Do you have a feeling that your little one needs braces for children in Irving? Orthodontic problems like dental crowding and bite misalignment can put your child at a higher risk of experiencing cavities and other common oral health problems. Plus, there’s nothing that can boost their confidence quite like having a smile that’s straight and healthy! To learn some tell-tale signs that could indicate that your child needs braces, read on.
Does Your Child Really Need Braces?
When you’re a parent, you’re responsible for making the final-call on what’s best for your child, including whether or not they should get braces. Aside from having a straighter smile, your child will be able to reap several benefits when they get braces. These include:
- Improved oral health due to their smile being easier to clean. Less nooks and crannies to hide food debris in means fewer cavities.
- Increased confidence during their peak years of social development.
- Reduced risk of gum disease.
- Improved speech patterns and pronunciation with aligned teeth.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Orthodontic Issues?
The best age for your child to get braces depends on the severity of their orthodontic issues, whether their permanent teeth have all grown in, and a variety of other factors. Typically, the average age that children receive orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 10 and 15 years old.
Many orthodontic issues can be inherited, like crooked teeth and crowding, so it’s important to keep a lookout if you also had braces when you were younger. Some habits and issues that can increase your child’s risk of needing treatment as they get older include:
- Breathing through their mouths
- Sucking on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or blankets as they age
- Poor nutrition
- Poor oral hygiene
The best way to learn whether your child can benefit from braces is to take them in for a consultation with their dentist in Irving. Based on X-ray images of their mouth, they will be able to let you know the best route to take.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment For Children Cost?
Once parents find out that their child needs orthodontic treatment, the follow-up question is usually “How much does it cost?” It can be difficult fitting additional bill payments into your monthly budget, but your dentist most likely offers several easy ways for you to pay. The cost of your child’s braces treatment will depend on the severity of their orthodontic problems and how long they’ll need to wear them for, which will be discussed at their initial consultation.
If you believe that your child needs braces, there’s no better way to get a definitive answer than taking them in to visit their dentist for an examination and consultation. Knowing that your child has a healthy and happy smile is well worth the investment!
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji is a skilled dentist with over 10 years of experience under his belt. He has completed countless additional education courses in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry as well, allowing him to offer traditional orthodontics as well as Invisalign for children and teens. His extensive knowledge and expertise allow him to provide patients of all ages with the highest quality of care. For questions or to schedule a consultation for traditional orthodontics, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur’s website or call 972-546-4114.