Every parent wants the best for their child. That best can be braces for kids, education, health, and overall well-being needs. Dental health is so important for children and teenagers as there is so much development happening in those years. One of the biggest things that often comes up is whether a child needs braces and whether or not to spend the money to invest in kids braces or pediatric braces. There is a lot to consider and many parents have a lot of questions regarding the decision.

It’s a big step so it’s only natural the make sure you understand the details and what to expect before you make a decision. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know – from when to consider braces to being able to help your child through the process. Learn more below!

When to Consider Braces for Kids

There is no clear-cut explanation as to the exact timing of when to get kids braces. The truth is that it’s very unique to the development and needs of every child. One thing we do know is that there is benefit to getting braces early, even into pediatric braces at times. At one time, it was thought that parents should wait until full tooth development, but that is no longer the case.

Now, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends having your child evaluated by the time they turn 7. Not every child will need braces, but this is an optimal time to start considering whether it might be beneficial in the future. Having that assessment also doesn’t mean braces right then. It simply helps look for some early warning signs and indicate if monitoring needs to occur.

Children that do need braces typically get them between the ages of 9-14. This primarily depends on their permanent teeth, but occurs while the jaw is still growing.

Signs Your Child Might Need Braces

If you’re wondering whether you might have to consider pediatric braces, there are some signs you can look for. It’s always a good idea to consult with an orthodontist or even speak to your dentist about their thoughts on your child. They can refer you as needed or may even offer the services in their office.

Not all issues are obvious and every child is unique. However, there are some common indicators that braces for kids may be necessary.

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Overbite or underbite
• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Speech challenges
• Late or early loss of baby teeth

If you happen to notice any of these signs with your child, consult with an orthodontist to determine if you should start planning for braces treatment. In some cases, Invisalign for kids may help correct minor issues.

Common Parental Concerns for Braces

One of the most common concerns parents have is whether braces are truly necessary for their child. Many parents view braces as simply done for looks, but that is not usually the case. Yes, braces will adjust the looks of crooked and misaligned teeth, but there are also underlying benefits. The cost and what their child will have to go through are also common concerns, so let’s look at these questions.

Are Braces Just Cosmetic?

While braces provide cosmetic benefits, they also offer a lot of health benefits, like these:

• Reducing jaw pain
• Preventing future dental issues
• Improving speech and chewing
• Preventing tooth decay

Straighter teeth will make them easier to clean, improve bite and speech patterns, and help address issues early that can lead to more complex problems as the child gets older.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Kids’ braces are not cheap and it’s certainly an investment. How much it will cost and how you’re going to pay for that is probably at the top of your concerns. The price of braces varies significantly and depends on the treatment needed for your child.

Braces for kids and cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 on average. There are many factors that go into this. Location is a big one as some geographical areas are naturally more expensive than others. The extent and complexity of treatment are another big factor. Your dental plan may offer coverage, but not all do. Some offices offer payment plans or financing to help ease the burden of braces expenses.

Will My Child Be Miserable?

As parents, we never want our children to be in pain or go through a treatment that will make them miserable for 2+ years. We don’t like to see our kids uncomfortable and we certainly don’t want to worry that this will negatively impact them for the next several months or years.

The good news is that while children experience some discomfort, they typically are not miserable outside of that adjustment period. There are options to help with discomfort and soreness as well.

Understanding Different Types of Braces

There are several different types of kids braces to choose from. Your provider may only offer certain options or will have a specific recommendation for your child’s needs.

These are the different types on the market with a brief explanation:

• Traditional Metal: metal brackets on each tooth with metal wires attached by bands. The most affordable choice and highly effective.
• Ceramic: uses clear ceramic materials rather than a metal bracket, creating a slightly more discreet look.
• Invisalign for Kids: clear aligners formed to the child’s teeth that are removable as needed. These are best for mild cases or older kids and teens.
• Lingual Braces: less common, but completely hidden from view and installed on the backside of the teeth rather than the front.

Supporting Your Child on Their Braces Journey

The way that you react and support your child on their journey will likely significantly impact their experience. They depend on you to help them through the process.

These are some great tips to offer your support with braces for kids:

• Normalize the experience so they feel more comfortable and confident
• Make braces fun and let your child customize their bands
• Help keep them on track by preparing soft foods and offering allowable foods for their braces
• Reinforce and encourage good oral hygiene
• Stay positive in support

Conclusion

Braces for kids are not always easy, but they can certainly make it through it with your support. The journey can be long and challenging, but it offers valuable benefits and outcomes and it’s often well worth the investment. Work with a local orthodontist that understands the need and will guide you through it!