Pediatric orthodontic services in Homestead

Why Should Children Get Braces?

Having crooked teeth or teeth with sizable gaps between them can ruin an otherwise attractive smile. An overbite, underbite, or buck teeth can do the same thing. These issues can severely impact your self-confidence and make you smile less often. Besides aesthetics, these problems can cause discomfort in your mouth and headaches and earaches. Oral appliances, like braces, are the easiest and most popular way to correct these issues.

An orthodontist in Homestead will suggest you bring your child in for an assessment around age seven. It is easier to correct issues in children before they reach age 14 because the jaw is still developing. Many kids who need treatment start after age nine, but girls can typically start earlier than boys. Adults can also be good candidates, although treatment may take a little longer. It's never too late to get a smile that you can be proud of.

What Type of Braces Are Available?

Traditional metal appliances are usually the most affordable option. They are durable and strong, and the brackets are smaller than they were in the past. The brackets are glued to the front of the teeth and arch wires hold the brackets together. There are also rubber bands that help create pressure to move the teeth. Ceramic appliances work the same way, except the brackets and wires are tooth-colored, so they are less noticeable. Lingual appliances are attached to the back of the teeth, so they are pretty much invisible. They take getting used to though as they can irritate your tongue. Clear aligners are different; the aligners are plastic trays, changed every six weeks or so. They move teeth just as well, but although they are removable to eat and brush your teeth, you have to wear them at least 22 hours a day. They are not visible unless someone is standing very close to you.

What Are the Best Types of Braces for Children?

Many parents choose metal appliances for young children as they are affordable and work quickly. If you had a metal appliance as a child, they are less noticeable today. Kids also like the fun color bands they can choose every six to eight weeks during adjustments. Ceramic appliances are not recommended for children who may eat some of the hard foods they are supposed to avoid as the brackets can break more easily.

Older teens may want clear aligners. Responsible teens do well with them, but it's so temping to leave them off for more than an hour or two a day. A teen could forget to put them back in after eating lunch at school, especially since they have little time to go brush them teeth after eating. Teens like to snack too, meaning they have to brush after every snack and put the aligner back in. Removable clear aligners simply don't fit in some teenager's lifestyle.

What Are Adult Braces?

If you're an adult and go see an orthodontist in Homestead, you should know you won't be the only adult there. About one-quarter of patients who see an orthodontist are over age 18. Right now, clear aligners are popular with adults. This is because the aligners are virtually invisible and they are removable when a person eats or wants to brush their teeth. There are many individuals who are in their 30s and 40s, or even older, who feel self-conscious about their smile. Adults also like being able to eat what they want, since you can't eat with the aligners in. Adults also choose metal and ceramic appliances. Plenty of celebrities are wearing them, so there isn't any stigma anymore.

I'm Worried About the Braces Cost

Braces in Homestead may not be as expensive as you fear. It's important to think of them as an investment in good dental health which helps to avoid more expensive dental problems in the future. Your cost depends on the type of appliance you choose and how long treatment will take. Metal appliances are the most affordable; lingual ones are the most expensive as they are more difficult for your dentist to put on.

At our office, we do everything we can to help our patients make this investment in their dental health. Our office staff can help you understand your dental insurance coverage for yourself or your child. We work with a variety of dental insurance plans, as well as discount dental plans. There are also financing options that can help you spread out the cost. We never want to you to feel self-conscious about expressing your concerns about finances.

Where Can I Find Braces in Homestead?

Our orthodontist is an expert in determining the best treatment option in your case. When you visit our office, you'll not only learn about your options, but you'll learn about the timeframes for each type of treatment and the expected outcomes. No matter how many questions you have, you'll get honest answers that will address all your concerns. Please contact us if you want honest answers to all your questions.