Kids’ teeth and jaws are much more subject to change when their mouths are still growing, so addressing problems early on can lead to faster treatment times and better oral health for years to come.
Our doctors don’t just treat smiles; they treat patients. We are committed to delivering results and providing treatment that your child will truly benefit from. This is why we never push for early treatment that isn’t necessary just for the sake of putting on braces. We want to ensure that your investment is honored, and we are excited to be a part of your child getting a dazzling and healthy smile.
If braces are the best option for your child in this stage of their life, then there are a few good practices you should be aware of to make sure that their treatment progress is smooth and successful. While in braces, there are a few dietary restrictions to consider. To protect their brackets and wires, we suggest that your child avoid foods that are hard, sticky, and chewy, so there isn’t any accidental damage to the appliance. In our experience, a short period without gum and popcorn is worth it when you get to achieve the smile of your dreams!
Another important aspect of braces care is continuing a thorough dental hygiene routine. While brushing, your child should pay extra attention to brushing around brackets so that no food particles hide behind the appliance and sit on your clean teeth. As long as they continue to brush twice a day and floss often, their treatment can progress flawlessly and lead them to beautiful results.
The Cost of Braces
The cost of braces treatment varies depending on time spent in the appliance and how much attention their problem areas require. The good news is that because kids’ mouths are still growing, they are easier to shift and don’t require as much time in treatment as an adult with a fully formed mouth. The team at SoCO Smiles Orthodontics wants you to enjoy the treatment experience without stress, so we partner with many insurance providers to help you cover the out-of-pocket costs of braces. We also have created several flexible financing plans to make the investment more manageable for your family.
