Kids Braces in Ridgeland, MS
Children's Orthodontic Treatment
If you’ve just been told that your child needs braces, there are probably a million questions running through your mind. And towards the top is how much it’s going to cost. You want to make sure your child receives the best possible care in the safest environment, and that’s exactly what they deserve.
The team at Smile Straight Orthodontics is experienced at walking parents through every part of the orthodontic care process, from contacting your insurance providers and setting up payment plans to post-treatment instructions.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children get their first orthodontic check-up at age seven, or if an orthodontic issue presents at an earlier age. Around this age, children have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth, giving orthodontists the unique opportunity to identify developing problems and take action.
Early orthodontic treatment comes with a variety of benefits for your child and your family:
- Avoid permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumbsucking
- Improve minor speech problems
- Save money by preventing expensive dental procedures
Schedule a free consultation with our team to get your child started on the path to a healthier smile for a better future.
Types of Kids Braces
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a popular and effective choice for young children. Because the brackets are affixed directly to the teeth, parents don’t have to worry about kids keeping track of aligners.
Your child’s doctor will use glue to attach the brackets to the teeth, and each bracket will have a small hook where a wire is threaded through. These wires will help move your child’s teeth to the desired position. The brackets and wire are secured using elastic bands, which come in a rainbow of fun colors. Here’s where your kid can have fun with their braces and show off some personal flare!
Metal braces are known for their durability and strength, perfect for rambunctious children or kids who play contact sports. Another bonus: this is the most cost-effective orthodontic treatment available.
Clear Braces
With similar design and function to traditional metal braces, clear braces for kids are made with ceramic, tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet look. This option is great for pre-teens who require early orthodontic care but may be more conscious about their visual appearance.
While teeth-staining was a previous side-effect related to wearing ceramic braces, modern options have been much improved over the years. The clear braces we provide will not stain your child’s teeth.
Invisalign® for Kids
Invisalign® for kids offers the least disruption to your child’s appearance. Parents often ask us whether Invisalign® is good for kids or how well it will work. Invisalign® First is a customized solution created for children aged 6-10. This product is engineered to manage orthodontic issues as your child grows and is designed to fit smaller teeth.
Children often find clear aligners more comfortable than braces and there’s no need to manage corrective measures like elastic bands. Invisalign® is most successful in remedying mild and moderate orthodontic problems and is typically not recommended in severe or complex cases.
The Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, making it easier to keep healthy dental hygiene without having to brush and floss around brackets and wires. With this in mind, your child will need to be trusted to keep their aligners on for around 22 hours each day to achieve intended results.
Cost of Braces for Kids
We are committed to giving all children, regardless of family income, access to the best quality dental care possible. The cost of braces should not prevent your child from the smile they need for the future they deserve.
Our expert care team is proud to work with a wide range of insurance providers and will take care of all related communication. We will explain your coverage benefits in detail and work with you to agree on a payment plan you feel comfortable with before starting treatment.
The exact cost will vary due to the individual needs of the child, the family insurance policy, and age.
What Age Do Kids Get Braces?
Most children get braces between the age of 10 and 14-years-old. But it’s not age that will determine when a child needs braces. If a child presents issues that need to be corrected sooner, it is perfectly safe and effective to get braces at a younger age.
If your child regularly attends their biannual dental appointments, their primary dentist should notify you when orthodontic care is recommended. Otherwise, there are early warning signs you can look out for:
- Losing baby teeth earlier or later than normal
- Difficulty chewing or biting down
- Cheek biting
- Jaw clicking or shifting
- Facial imbalance
- Trouble with mouth breathing
- Crowded, blocked, or misplaced teeth
- Prolonged thumbsucking or pacifier use
How Long Do Kids Wear Braces?
The duration of treatment will depend on the complexity of your child’s orthodontic needs, age, and their behavior (i.e. are they using prescribed elastic bands or wearing their aligners?). However, the appointment timeline our care team uses can give you an idea of what to expect during the course of your child’s journey.
- Dental check-up and cleaning (and any needed treatment): It’s important that your child’s gums, teeth, and supporting bone are in good health before braces are placed.
- Diagnosis/Records: After pre-treatment visits have been completed, your child’s doctor will review the results to form a diagnosis. They will also take records (orthodontic X-rays, photos and impressions) to help prepare a personalized treatment plan.
- Bonding/Banding: This is the big one! Bands will be placed to serve as “anchors” all small small brackets will be affixed to the teeth using special adhesives. An arch wire is placed in each bracket to connect the teeth to the anchor bands.
- Adjustment (multiple visits): These visits are needed to “activate” the braces and are scheduled at 4- to 6-week intervals.
- De-bonding/Banding: The final visit with braces! Brackets and bands are removed, retainer impressions and final records are taken, and teeth are polished.
- Retainer: After your child’s braces are removed, they will need to wear a retainer to maintain their new straight, healthy smile. Another retainer check appointment will occur 3 months post-braces to ensure the retainers are fitting comfortably and holding the teeth in the proper positions.
Kids Braces Before and After
Check out some of our kids braces before and after pictures to see how we’ve helped children get a healthy and straight smile to last.
Contact our practice today to schedule your child’s free consultation and learn more about early age orthodontic treatment.
Kids Braces FAQs
Does dental insurance cover braces for kids?
Dental insurance coverage varies depending on the specific insurance plan. Some dental insurance plans provide coverage for orthodontic treatment, including braces for children, while others have limited or no coverage for such procedures.
Other factors that may determine whether an insurance policy covers braces for kids include: age limitations, waiting periods, coverage limits, and pre-authorization requirements.
Our team will gladly work with you to make sure you understand what is covered by your dental insurance and any additional expenses. We’re committed to providing the best dental care to all children, regardless of family income.
Does Medicaid cover braces for kids?
Orthodontic services are covered when medically necessary and prior authorized by the Division of Medicaid or designated entity for EPSDT-eligible beneficiaries.
Does Delta Dental cover braces for kids?
Delta Dental offers different plans with varying levels of dental coverage. Orthodontic benefits for children may be included in some plans and not in others. To determine whether your Delta Dental plan covers braces for kids, you should review your plan documents, policy information, or contact Delta Dental directly.
High-quality dental care should be available to all children and families, regardless of income. This is why we happily work with a number of insurance providers to provide braces for kids.
Can you eat sour patch kids with braces?
Sticky and chewy foods and candies are not recommended for kids with braces because they can cause damage to the wires. This includes sour patch kids, licorice, caramel candies, chewing gum, and many other candies.
Safe sweet treats to eat for kids with braces include puddings, ice cream, milkshakes, cake, cupcakes, and Jello-O.
What can kids eat with braces?
While kids with braces do need to take special care to avoid food that can cause damage to the appliances, there are still many treats that can be safely enjoyed during their treatment. Here are some braces-friendly and kid-approved options:
- Puddings and milk-based drinks
- Pancakes and muffins (without nuts)
- Ice cream
- Jell-O
- Cake
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Applesauce