Braces for kids in Baltimore, Maryland

How Do I Get Braces For My Child?

The first step towards receiving orthodontic treatment is making an appointment with our braces dentist. The dentist will examine your mouth and determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you. After discussing your goals, your dentist will develop a plan that best meets your individual needs. Get started on the path towards straighter teeth by contacting our office today to make your appointment.

What Are the Different Types of Braces?

There are several options for braces, and we customize treatment to best meet the individual needs of a variety of patients. Metal braces are a popular choice. They use brackets, wires, elastics, and bands to move your teeth into an ideal position. Ceramic braces work just as effectively as metal, but they're made from clear or tooth-colored materials that are nearly invisible on your teeth.

There are two types of invisible braces. One type involves wearing a series of customized aligner trays, which you wear over your teeth. The aligner trays are made of plastic and gradually shift teeth into the correct position. You can remove them whenever you're eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. For the other invisible type, your dentist attaches the brackets and wires to the inside of your teeth, making them completely unnoticeable when you smile. Your dentist will help you make the best decision for orthodontic treatment.  

How Are Braces Put on Teeth?

The steps for putting on braces is similar whether they're made from metal or ceramic. After cleaning and drying your teeth, your dentist or orthodontist applies a small amount of bonding glue to the middle of each tooth. The glue may taste somewhat unpleasant, but it's not a harmful substance. Once the bonding glue has dried, the dentist or orthodontist attaches the brackets to each tooth. Finally, the archwires are placed into each bracket, which are securely held into place with elastic bands.

For the invisible type, your dentist will make a mold to form an impression of your teeth. Impressions are used to create each aligner tray to the exact specifications required to move your teeth in their desired position.

How Much Do Braces For Kids Cost?

The average cost of braces will vary for each person and depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your case, if you're covered by dental insurance, and the style of orthodontic treatment you receive. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking if your plan covers orthodontic treatment. You can also give our office a call to inquire about flexible payment plans or low-interest financing options that we have available. During your consultation, your dentist can give you a cost estimate for orthodontic treatment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

How Long Does It Take to Get Braces?

For most patients, getting braces takes about one to two hours. It's normal to experience soreness and discomfort after your appointment, but this usually subsides within a week. To alleviate any discomfort, we recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Eating a diet of mostly soft foods for the first few days after your orthodontic treatment can also minimize soreness. Call our office right away if your mouth soreness doesn't go away after one week or if your pain becomes severe. Most people require orthodontic treatment for one to two years.

Wearing a Retainer After Getting Braces

When it's time to have your braces removed, the dentist or orthodontist uses a small instrument to remove the brackets from your teeth. Then, your teeth are cleaned and polished to remove any traces of glue. The whole process takes about an hour to complete. You can expect some gentle pressure on your teeth during the removal of the brackets and wires, but it's typically a painless procedure.

After completing orthodontic treatment, we advise patients to wear a retainer so they can maintain the alignment results they've achieved. Usually worn overnight, a retainer holds your teeth into place and prevents them from shifting back into their original position. The design of your retainer is customized to fit the specific shape of your teeth.

How long you should wear a retainer is different for everyone. Some patients may need to wear their retainer for a few years while some people only require a retainer for a few months. Your dentist will talk with you about how long you'll need to wear a retainer.

If you'd like to discover how you can benefit from braces in Perring Parkway, get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation.