How can I know if it’s my child’s time for braces? Chelian Orthodontics explains.
If you are a parent and wondering if your child might need braces and when the right time is, you’re not alone. Central Mass parents come to Chelian Orthodontics every day with the same question.
Many people wait until their children have entered their teen years to think about braces, but orthodontic decisions can and should be made much earlier. In fact, the American Academy of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation with an orthodontist for children at the age of 7.
Why is 7 the right age?
Having your child undergo orthodontic treatment at the right time can ensure your child avoids future issues that could make orthodontic treatment more complicated and more expensive. While 7 may seem young for an orthodontic consultation, it’s the right age for several reasons.
- Your child will have a mix of permanent and baby teeth at this age, which helps the orthodontist see how the adult smile is starting to take shape.
- The orthodontist can see how the jaw is developing and identify any growth discrepancies while they can easily be corrected.
- Small issues can be corrected much easier than more complicated issues that can develop if an issue is left for later.
How can you know if your child needs braces?
It can be easy to fall into the mindset of “if I don’t see crooked teeth or a spacing issue, my child doesn’t need braces.” But, your orthodontist is looking for much more than just crooked teeth. They check facial development, jaw growth, and check to ensure that the upper and lower teeth are coming together properly. Sometimes, there are issues we can’t see just by looking at our children’s smile.
However, there are some indications you may see that can be signs your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, including:
- Visible crowding or spacing issues
- Bite issues, such as overbite, underbite or open bite
- Jaw misalignment
- Mouth breathing
- Extended thumb sucking or pacifier usage
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Protruding front teeth
- Jaw that shifts or clicks
Why early intervention is important
Early intervention, or phase 1 treatment, can work to address issues before they become bigger problems that become more involved to treat. This treatment typically happens between the ages of 6-10 while some baby teeth are still present. Early interventive treatment can:
- Guide jaw growth. Upper and lower jaws should grow in harmony with one another in order to create an ideal bite. Early interventive treatment can guide jaw growth to ensure your child’s teeth can bite down properly.
- Create space for adult teeth. If your child’s mouth is already overcrowded with baby teeth, imagine what it might be like as the larger adult teeth erupt. Orthodontic treatment can ensure there is adequate space for the adult teeth to erupt.
- Correct harmful habits. Many children have habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier usage, and mouth breathing that can negatively affect how the smile takes shape. Early orthodontic treatment can alter these affects.
- Avoid the need for surgery or extractions. Waiting for orthodontic treatment until the jaw has already stopped growing can create the need for more invasive treatments, such as jaw surgery or tooth extractions.
Phase 2 treatment follows phase 1 treatment, typically after a resting period. This is when your child will get braces or Invisalign to fine tune their smile. Not every child will require two phases of treatment, but an orthodontic consultation at the age of 7 will help you determine how best to proceed. For those who do not need treatment right away, the orthodontist can monitor your child’s smile and then begin treatment at the time it will have the most impact.
What happens at an orthodontic consultation?
Orthodontic consultations are typically complimentary, and provide an opportunity for you to get to know the orthodontic team and ask questions about what your child’s treatment will look like. Our goal at Chelian Orthodontics is to ensure that you and your child feel welcome and comfortable, and you have the chance to get all the information you need to make an informed decision about treatment.
Our team will take X-rays and digital images so we can get a clear picture of how your child’s smile is developing. Then we’ll perform a physical exam. This gives us a chance to see visible crowding, bite issues, and jaw alignment issues. Then, if treatment is indicated, we can discuss the options available and create a plan that is designed specifically for your child.
How long will my child be in braces?
The length of time your child will spend in braces will depend on the complexity of their orthodontic issue. Treatment can range anywhere from as little as six months to three years. While we cannot provide an exact length of time, we can provide an estimated timeline for how long we think your child’s treatment will take.
Your child’s time in treatment is also dependent on how well they support their treatment with their at-home care. For patients in traditional braces, this means wearing rubber bands, if needed, as directed by our team. If your child is in Invisalign, that means wearing each aligner set for the recommended amount of time.
How much do braces cost?
Braces are an investment in the future health of your child’s smile. The exact cost of your child’s treatment will be determined based on their individualized treatment plan. But, the average cost of braces in Massachusetts is:
- Metal braces $3,000-$7,000
- Ceramic braces $4,000-$8,000
- Invisalign $4,000-$7,000
At Chelian Orthodontics, we want to make it as easy as possible to help you cover the cost of your child’s orthodontic treatment. We accept most major credit cards and insurance plans. We will be sure you know the full cost of your child’s treatment prior to beginning treatment and will work with you to find a payment plan that can fit into your family’s budget.
How can I schedule a consultation for my child?
If your child is 7 or older and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, now is the time to schedule your complimentary consultation with the experts at Chelian Orthodontics. Dr. Chelian is a board-certified orthodontist and a top 1% Invisalign provider. Call our office today at 603-882-6100 (Nashua) or 978-774-8266 (Beverly) to begin your child’s smile journey.
