Healthy Habits: Kids and Braces

If you’re considering braces for your child or teen, you might have some questions about what to expect. I had a chance to interview Minneapolis orthodontist Dr. Regina Blevins who was able to share  factors to consider before putting braces on your child.

• How can parents find the right orthodontist?

Finding the right orthodontist can make the journey to an awesome smile and a proper functioning bite hassle-free.  

Here are some key factors to look for:

• Do you know other families that have had a good experience with the office? Often word of mouth is a better indicator than fancy advertising.
• Is your family dentist recommending someone? They often see the results of many orthodontists and hear the family’s opinions about the experience.
• When you go for a consultation does the orthodontist do a thorough exam which should include diagnostic photos and x-rays.  A digital scan and simulation is an indication that the office is familiar with the most advanced tools for treatment planning.
• Does the orthodontist discuss pros and cons of all options and give a rational for their preferred option?
• All orthodontic specialist receive extensive training after dental school on the specifics of orthodontic treatment, but can have differing philosophies on the methods to achieve the results.  Some may only offer traditional braces, while others have spent time to learn additional techniques like Invisalign clear aligner treatment that offers options that may make the experience less disruptive to your teen’s daily life. Invisalign clear aligners can be faster, and less noticeable while having a lower risk of side effects like gingivitis or decay.  Orthodontist’s that have mastered these techniques agree that certain malocclusions are treated faster and to an equal or better end result.  Be sure to ask if this is an option and if the orthodontist says no, ask why.
• Asking to see before and after photo examples of their patients can give an idea of the artistic nature of their results.

• What is the best age for braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a screening at age 7 to catch any developing problems where early intervention can help erupting teeth come in safe and healthy.  

Examples of this are:

• Front tooth collisions where the upper teeth go behind the lower teeth.  
• Teeth that are so crowded that a tooth is trapped inside the bone and can’t come in.

Another important time to be screened is at the pre-puberty growth spurt when the last few permanent teeth are erupting, this is the most effective time to modify growing jaws with things like orthodontic elastics.  

• What types of options do parents have besides traditional braces?

This generation has more choices than any in the past.  The most popular alternative to traditional braces that are glued to the teeth are the removable Invisalign clear aligners.  

The advantages are many: 

• Invisalign clear aligners are proven to fix teen smiles, from simple to more complex cases.
• As a formal dental hygienist, I cringe when I see food and plaque matted around the braces and parents don’t like having to help their kids to floss.  Invisalign clear aligners allow the aligners to be removed and normal home care to be done.  
• With removable Invisalign aligners there are no food restrictions, no after-hours emergency appointments and no interference with sports or playing musical instruments.

• What happens after braces come off?

Once orthodontic treatment is done, I joke and say that the most important aspect of treatment starts and that is maintaining the results for a life time.  Retainers come in several options and will need to be worn in most cases indefinitely at least a few nights a week.

The three most common are:

• Plastic plate covering the roof of the mouth with a wire over the front teeth. These are the bulkiest and least comfortable, also you need to be careful not to bend the wire. Expensive to replace if lost or broken.
• Wires bonded to the back of the front teeth.  These require the least compliance for wear, but are the most likely to need frequent maintenance due to breakage from normal biting pressures.  They also don’t maintain any mouth widening that may have been done during treatment.
• Clear mouthguard type retainers have several advantages: comfortable, not noticeable, at a cost point that a family can have a back up set.  Also, if the treatment was done with Invisalign aligners, they will already be used to this type of mouth feel and will not have anything “new” to get used to. 

• How can parents pay for braces?

The cost of orthodontic treatment has stayed relatively steady over the years at around 5-7,000$ depending on the length of treatment and severity of the problem.

Insurance plans often pay a portion but rarely cover the whole cost.  The private pay amount can usually be financed over 12-36 months often at no interest through the orthodontic office.