Braces for kids in Miami Beach, Florida

Where Do I Find a Dentist Who Puts Braces On Children?

Before you decide on a braces dentist, we ask you to arrange a consultation at our practice. You'll receive an evaluation and your dentist will go over recommendations for your personalized treatment. You can ask how much do braces cost and how long treatment will take.

How Do Braces Go On Teeth?

First, you'll have an exam to make sure you don't have any cavities or other issues before your appliance goes on. If everything looks good, your dentist will want to start with a clean slate. He or she will clean your teeth and dry them. Unless you're getting clear aligners, your dentist will glue brackets to your teeth and run an arch wire through them. Finally, he or she will secure the wire with bands. The entire process takes about one to two hours if you don't need any dental work first.

If you chose clear aligners, your dentist will either take a digital scan or impression of your teeth to design a series of aligners. Getting your first aligner only takes a minute or two, as your dentist will make sure it fits well.

What Are My Options for Oral Appliances?

When people hear braces, they often imagine metal braces. Today's appliances have smaller brackets than before and are more comfortable. You can even get colored bands to personalize the appliances. Metal appliances are highly effective and able to handle the most challenging orthodontic issues. Braces with metal brackets are typically the most affordable option as well.

Invisible braces, also known as ceramic braces, are the same as traditional appliance, except the brackets are tooth colored as so is the arch wire. They are not the most invisible option, clear aligners are, but they are far less noticeable than metal braces. Ceramic is not as strong as metal, so you have to be careful not to eat any hard foods that can break them. You also have to be careful not to stain them with dark beverages. Use a straw or brush immediately afterward.

Clear aligners are virtually invisible and easily removable. They look like thin, clear mouth guards. However, they don't provide the same protection as a mouth guard. If you play contact sports, take them off and substitute a regular mouth guard instead. You receive a series of aligners that you will change every week or two. Clear aligners are as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces, but you have to leave them in for 22 hours each day. This means you have to always remember to put them back in right after a meal or snack. You can take them out to eat, so there are no restrictions on food, and to brush and floss. Your dentist can show you how to keep your aligners clean; you don't brush them.

Are Braces For Kids Expensive?

Your dentist is the best person to ask how much do braces cost. Factors that will affect your cost include the severity of your misalignment, the type of oral appliance you choose and whether you have dental insurance that will pay a portion of your cost. We work with many larger dental insurance companies and can help you figure out your out-of-pocket expenses. Feel free to ask us about our flexible financing options if spreading out the cost will fit into your budget.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Braces and clear aligners can take anywhere from one to three years to move teeth depending on the severity of the misalignment. Talk to your dentist about which of your options can offer the fastest results. Usually, children's treatment is faster than adults, as their jaws are not fully grown yet and it's easier for teeth to move.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are plastic or metal appliances you wear after your braces come off. Your treatment isn't over once your teeth are in their new position, since they can shift back. Sometimes, you will wear a retainer 24 hours a day, while other times you may only need to wear it at night. If you don't wear the retainer, your teeth will move back and you will have wasted your time and money.