Most kids in the United States get braces around the age of 12, but it may be possible to get them earlier or later, depending on your child’s particular orthodontic needs. It’s important to know how to choose a pediatric orthodontist near me to ensure that your child gets braces at the right time in his or her life and has the best possible experience overall during the braces years.
Parents, Have Your Child Checked by a Pediatric Orthodontist
Many children can have teeth-straightening (orthodontic) treatment done by a pediatric orthodontist. This is someone who specializes in treating problems with kids’ teeth and jaws. Some children need to see an orthodontist right away; others may not need to see one until they get older or their permanent teeth start to come in. If you are concerned about your child’s smile, talk with a dentist. He or she can tell you whether it’s time for your child to see an orthodontist—and give you tips on brushing and flossing that will help keep your child’s teeth healthy!
Here’s more information on braces for kids: When should my child first visit an orthodontist? Most kids don’t need to see an orthodontist until after all of their baby teeth have fallen out and their adult teeth start coming in. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having your child’s first checkup between ages 7 and 9, but there’s no right age. That depends on each kid’s unique mouth structure, bite habits, and overall health. How do I know if my child needs braces? The best way to find out if your child needs braces is to ask his or her dentist.
Know Where to Look for an Orthodontist Near You
Choosing an orthodontist is a lot like dating. You probably have one in mind, but you want to make sure you’re making a smart decision by checking out at least three different ones before making your final decision. The same holds true for your child’s teeth — and that’s why it’s important to choose a kids orthodontist near me rather than one across town or even in another city. While convenient may seem like a good thing, it often isn’t.
If your child has braces with an orthodontist who doesn’t know your kid or can’t get him on time when he needs treatment, that can mean pain and discomfort for both of you — and poor results in treatment as well. Orthodontists are no exception to that rule: just because they’re doctors doesn’t mean they should be treated like them. Pediatric orthodontists are trained specifically to work with children, and if you go somewhere else without knowing what makes them special, you could end up having problems down the road. Don’t assume any dentist will do: find a pediatric orthodontist near you today!
Insurance May Cover Part of the Cost of Treatments
This can vary by location, but in most places, braces are covered by dental insurance when they’re needed to treat a problem. If you think your kid might need braces soon, contact your insurance provider and ask about coverage specifics. If you don’t have dental insurance or if it doesn’t cover part of your child’s treatments, there are still options for paying for orthodontic care out of pocket. The price for braces varies depending on a variety of factors—from location to type of treatment—so be sure to do some research and compare quotes before choosing an orthodontist.
You may also want to consider shopping around during certain times of year, as discounts tend to pop up around certain holidays (for example, National Smile Month) and during particular months (National Dental Hygiene Month). Be aware that braces aren’t just for kids; adults who want straighter teeth often turn to orthodontics too. While these procedures can cost more than traditional treatments (like whitening), they’re generally not as expensive as many people think.
Finding the Right Pediatric Orthodontist
It’s important to find a pediatric orthodontist near you who will help you determine if your child needs braces and what type of braces might be best for their situation. Some pediatric orthodontists are considered specialists in children, with special training in treating children, whereas others simply have more experience working with patients under 18 years old. Before scheduling an appointment, call around and ask questions to ensure you make an informed decision about how to approach braces if it’s necessary for your child. Additionally, there are lots of resources online that can help families find pediatric orthodontists in their area so always do your research before choosing a professional!
The Cost of Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s important to understand your options and make a decision about whether braces are worth it for you. According to data from 2015, children and adolescents can pay between $2,000 and $4,500 per year on orthodontic treatment. Ultimately, how much braces cost will depend on whether or not your insurance covers orthodontics, where you live in relation to your dentist/orthodontist, and how many years you’ll be in treatment. What is a Cephalometric X-ray?
Choosing Between Invisalign and Traditional Metal Braces
There are many factors to consider when you are choosing between traditional metal braces and Invisalign. One of them being cost. The initial cost of Invisalign is typically less than traditional metal braces. However, most insurance companies do not cover aligners because they are consider a cosmetic procedure. If you plan on getting traditional metal braces cover by your insurance, be sure to check with your orthodontist prior to ordering your first aligner because most plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like Invisalign. This means that once you’ve received treatment with Invisalign, you will have spent more money in total than if you had gone with traditional metal braces in the first place.
How Long Treatment Takes and Types of Treatment Available
Depending on your child’s specific needs, braces can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Most orthodontic treatments tend to involve some combination of invisalign, elastics and traditional braces. Typically, treatment is focus on correcting things like misaligned or crowded teeth. If you live in an area with a limited number of orthodontists, be sure to call around for prices and treatment times; sometimes it’s worth traveling out of town for faster service! In some cases, your child may need only straighten their teeth—but in other cases you might consider getting cosmetic braces. It really depends on what kind of results you’re looking for!
