ORTHODONTICS
My Kid's Hometown DentistOrthodontic Consultation
How do I know if and when my child needs braces?
As an orthodontist and a pediatric dentist, both Dr. Eric and Dr. Bobby are trained to evaluate your child’s teeth and how they come together (occlusion). With a clinical exam and x-rays they will be able to give you an idea if your child is a good candidate for orthodontics.
Since every little mouth and every set of teeth are different, there is not one “right” chronological age for orthodontic treatment. For some, it is ideal to start as early as 7 years old, while for others, we don’t need to begin until around age 12 when all of the permanent teeth are in. Timing is determined based on the type of dental issue that your child has or may be developing, and their stage of dental development.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. Some children require tooth movement only, while others may need help with guiding the growth of their jaws.
Dr. Bobby and Dr. Eric will help guide you in the decision-making process and will facilitate the timing of treatment.
My child's teeth look straight, do they really need braces?
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is not only to make teeth aesthetic, but to create a healthy, functional “bite,” which is part tooth alignment and part jaw position.
When jaws and teeth line up correctly, they are able to function the way they were intended. This promotes oral health and general physical health.
How long will they be in treatment?
Every child’s needs are different and therefore every treatment length will vary. Typically, though, a standard case will take about a year and a half to two years.
Is it covered by my insurance?
Some people have dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits, usually provided by their employer. Such insurance covers a portion or percentage of the fee for orthodontic treatment. Many times, there may be a specific dollar amount or lifetime cap.
Once you schedule the initial ortho consultation, we will call your insurance company and verify your insurance benefits. At the consultation, we will let you know the amount of coverage or the percentage of the fee that will be covered. We will also let you know if the insurance company has any limitations on your coverage.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
A confident, attractive smile and a boost in self-esteem are just a few of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. What many people don’t realize is that orthodontic treatment can preemptively alleviate physical health problems.
Without orthodontic treatment, individuals are more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries.
Benefits of Braces
Aside from looking and feeling great, there are many other benefits to having straight teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are a hassle to clean and care for which is a gateway to a world of problems including tooth decay and possible tooth loss.
Additional orthodontic issues can lead to abnormal wearing of the teeth, unproductive chewing functionality, misalignment of the jaw joints, or unnecessary stress on your gums and bones supporting your teeth. If left untreated, all of the aforementioned problems can lead to pounding headaches and facial/neck pain.
In the long run, orthodontic treatment is far less costly than dealing with problems that may arise from a lack of orthodontic care.
Schedule A Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation