It’s never too early to start thinking about orthodontic treatment for your children’s teeth. While some procedures aren’t recommended until a certain age, it’s important that you’re aware of your child’s developing dental health. Not only will this prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones in the future, but it will also give you time to make a plan and a budget for any recommended work.
At the Victory Plaza Dental Group, we’re committed to providing pediatric orthodontic care of the highest caliber. We’ve been serving the kids of 91606 for years, and whether your little one needs braces, bridges, or something else entirely, we can help you get it done. There’s a reason why we’re considered the top kids dental care North Hollywood!
Understanding Orthodontic Needs in Children
Does your child have problems chewing or swallowing? Do they suffer from self-esteem issues because of crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a trip to the orthodontist by age seven. While most kids at this age still have a mix of baby and adult teeth, they’re old enough for issues like crowding or spacing to become apparent.
You can also take your child to the orthodontist before age seven if they’re already having difficulties with their teeth. An early childhood orthodontic consultation North Hollywood can help you identify emerging problems and take the first steps towards correcting them. For example, a child with a crossbite who will eventually need braces can wear a palatal expander in the year prior to them.
Ideal Age for Braces
If you’re wondering when to get braces for your child, you aren’t alone. There isn’t a single “best age” or “recommended age” for it. Instead, there’s a suggested age range where braces are the most beneficial for kids, and parents have to have ongoing discussions with their child’s orthodontist to determine where their little ones fit into that range.
The typical age range for children to get braces is 10 – 14 years old. As early adolescents, they’ve usually lost most of their baby teeth and are ready for procedures on their adult ones. However, they haven’t yet hit puberty. Puberty can harden the jawbone tissue and make it harder to reposition.
The best age for braces will also depend on the child’s unique dental needs. If caught early, some conditions can be pre-treated as early as age seven. Pre-treatments can make the eventual transition to braces much quicker and easier.
Regardless of when you choose to start your child’s orthodontic treatment, you won’t want to rush it or leave it until the last minute. Reach out to us at the Victory Plaza Dental Group to start discussing early dental care North Hollywood.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
There are many different dental issues in children that can require braces, including:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Misaligned teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Protusions
- Crowding
- Spacing
Some of these conditions will be visible in your child’s smile. Others might be less obvious, especially if they’re painless. They might only be detected after a trip to the dentist who recognizes the signs child needs braces. This is why it’s important to make time for early orthodontic evaluation.
Types of Braces Available for Children
What do you picture when you think of braces? The media would have you believe that it’s all clunky metal, but the truth is that there are many different types of braces for kids.
Metal
Metal braces for kids are the most popular. They date back hundreds of years, and they’re a safe, effective, and durable method of dental correction. They work by re-positioning your child’s teeth over time via metal brackets connected by wires.
The downside to metal braces is that they’re the most visible type, so your child might be self-conscious about their appearance. On the other hand, metal braces can be customized with colored bands in a variety of colors, so they can also become a stylish, one-of-a-kind option.
Ceramic
Ceramic braces work just like metal braces. Brackets are attached to the teeth, and they’re connected by wires that apply pressure and re-alignment over a period of time.
The biggest benefit to ceramic braces is cosmetic: They’re made of a tooth-colored material that’s much more discreet than traditional braces. However, they’re also more prone to staining. Your child will need to be diligent about braces maintenance and hygiene if they want to go the ceramic route.
Lingual
Like metal and ceramic braces, lingual braces work through the application of brackets. Where they differ is their placement. Instead of being put on the front of the teeth, they’re applied to the back or “lingual” side.
Lingual braces can be a good option for older kids or teens who want to hide their braces. However, they aren’t right for everyone. Some dental conditions aren’t compatible with back-sided braces, including very deep overbites.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners for children are transparent trays that are customized to fit over their teeth. They’re changed regularly, subtly shifting and exerting pressure to bring your child’s teeth and jaw into the designed alignment. The most popular brand of aligners is Invisalign.
Aligners can be a great choice for kids who want to be discreet about their dental work. They’re also easily popped on and off, meaning that wearers can eat normally without any of the usual restrictions of a “braces diet.” However, aligners can require more frequent trips to the orthodontist, and they can require a longer period of use overall. Talk to us at Victory Plaza Dental Group to learn more.
What to Expect During the Orthodontic Consultation
At the Victory Plaza Dental Group, we’re committed to the health, comfort, and safety of both you and your child. It’s why we’re the best choice for an orthodontist in North Hollywood.
On your first visit, we’ll perform an evaluation of your child’s mouth. We’ll look at their teeth, gums, jaw, bite alignment, and more. We’ll also consult any records or X-rays from your child’s referring dentist.
Depending on what we see, we’ll make a recommendation for your child’s treatment with us. We might be able to offer you several options in terms of braces, or we might suggest a particular course of action depending on your child’s unique needs and conditions. No matter what, you can rest assured that you’re getting top-notch pediatric braces North Hollywood.
The Treatment Process
The braces treatment process can be a complex one, especially if your child has extensive problems with tooth or jaw alignment. The good news it that we’ll always work closely with you and your family as experts in child orthodontics North Hollywood.
The application of braces often follows this timeline:
- Initial consultation
- Fitting of the braces
- Regular trips for re-adjustment
- Braces removal
How long will your child need to wear braces? The general estimate is between 1 – 3 years. Generally speaking, the more complicated the case, the longer that braces will have to be worn. A few crooked teeth might be fixed in as little as 12 months; more severe overbites or badly impacted teeth might take 36 months or more.
Caring for Braces
We can guarantee the quality of Victory Plaza Dental braces. That said, it’ll be up to you and your child to maintain them for maximum efficiency and hygiene.
Here are a few general tips for living with braces:
- Rinse with water before and after brushing to dislodge stubborn food particles
- Brush at a 45-degree angle above the gum line, then brush carefully around every bracket
- Floss with a floss threader or water flosser
- Use dental products treated with fluoride
You’ll also want your child to avoid hard, sticky, or tacky foods that can dislodge their brackets or get stuck in their wires. Have them steer clear of highly acidic foods as well. Prevention is one of the best defenses against dental problems when it comes to orthodontic treatment children.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Without insurance, braces can run anywhere from $5,000 – $10,000. We accept uninsured patients at the Victory Plaza Dental Group, but you’ll need to cover 100% of your own costs. Talk to us about creating a year or multi-year payment plan.
With insurance, the cost of braces for children will vary. We usually see insurers cover around 50% of the expense, meaning that you’d be responsible for paying the remaining 50%. We also require a down payment, and that amount will depend on your particular insurance policy. For example, some might ask for a percentage of the total cost while others want a fixed dollar amount. Reach out to us to start a conversation about dental insurance braces.
Conclusion
As your child grows, they’ll need your guidance for many physical and psychological milestones, including the emergence of their adult teeth. The decisions that you make for them today can have a lasting impact on their health, comfort, and overall dental hygiene for years to come.
Reach out to us at the Victory Plaza Dental Group for a consultation or more information on orthopedic treatment for children. We’re a trusted name in dental health North Hollywood, and we’re ready to help your little one build a brilliant smile.