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Learning that your child needs braces as a parent can be overwhelming. You may have many questions and concerns about the process, including what type of braces is best, how long the treatment will take, where to find a dentist, and how much it will cost. This article provides a comprehensive guide to braces for parents to help them feel more informed and confident about their child’s orthodontic treatment.

What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic devices used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the correct position. Braces can be made from various materials, including metal, ceramic, and plastic.

What Types of Braces Are Available?

Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners are just a few of the many readily available braces a dentist or an orthodontist provides.

Moreover, the most common type is traditional metal braces with metal brackets wired to the teeth. Like metal braces, ceramic braces are less noticeable since they are made of transparent or tooth-colored materials. Since lingual braces are affixed to the backs of the teeth, they are undetectable. Clear aligners like Invisalign are repositionable trays that gradually move the teeth into place.

Which Type of Braces Is Best for Your Child?

The braces best for your child will depend on their specific orthodontic needs and preferences. Traditional metal braces are classically the most effective and affordable option, but ceramic braces or clear aligners may be a better choice if your child is self-conscious about their appearance.

Lingual braces may be a good option for adults or teens who want to straighten their teeth without the visible appearance of traditional braces. Lingual braces, however, could be more unpleasant and harder to keep clean than other kinds of braces.

Your child’s orthodontist can help you determine which braces suit their needs and preferences.

How Long Will Your Child Need to Wear Braces?

The degree of your child’s misalignment and the type of braces they wear will determine how long they need orthodontic therapy. Most children wear braces for 1-3 years, but some may need to wear them longer.

During your child’s orthodontic treatment, they must visit the orthodontist regularly to adjust their braces. This will help ensure that their teeth shift into the correct position and that their braces work effectively.

How Can You Help Your Child Care for Their Braces?

Braces require a little more maintenance, but ensuring the procedure is successful and that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy is crucial. Here are some pointers for maintaining your child’s braces:
  • Brush and floss regularly: Your child should brush their teeth at least twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. They should also floss daily, using a floss threader or interdental brush to clean between the wires and brackets of their braces.
  • Avoid certain foods: Your child should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, which can damage their braces. Avoiding foods include popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and chewing gum.
  • Wear a mouthguard: Your youngster should wear a mouthguard while participating in sports to prevent damage to their braces and teeth.
  • Attend regular appointments: Your child must visit the dentist or orthodontist regularly to adjust their braces. They must attend these appointments to ensure their treatment progresses as planned.

How Much Will Braces Cost?

The braces cost can vary depending on the type of braces your child needs and the length of their treatment. Traditional metal braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000, while ceramic braces or clear aligners cost up to $8,000.

Ask your insurance company what is covered, as many dental insurance policies only cover a percentage of the braces’ cost. To make orthodontic treatment more accessible, several orthodontists may provide payment plans or financing options.

Conclusion

Braces can be an effective and essential treatment for correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. As a parent, it is vital to be informed about the different types of braces available, the length of treatment, and how to care for your child’s braces. By following these tips and working with your child’s orthodontist, you can ensure that your child’s orthodontic treatment is effective and successful.

Get family dental care of the highest caliber. Pike District Smiles provides complete dental examinations, pediatric dentistry, root canal therapy, periodontal therapy, dental implants, Invisalign, and other dental services. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Rockville Pike today!