Being a mom is hard work. From the time you first hold your little one in your arms all the way until when you are jet-setting them off to college, every little moment is full of a rollercoaster of emotions and decisions. Luckily, Reed Orthodontics is here to help you through some of those years, specifically your child’s teen years when braces become the talk of the town at school. No need to brace yourself in fear though, because we’ve got some of the most FAQ’s and answers to soothe any curious and loving mother who is considering braces for their child.
1. Why should I get my kid checked out by an orthodontist by age 7?
The saying, “fix it sooner rather than later” applies to most orthodontic problems such as underbites, severe crowding, and narrow jaws. These types of corrections are usually made between ages 7-10 while the jaw is still growing. Most work done at this age is referred to as “Phase I” treatment. Even if you think your child is not in need of such treatment, it’s important to visit an orthodontist to see if any problems hidden to the common eye exist. Determining the next step of action and planning for future orthodontic treatment can only help families budget for the future.
2. What’s the best age to get braces?
There is no “set” age to get braces and here’s why: Treatment with dental braces begins when a child has lost most of his or her baby teeth and a majority of his or her adult teeth have grown in. As you can imagine, this could be very different from one child to the next. In most cases however, this usually occurs between the ages of 8-14.
3. How long do people have to wear braces?
Again this depends on the child and the specific treatment, but most people wear braces between 1-2 years. It also depends on the cooperation of the patient in terms of maintenance, oral hygiene, and keeping follow-up appointments.
4. My kid’s teeth are coming in crooked- will they need braces?
This is one of the most FAQ’s Oral-B receives on their website and we completely agree with their response:
“Possibly, but not necessarily. The mixed dentition stage where adult teeth are first starting to come in is known as the “ugly duckling” stage for teeth, so some crookedness can be normal. However, if you notice significant crowding, the chances that your kid will need braces are higher. Only an orthodontist can tell you for sure.”
5. Other than making teeth look good, are braces really necessary?
There are patients who receive braces for mainly cosmetic reasons, but there are also health benefits to straighter teeth everyone should be aware of. Straight teeth can help you chew properly, speak more clearly, reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery, protect your gums from becoming unhealthy, and reduce or eliminate the need for extracting permanent teeth.
6. Are there any alternatives to braces?
The most popular alternative to braces is Invisalign. If you haven’t heard of this orthodontic buzzword, it’s a series of clear removable slipcovers that are used to straighten your teeth without bands, brackets, or wires. At one point, Invisalign was only recommended for adults. However, we are excited to share that Tina Reed Orthodontics offers this approach for teens as well. We also offer clear, ceramic braces that are made of translucent material which makes the braces themselves less noticeable.
We hope you curious moms find these questions and answers helpful as you begin your orthodontics journey with your child. Contact us for a consultation today, and we’ll happily guide you through the rest of the process.
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