Many children struggle with crooked, misaligned teeth growing up. This can present a number of issues, from being more susceptible to cavities to feeling self-conscious when smiling. If your child is struggling with their teeth, you may start considering getting braces for them.
What are some questions that you should ask Fort Worth kids’ dentists before purchasing children’s braces?
There are a few questions that you should keep in the back of your head when considering braces for your child. Here are a few things you should ask your child’s orthodontist.
1. How Do I Know if My Child Needs Braces?
This should be the most obvious question for any parent. Does my child really need braces or would they be an unnecessary expense?
There are many reasons why a child may need braces, though they aren’t usually visible to parents. Unless your child complains of mouth pain or they have extreme crowding in their mouth, you may not realize that they need braces at all. Bringing your child in to an orthodontist is often the best way to tell if they need braces.
2. How Long Will Treatment Take?
Your child will want to know how long they’ll have to wear braces. The average timespan needed for braces to work is about 2 years, though that is not always the case. Naturally, the duration of treatment will depend on your child’s individual needs.
If they have a lot of crowding between teeth or large gaps between teeth, they may need to have braces for longer than average. However, if only minor adjustments need to be made, they may not need braces for very long. Your orthodontist can give you a better idea of the treatment plan.
3. What Braces are Best for My Child?
There are many different options for braces, each with its own benefits and price ranges. Choosing which is best for your child can be hard without an expert’s help.
Ask your child’s orthodontist about the various options for braces for your child. From traditional braces to Invisalign, you have many choices to decide from! Don’t forget to ask your child for their opinion, too; they’re the ones who will have to wear whatever you get them!
4. How Will Braces Benefit My Child?
There are many benefits of braces; not only will your child’s teeth look better, but braces will also help your child perform necessary tasks more easily.
When the mouth is overcrowded with teeth, eating and speaking can become more difficult. In some cases, eating can even be painful if the teeth are too close together. This discomfort may prevent your child from enjoying certain foods.
Crowded teeth are also more prone to developing cavities. It’s more difficult to clean the spaces where teeth overlap; bacteria can hide in these spaces and chew through tooth enamel. Since these cavities are difficult to spot, it may take some time before you even realize something is wrong.
One of the greatest benefits of braces is the confidence your child will get from a pristine smile. Having a mouth full of crooked or gapped teeth can do a number to a child’s self-esteem. With braces, your child can smile wider with more confidence than before!
Be sure to ask your child’s orthodontist what specific styles of braces can do for your child. Each type comes with unique benefits, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
5. How Much Will Braces Cost?
Along with individual benefits, different types of braces will come at different price ranges. While comparing braces prices, ask about the price range and payment plans available. That way, you can be sure that you can afford the braces you want.
You may also want to ask if the braces are covered under your insurance. This will give you some peace of mind as you make your final decision.
6. How Can My Child Care for Their Braces?
There are some specific maintenance rituals that your child will need to follow when cleaning their braces. Food particles can easily get stuck in the wires of braces, meaning that your child will need to take extra care while brushing their teeth.
Your child’s orthodontist may also recommend headgear or rubber bands to help the teeth move. You may be required to attend follow-up appointments to adjust or tighten the braces as well; this is necessary to help the teeth back into proper positioning.
7. Should My Child Avoid Certain Foods or Drinks?
Braces can be delicate, and overly sticky or chewy foods should be avoided. Eating the wrong thing could cause the braces to become loose or damaged over time. Your child may have to give up certain foods that they enjoy in order to keep their braces intact.
Ask your orthodontist what types of foods should be avoided, as well as any drinks that your child shouldn’t have. Some extremely cold or hot foods and drinks can affect the metal parts of the braces, risking damage. Take notes of any types of foods that your child shouldn’t eat.
Ask These Questions to Fort Worth Kids’ Dentists
In order to make sure that your child gets the best results from their braces, there are questions you should consider. The next time you visit your Fort Worth kids’ dentists or orthodontists, ask about the potential for braces. Your child may benefit from wearing them!
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