In today's world, it seems like more and more kids are getting braces at a young age. If you're a parent, you may be wondering if your child should be getting braces, too. However, if your children are seeing the dentist regularly, and your dentist hasn't recommended seeing an orthodontist yet, you're likely not behind the curve. Braces in children vary widely, both in timing and application, because their teeth are still developing and shifting much more than adults. If you think it's time for your child to get braces, there are some things you should know first.
What Problems Do Braces Fix?
Braces can fix a variety of different problems in your child's mouth, ranging from something as simple as tooth alignment to something as serious correcting bite issues. It's a common misconception that braces are meant solely for straightening teeth. In reality, your bite-the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth-is more important than how straight your teeth look. If they don't fit together properly, it can cause problems with speech, eating, and jaw function.
Most braces applications are used to correct these underlying bite problems, although many people get braces simply to straighten their teeth.
When Should Your Child Get Braces?
You might be wondering when the best time to get braces for your child. Unfortunately, this answer is complicated since it can change drastically between each individual. You may be surprised to learn that there is no age limit to getting braces. It used to be that teenagers were the most common demographic that had braces. Now, it's common to see adults, teenagers, and children alike have braces.
Instead of thinking about an age at which your child should get braces, consider the underlying reasons why someone would need them. Pay close attention to the way your child's teeth are forming and shifting. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to see an orthodontist:
- Difficulty with biting or chewing food
- Teeth that don't meet properly or don't meet at all
- Constant cheek biting
- Crowded teeth
- Irregular baby teeth loss
These symptoms indicate that there is something irregular about the way your child's teeth are developing and might indicate that your child should get braces.
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How Long Will My Child Wear Braces?
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How Long Will My Child Wear Braces?
The average length of orthodontic treatment like braces can range from 18 months to two years. The length can vary depending on your child's age and how aggressive of a plan the orthodontist puts in place.
What's the Cost?
In the early days of orthodontics, many people had to go without braces because they were simply too expensive. Since then, braces have become much more affordable for people from all walks of life. The actual price you pay can vary depending on the orthodontist you choose and your location, but most people pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for two years' worth of braces. Most orthodontists require an upfront down payment and then monthly payments for the rest of the cost.