Getting braces for your child can impact their smile and confidence for a lifetime, so we want their experience with us to be excellent.
If you are considering braces for kids, contact Santucci Orthodontics. We are your local leaders in orthodontic treatment and always strive to create a fun and comfortable environment for your child. Our experienced team is here for you and your child every step of the way.
The Timeline For Braces For Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist for an evaluation right around their seventh birthday. At this age, treatment is not likely to begin, but the bite relationship is becoming established and the need for future treatment can be discussed and plans for periodic check-ups can be initiated.
Signs that braces for kids may be necessary may include:
- Overcrowding
- Severe misalignment
- Teeth growing in the wrong position
- Teeth that don’t make contact with the rest of the bite line
- Difficulty eating or biting
- Frequent cheek biting
- Thumb or finger sucking
If there are significant issues, such as poor jaw relationships, severe crowding, or crossbites, interceptive treatment may be beneficial to prevent these problems from becoming more difficult to correct later.
Options For Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
These braces are the most common type used, and they have greatly improved over the years. With these braces, you get an effective and affordable treatment that can even be customized with fun colored ties and unique brackets.
At Santucci Orthodontics, we specialize in a modern approach to traditional metal braces, using Pitts21 self-ligating braces. Pitts21 brackets use unique wire threading clips rather than elastic bands, reducing the pressure needed to align the teeth. Using Pitts21 makes adjusting braces more manageable, requiring fewer and shorter appointments.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are more delicate but have the advantage of being nearly invisible. Their color blends in with the teeth and the material is designed to minimize irritation. Because the brackets may be less durable and require careful cleaning to prevent stains, they may not be for every child. However, if your child is responsible and ready to properly care for their braces, clear braces are a more discreet, but still very effective, treatment option.
Cost Of Braces
The cost of braces is relatively the same across all age groups and depends on the length of treatment and the severity of issues needing to be corrected. Our team will work with you to create a customized plan, determine flexible financing options that fit your budget and file with your insurance to ensure you get the most out of your benefits.
We don’t want the cost of treatment to outweigh the benefits of better oral health and self-confidence gained from straight teeth and a beautiful smile for your child.
The Right Orthodontist For Your Child
Finding the right orthodontist for your child can be difficult, especially if your child is already leery of dental visits. When choosing the right orthodontist, it is essential to consider location, cost, and the recommendations of other parents. This last part is significant because they can inform you of what has worked for their children. It is important to find care options that are efficient, affordable, and comfortable for your child.
At Santucci Orthodontics, we understand your concerns about braces for kids. We work to make your child’s visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. During your free consultation, we explain your options and help you make the right decisions for and with your child.