As a parent, you want the best for your kids, and that includes a healthy and beautiful smile. If you’re considering braces for your child, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from how much do braces cost, and how they can benefit your child’s overall well-being.

What are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances that are used to straighten teeth. They’re typically made of metal brackets that are attached to each tooth, and then connected by wires and rubber bands. Braces work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth over time, gradually shifting them into their proper alignment.

Why Do Kids Need Braces?

There are many reasons why kids might need braces. Some common orthodontic problems include:

• Crowding: When there’s not enough room for all of your child’s teeth to fit properly, which can lead to crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and difficulty chewing.
• Overbite: When your child’s upper teeth overlap their lower teeth too much, which can cause excessive wear and tear on the front teeth and lead to jaw pain.
• Underbite: When your child’s lower teeth overlap their upper teeth too much, which can cause difficulty chewing and speaking, as well as jaw pain and facial asymmetry.
• Crossbite: When one or more of your child’s upper teeth bite inside of their lower teeth, which can lead to uneven wear on the teeth, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing and speaking.
• Open bite: When your child’s upper and lower teeth don’t touch when they bite together, which can make it difficult to chew and speak, and can also lead to jaw pain and facial abnormalities.

In addition to these aesthetic concerns, crooked teeth can also affect your child’s oral health. Misaligned teeth can be more difficult to clean, which can lead to plaque buildup and cavities. They can also make it more difficult to chew and speak properly.

The Braces Process

If you think your child might benefit from braces, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. During the consultation, the orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth and jaw to determine if they need braces and, if so, what type of braces would be best.  

Once your child is ready to start treatment, the orthodontist will begin by taking impressions of their teeth. These impressions will be used to create a model of their mouth that will be used to plan their treatment.

The next step is to place the braces on your child’s teeth. This process can take a few hours, but it’s usually not very painful. Once the braces are in place, your child will need to come in for regular adjustment appointments. During these appointments, the orthodontist will tighten the wires and adjust the rubber bands to continue moving your child’s teeth into alignment.

Braces and Daily Life

Braces can be a bit of a hassle, but they’re usually not as bad as you might think. Here are a few tips for dealing with braces:

• Oral hygiene: It’s important to brush your teeth and floss regularly when you have braces. You’ll also need to use a special type of toothbrush that can get between the wires and brackets.
• Diet: There are a few foods that you’ll need to avoid when you have braces, such as sticky foods, hard foods, and chewy foods.
• Discomfort: Braces can sometimes cause a bit of discomfort, especially when they’re first put on or after an adjustment appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to manage any pain.
• Emergencies: If your child’s braces break or come off, it’s important to contact your orthodontist right away.

How Much Do Braces Cost

The cost of braces can vary depending on several factors, including the type of braces you choose, the orthodontist’s fees, and your insurance coverage. In general, braces can be a significant investment, but they’re often worth it in the long run.

Alternatives to Braces

In some cases, there may be alternatives to braces. For example, if your child has a mild case of crowding, they may be able to wear a retainer to straighten their teeth. In addition to retainers, other orthodontic alternatives may include palatal expanders, which are used to widen the upper jaw and create more space for crowded teeth. Headgear is often used in conjunction with braces to help correct overbites and underbites. Removable appliances, similar to retainers but designed for more complex cases, can also be considered. While these alternatives may be effective in some cases, braces are often the most effective and efficient way to correct complex orthodontic problems.

Your orthodontist will be able to recommend the best treatment option for your child based on their specific needs. However, braces are often the best option for more complex orthodontic problems.

Dentist Near Me: Choose Lemont Dental Clinic

If you’re considering braces for your child in the Chicago area, look no further than Lemont Dental Clinic / Gentle Touch Dentistry. Our experienced orthodontists are dedicated to providing top-quality care and helping your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact the best dentist Lemont has to offer today to schedule a consultation and learn exactly how much do braces cost for your child’s teeth and about our other orthodontic services.

Additional Resources

• American Association of Orthodontists: https://aaoinfo.org/

• American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/