Braces for kids in Orange City, Florida

Where Do I Learn More About Braces For Children?

You need to find a braces dentist in your community that you can trust to recommend the right solution for you. We urge you to call our office and request a consultation. We'll assess your need for braces, go over your options, and answer all your questions, including what life with braces is like. Our dentist can design a custom treatment plan for you that meets your unique needs, fits into your budget, and gives you results in the shortest possible time.

What Is it Like to Get Braces Put On?

With traditional metal and ceramic appliances, it's a lengthy process, taking between one to two hours. Fortunately, it does not hurt, but you may feel pressure. Your dentist has to clean and dry your teeth first, since he or she will glue the brackets on them. Next, the arch wire is run through the brackets and secured with rubber bands. Afterwards, you may feel slight soreness for a day or two.

Are There Different Braces to Choose From?

Metal braces are very common for kids and adolescents. Fortunately, the brackets are smaller than they were in the past, so they don't stand out as much. Many children like to choose different color bands whenever they have an adjustment. They're becoming a fashion statement today. Metal appliances are also very strong, making them ideal for people of any age that have severe orthodontic issues.

Ceramic braces are very similar to metal appliances, except the brackets and arch wires are tooth colored. They are very discrete, so they are often referred to as invisible braces. Ceramic brackets are not as strong as metal ones, making it important for individuals to wear a mouth guard specifically designed by your dentist if they engage in any sports where a hit to the mouth is possible. Your dentist can also create a mouth guard to go over metal appliances to protect the inside of the mouth.

Clear aligners are a series of plastic trays that move teeth. Unlike traditional appliances, they are removable. If you have them, you'll remove them to eat, drink anything but water and for brushing and flossing. You'll need to keep them in for 22 out of every 24 hours. The aligners are virtually invisible.

What Do Braces For Kids Cost?

Your cost will depend on several factors. Certain types of braces cost more than others, with metal appliances being the most affordable. The severity of your issue also affects the cost, as treatment may take longer. If you have dental insurance coverage that pays a portion of your cost, we can help you estimate your out-of-pocket costs. Please call to arrange a consultation and we can talk to you about your estimated costs once our dentist has evaluated your situation.

What's It Like to Get Braces?

Your diet will change if you have a traditional metal or ceramic appliance. You could be wearing them for anywhere from one to three years.

Sticky or hard foods can damage your appliance. You will also want to avoid chewy foods; chewing gum is out. If you have a clear aligner, you can eat what you want, since you remove the aligner before eating and them brush your teeth afterward.

You can still play sports with traditional appliances. There are mouth guards designed to fit over your appliance. Clear aligners cannot double as mouth guards for contact sports, you will have to remove them as wear a mouth guard, which is usually required to play contact sports. Life will not change too much, but you have to be careful not to break or damage your appliance, as this can delay your treatment.

Your dentist will go over an oral care routine with you to make sure your teeth stay healthy. You may need special products to floss with, which your dentist will recommend and show you how to use.

Will I Have to Wear a Retainer After My Braces Come Off?

Your dentist will be honest with you; your treatment isn't over once the braces come off. Retainers are necessary to maintain your results and preserve investment in time and money you've put into treatment. Teeth can easily drift back to where they were, especially in the year or two after treatment. Typically, you only have to wear the retainer at night, but your dentist will recommend a schedule for you.