What Age Do Kids Get Braces?
If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, bite, overcrowding, or other general issues you are probably considering orthodontic treatment. But, when should kids get braces? And, at what age do children start orthodontic treatment? Those are the questions most parents have, so let us help by answering these questions.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that your child visits an orthodontist by the age of 7 or at the first sign of an orthodontic problem. Most children will not receive treatment at this age, but there are benefits in getting an evaluation at an early age. It’s important that the jaw is properly growing when permanent teeth come in. By examining the face and jaw during the growing process, your orthodontist can determine if any immediate treatment should be started or if your child should come back for periodic evaluations to monitor development. Orthodontists refer to this as “watchful waiting” and it gives them the opportunity to intervene as early as possible, ensuring optimal results.
The age that kids get braces varies. Typically your child’s dentist will recommend a consultation with an orthodontist when they feel it will be most beneficial. The average age children see their orthodontist is 7 years of age. The average age that children get braces is between 9 and 14 years of age.
Most times children will get braces once they have lost their baby teeth and have permanent teeth. Usually permanent teeth come in between the ages of 8 and 14, but orthodontic treatment can be started before all of the teeth come in.
With that being said, braces and orthodontic treatment work for patients of all ages. Many adults start orthodontic treatment, however the treatment may take a bit longer because of denser bone tissue in adults.
It’s never too late to get a beautiful and healthy smile. But, if you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, it’s best to have the initial consultation at 7 years of age.
What is a good age for braces?
Generally, kids get braces between 10 and 14 years of age. During these years the head and the mouth are still growing, making orthodontic treatment more conducive to shifting teeth.
Types of Braces For Kids
When you think of braces, you probably envision the traditional silver, metal braces. But,there are actually many types of braces for kids. Let’s take a look at the most common types of braces for children.
Most children get traditional braces made from stainless steel or titanium. Each brace is bonded to a tooth and connected by an archwire -- a thin metal wire that runs through the brackets. The orthodontist will adjust this wire to put pressure on the teeth and help them move. Small elastic bands, called ligature elastic, hold the bracket onto the archwire. These bands are usually changed on follow-up orthodontic appointments.
While traditional braces are the most common for kids, other braces are used. Sometimes clear aligners are used to treat misaligned teeth in children. Clear aligners, commonly known as Invisalign, are a series of custom-made removable aligners that are replaced approximately every two weeks. Each set of aligners gradually shifts teeth to the desired position.
Self-ligating braces are another option for kids. Self-ligating braces use a specialized clip rather than rubber bands to shift the teeth. This type of orthodontic treatment usually uses less pressure and requires fewer office visits; however, self-ligating braces are worn longer than traditional braces.
What to Expect During an Orthodontic Check-Up
Approximately every 4-6 weeks, you will have a follow-up apportioned for your braces. These appointments are not very long. Expect to be at your orthodontic follow-up appointment for about 30 minutes unless you are experiencing issues or your orthodontist needs to take more time with you. During your orthodontic follow-up, your orthodontist will evaluate your progress. The orthodontic assistant will remove your elastics, adjust or replace your wires, and replace your elastics. Orthodontic follow-ups are a great time to discuss your treatment or ask questions.
Benefits of braces for kids
Of the nearly 4 million patients with braces, approximately 75% of them are under 18 years of age. Braces help your child get a beautiful smile and straight teeth, but braces actually do so much more. Here are 10 benefits of braces that may surprise you:
- Improve child's speech
- Help reduce gum disease and tooth decay
- Improve chewing
- Prevent teeth from chipping
- Improve oral health
- Prevent jaw bone erosion
- Decrease headaches
- Save money on oral health issues in the future
- Boost confidence
- Enhance digestive health
Your child’s oral health is so important, especially during developmental years. If you or your dentist have concerns about your child’s teeth, the best thing to do is schedule an initial consultation with an orthodontist. Your orthodontist will be able to assess your child’s teeth and mouth and develop a treatment plan if necessary. Millions of children a year benefit from braces – surely yours will as well.
Cost of Braces in Atlanta
If you are thinking of getting your teeth straightened with orthodontic treatment, the first question that comes to mind is the cost of treatment. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to this question as the cost of braces depends on various factors, such as the severity of the problem, time in braces and the type of braces, the dentist’s credentials.
This blog provides an overview of the cost of treatment with different braces so that you can make an informed decision regarding your orthodontic treatment. But, first, let’s look at the factors that can affect braces costs in Atlanta.
- The Type of the Braces
Previously, when we used to talk about braces, it implied the traditional metal braces. However, with the advancement in dental technology, many other braces have also been introduced.
- Metal Braces - the average cost of metallic braces in Atlanta ranges between $5000 and $7000.
- Ceramic Braces - these braces are similar to conventional metal braces. However, they are made of tooth-colored ceramic, which makes them inconspicuous. Even the orthodontic wires are coated with tooth-colored material, so the braces blend in with the natural teeth. Their cost ranges between $5000 and $7000.
