When Should My Child Get Braces?
It varies from one child to another, which is one reason that an orthodontic evaluation at around age 7 is so important. During this evaluation, our orthodontists can look for issues that could lead to serious orthodontic problems later if they’re untreated. Some kids may need two-phase orthodontic treatment starting at age 7, while others might not require treatment until they’re 10 or older. There are also some kids who don’t need braces at all. Our orthodontists are happy to perform an early evaluation so they can recommend the best solutions for your child.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs to See an Orthodontist?
If your child has one or more of the following common childhood orthodontic issues, it’s best to schedule an evaluation with our office promptly.
- Cross bite: when the top and bottom teeth don’t meet properly
- Overbite: when the top teeth dramatically overlap the bottom ones
- Underbite: when the bottom teeth dramatically overlap the top ones
- Unevenly spaced teeth
- Struggle to chew or bite into food
- Speech problems
- Grinding teeth
- Breathing mainly through the mouth rather than the nose
- Losing baby teeth either early or late
- Popping noise when opening or closing mouth
- Thumb sucking or extended pacifier use
If your child is facing orthodontic issues later, our orthodontists can create a customized solution, just for them. Early orthodontic treatment can include options like facemasks, palate extenders, and other orthodontic devices as well as braces based on your child’s needs.
How do Braces Work?
Braces normalize your child’s bite and give them a strong, healthy smile. The brackets, wires, and rubber bands work together to shift your child’s teeth through controlled gentle pressure over time. Braces can help guide proper jaw development, maintain ideal teeth spacing, and reduce teeth wear and tear in addition to giving your child straight and beautiful teeth.
Braces and Lifestyle: Can my Child Lead an Active Life With Braces?
Absolutely! Braces don’t have to hold your child back from living their best life. Our orthodontists will recommend ways to stay healthy and happy with braces.
Your child will need to make a few adjustments in terms of food. Mainly, this means avoiding hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods. Your child needs to avoid anything that they bite into, for example, apples, but you can still slice them for a problem-free snack. There are still plenty of braces-safe foods, and your child will quickly get used to the new way of eating.
Your child also needs to be extra careful regarding oral care when they have braces. Our orthodontists will explain proper brushing and flossing techniques, which may include small interdental brushes to clean between brackets. Once your child grows skilled with the new brushing and flossing routine, it will be nearly as fast and easy as their pre-braces routine.
If your child plays sports, they can still participate with no problems at all. Using a mouthguard during any contact sports protects the teeth and gums very effectively.
The Cost of Braces
How much do braces cost for kids? Well, the answer can be different for each child because the treatment type and duration can vary quite a bit. Our orthodontists are happy to explain the best and most cost-effective options for optimal orthodontic treatment for your child during an evaluation.
Use the online contact form or call Bayside Orthodontics for a children’s braces consultation today.