When Should Your Children Get Braces?
Orthodontic problems in children can happen at any age. Your child’s dental development will determine the best time to start orthodontic treatment. You may want to consider an interceptive treatment if your child already has signs of orthodontic problems. The next step is to find an orthodontist to help your child with the process.
Interceptive Approach
Interceptive orthodontic care helps prevent and treat dental problems in young children before they become more serious. Orthodontic problems that aren’t treated promptly can lead to more costly and invasive treatments later on in life. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist before age seven. The dental team will examine the child’s teeth, jaw shape, and size, and make recommendations that will prevent problems later on.
Corrective dentistry was not performed until a child was at minimum 12 years old in the past. While it’s not necessary to start treatment at that age, early evaluation can help identify issues and prevent them from becoming a bigger issue later. Early intervention can prevent or minimize dental problems in children.
Signs That A Child Requires Braces
The most common signs of an orthodontic problem should be noted by parents. The most obvious signs are crooked, rotated or protruding teeth, which can be seen when your child smiles. Some problems, however, are not as obvious as large or small teeth. Your child’s lower jaw could be out of place, which could indicate a problem in their oral structure.
Another sign your child needs braces is crooked or overlapping teeth. These teeth can be difficult to clean and can lead to bad breath and gum disease. Braces will fix these problems and prevent these issues from becoming worse over time.
Cost Of Braces
The cost of braces for children can be a major financial challenge, but there are options to help parents cover the costs. First, children under 18 years old can have braces covered by dental insurance. These insurance plans cover only standard metal braces. If your child requires a different type of brace, you will have to pay the difference. You can also use Medicaid to cover some of the costs.
The cost of braces for children will vary based on several factors, such as the type of braces and the number of visits. Many kids will need extra cleanings when wearing braces, which can increase the cost. They may also need to wear a retainer, or headgear, which can be more expensive. If you are not sure how much to budget for these extras, it is best to contact the provider directly to discuss them with you.
Choosing An Orthodontist
The first step in selecting an orthodontist to treat your children is to determine their needs. While some orthodontists are better qualified to work with your children, others may not be right for your child. Do a thorough background check to determine if a particular orthodontist is right for your child. You can do this online or by performing a local search. Once you’ve sifted through the search results, pick three or four practices and investigate them further. It is important to consider their experience as a young orthodontist could make mistakes during treatment which could affect your child’s overall health.
It is wise to choose an experienced orthodontist. Not only will an experienced orthodontist understand your child’s needs and concerns better, but he or she will also be less likely to make mistakes. They can offer better services and more customized treatment options.