Thousands of kids around the United States need braces. Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment for crowded or crooked teeth; they also correct bites or jaw misalignment. Knowing when your child needs braces isn’t always easily determined. Thankfully, the team at Steele Creek Orthodontics can help. We offer braces for kids in Charlotte, North Carolina. From correcting overbites to straightening out teeth, Steele Creek Orthodontics can help improve your child’s smile and oral health.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
There is no specific age that requires children to get braces. However, around age 8, most children start to show signs of malocclusions and bad bites. Malocclusions are crowded or crooked teeth. These are generally the most prominent indication that a child needs braces. Other signs include:
- Gaps between teeth
- Excessive oral breathing (breathing through the mouth more than the nose)
- Persistent thumb-sucking (beyond age four)
- Chewing problems
- Significant baby-tooth decay
Generally, braces are for children who have significant overcrowding or crooked teeth. However, the severity of your child’s orthodontic problems will determine when they should get braces. We can identify early signs of orthodontic issues by examining your child’s jaw. Early detection is the best way to minimize oral health issues and ensure that your child’s adult teeth grow properly.
If you think your child may need braces, let Steele Creek Orthodontics take a look. We will carefully examine your child’s mouth and determine if braces are necessary.
How Do Braces Work?
The most common and traditional type of braces for kids in Charlotte, North Carolina, are metal braces consisting of titanium or stainless steel. Metal braces consist of three main components: the brackets, the archwire, and the ligature elastic.
The brackets are the part of the braces that attach to your child’s teeth. Orthodontists use a special type of glue that secures the brackets to your child’s teeth. The archwire is the metal wire that runs through and connects the brackets. This wire is a critical part of straightening your child’s teeth and correcting their bite. The ligature elastics are also known as rubber bands. The elastics are the colorful part of braces that connects the archwires and brackets. Since the orthodontist changes the rubber bands during every visit, children often get to pick new colors for their braces. All three braces components work together to straighten your child’s teeth and adjust their bite. Your child’s orthodontist will adjust the wires and elastic during every visit to gradually correct teeth.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost for braces varies depending on several factors.
- The orthodontist
- The region
- The severity of your child’s orthodontic care needs
Most dental insurance plans cover a percentage of the cost entailed by braces.
At Steele Creek Orthodontics, we believe that parents shouldn’t have to navigate payment options on their own. From payment plans to lower down payments, we work with you to evaluate your payment options and establish a plan that works with your budget.
What Should I Expect if My Child Needs Braces?
Most children wear their braces for one to three years. During this time, the metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands work together to straighten your child’s smile and improve their bite gradually. We know that not all children enjoy pediatric orthodontic visits. Thankfully, braces are virtually painless and non-invasive.
When your orthodontist determines that your child needs braces, the first step is fitting. The fitting appointment generally lasts between one and two hours. After the fitting, the orthodontist will glue the brackets to your child’s teeth. After placing the brackets, we thread the wire through the brackets and secure them in place with elastics. Your child can expect minor soreness following the procedure but should not experience any substantial pain.
Braces for Kids in Charlotte, North Carolina
Dr. Forrest and the team at Steele Creek Orthodontics are passionate about helping children perfect their smiles and improve their oral health. We’re passionate about giving your child the smile they’re dreaming of.