Orthodontic Consultation
My Kids Hometown Dentist
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.