Is your child getting old enough that you’ve started to worry about his or her crooked teeth? A lot of parents have questions about getting braces for their children—especially about the treatment timeline, ideal age, and the average cost of braces (Sacramento CA).  Dr. David Markham explains some of the basics.

Do you need an orthodontic consultation or a second opinion for your child? Visit Markham Orthodontics of Sacramento CA, and we’ll assess your child’s teeth and share what we find. Call us at 916-924-8970 to make an appointment.

Are braces really necessary?

While most people only think of the cosmetic value of having a straighter smile, there are immense health benefits to braces. Properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and can help you better avoid cavities and gum disease throughout your whole life. Correcting bite problems with braces (overbite, underbite, crossbite) can also help preserve the structure of the teeth and prevent your child from developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

If you suspect your child will need braces, visit your dentist or Markham Orthodontics and we’ll take x-rays, monitor their development, and let you know if we spot any potential problems. Sometimes adult teeth look quite crooked as they first erupt, but tend to even out as time passes. We will explain whether your child’s teeth will have any bite or alignment issues.

When Should My Child Get Braces?

For most kids, the ideal time for braces is somewhere between ages 10 and 14. At this age, the head and jaw are still growing, but most of the adult teeth have already come in. If your child started losing teeth earlier than other kids, he or she may be on the younger side of the spectrum, or vice versa.

Some children can benefit from early orthodontic interventions as young as age seven. If your regular dentist hasn’t said anything about it by age seven, then you’re probably okay. However, for some conditions (such as severe bite issues or a narrow jaw or palate), it’s easier to correct the teeth as they are growing in, rather than after.

How long do braces take?

Braces are usually worn for between one and three years. The average wear time is about 24 months, but this will depend on your child’s unique alignment issues. Visit us at Markham Orthodontics and we’ll provide a written treatment plan that explains your child’s concerns, as well as the recommended treatment timeline.

I hated braces as a kid, have things gotten better since then?

Braces have changed quite a bit in recent years. “Smart” brackets and wires can now do more than they could in the past, which means treatment is more comfortable and effective. Imaging technology and treatment planning have improved, as well. This means we can be more precise and accurate with the placement of wires and brackets to maximize your child’s time in braces.

If your child is old enough and has only mild-to-moderate alignment issues, he or she may be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. This treatment is miles and miles beyond conventional braces when it comes to appearance and comfort. The aligners barely impact how your smile looks and are removed for eating and cleaning. This means your diet doesn’t have to change and you can even take them out for special events and photographs.

How much do braces cost?

The average cost of braces (Sacramento CA) varies, depending on the type you get. Standard bracket-and-wire braces usually cost between $3000-7000, depending on the treatment timeline and the needs of the individual patient. If you want white braces that blend in better with your child’s smile, the cost is around $4000-8000. For adults and older teens without severe misalignment or bite issues, Invisalign treatment can run between $4000 and $8000.

If you have dental insurance, there’s a good chance they will cover a significant portion of the cost of your child’s braces. Even if they don’t (or if you don’t have insurance), we at Markham Orthodontics are devoted to making ortho treatments affordable for working families.

We offer flexible payment plans that let you pay for braces over time, and we also accept CareCredit payments. If you don’t know what this is, you should visit their website. CareCredit has helped many families cover the cost of medical and dental treatments, so they can repay the amount over time at zero (or very low) interest.

If you’d like to learn more about the need, age, and average cost of braces (Sacramento CA), visit our office for a consultation or second opinion.  Contact us at 916-924-8970 to make an appointment.