- Self Ligating Braces - these braces could be made of metal or ceramic. They allow faster and easier tooth movement. They used in cases where a lot of movement is required to achieve excellent results. These braces are between $5000 to $7000 as well.
- Lingual Braces - these braces have the same shape and design as traditional braces. However, they are bonded to the tongue-facing (lingual) surfaces of the teeth. As a result, they remain invisible and don’t affect one’s smile. In Atlanta, you can expect the cost of lingual braces to be anywhere between $6000 and $ 8000.
The Severity of the Patient’s Orthodontic Problem
Typically, the more severe an orthodontic issue is, the more time it will require for treatment and hence, the more costly it will be. Your dentist will give you an estimate of your treatment costs after a clinical examination and diagnosis of your orthodontic issue.
The Dentist’s Location
The location of your dentist or orthodontist can also influence your treatment cost with braces. As a general rule, orthodontic practices located in metropolitan areas have higher treatment costs than those in suburban areas. So, before deciding, it would be wise to visit dental practices in different localities and consider the one that offers the best price while offering high-quality treatment.
The Dentist’s Credentials
When considering orthodontic treatment, it is important to know the qualification and experience of the dentist. Orthodontic treatment with general dentists typically costs less than with orthodontic specialists. While there is no issue in seeking orthodontic treatment from a general dentist for mild issues, moderate and complex and complicated problems should be treated by specialist orthodontists.
Patient Compliance
Patient compliance can also affect your overall braces cost. For example, if one keeps getting one of their brackets dislodged, it will prolong their treatment duration and incur additional consultation and treatment costs.
Insurance Coverage
Did you know that some insurance companies also cover braces treatment? So, before deciding, make sure to consult the prospective dental office whether your insurance plan is covered by them. You may also ask them if they offer flexible payment plans for braces treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can truly transform one’s smile and improve their oral health. However, one must always visit an experienced and qualified orthodontist for optimal results. If you live in North east Atlanta, ______________, is an excellent place for all your orthodontic treatment needs. So, book an appointment today and take your first step towards a confident, healthy, and beautiful smile.
Cost of Invisalign in Atlanta
If you’re thinking of straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment, you might be considering dental lagers such as invisalign. However, it is natural to consider the treatment costs with Invisalign so that you can plan your finances accordingly.
At Embrace we understand that Invisalign treatment cost of invisalign treatment is among the primary concerns of prospective patients before they commit to orthodontic treatment. That is why we have written this article to help our patients understand the factors that can affect treatment costs with Invisalign in Atlanta. So, read on!
What is the Average Cost of Invisalign in Atlanta?
If you’re getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign in Atlanta, your treatment costs can range between $3000 and $8000. Just to give you an idea, treating a moderate case with Invisalign in Atlanta may cost you $5,500 for the complete treatment, which breaks down to around $150 to 250 per month depending on different Factors Affecting Invisalign Cost in Atlanta
To understand in detail how Invisalign cost varies among patients, let us look at the factors that influence Invisalign cost.
The severity of The Underlying Problem
As discussed earlier, the more complex an orthodontic problem is, the longer it will take to treat completely and the higher the treatment cost. Furthermore, complex or complicated orthodontic issues often require the use of additional appliances such as the Invisalign attachments, buttons, or mini-implants which add to the treatment costs.
Patient Compliance
Unlike fixed braces that remain fixed to the teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable. Hence, treatment quality is highly dependent on patient compliance. If a patient does not wear their aligners for the prescribed duration (at least 22 hours each day), their treatment will be prolonged which will also increase the treatment costs.
The Dentist’s Skill and Qualification
As a general rule, specialist orthodontists charge more than general dentists for Invisalign treatment. This is because orthodontists undergo additional clinical training to specialize in treatment with braces and aligners and hence, have more experience in treating orthodontic issues - especially the complicated ones.
The Location
Naturally, everyone would like to choose an orthodontic practice near their home, office, or their child’s school. But, this comfort comes at a price! If your orthodontist’s office is located in a metropolitan area, you can expect the treatment costs to be higher than if they were located in suburban areas. But at the same time, one must also factor in the time and fuel costs involved in going to and fro a dental practice that is located farther from the city center.
Insurance Coverage
Nowadays, many insurance companies entirely or partially cover treatment with Invisalign aligners. So, before choosing an orthodontic practice for Invisalign treatment, it would be wise to check with them whether they accept your insurance for Invisalign treatment. Besides, many orthodontic offices nowadays offer flexible treatment plans so that you can pay for your treatment over flexible monthly installments.
Getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign or any other dental aligner brand can be a big decision for many, especially when on a tight budget. However, equipped with the knowledge about the costs involved, we expect that you will now be able to make an informed decision and choose a dental practice that offers the best treatment rates without compromising the quality.
For high-quality orthodontic treatment services in North East Atlanta, you can visit us at Embrace orthodontics. So, book an appointment today and let us help you enjoy your beautiful smile
