By: Dr. Stephen Tracey

Almost everybody—from kids to adults—can benefit from orthodontic treatment.  Beyond the aesthetic benefits of a beautiful smile, aligned teeth create a better bite, which can reduce stress, headaches and strain on supporting bone and tissue.  

As expected, many kids I see are nervous when they come and sit in my chair for the first time. That said, often times, it’s actually the parents who are more apprehensive than kids when it comes to seeing their own child undergo orthodontic treatment! Parents come to my office expecting clunky headgear and tedious treatment.  But it’s important for parents to know that, just like most medical fields, orthodontic technology has advanced rapidly. Today’s braces—such as the Damon System (a revolutionary braces treatment I use on my patients)—provide a lighter, more comfortable option that align teeth quickly and achieve lasting results.  If you are starting to explore options for braces for your child (or even yourself), I encourage you to familiarize with the information below.

At what age should I schedule my child’s first appointment with an orthodontist?
Kids should have their first check-up around the age of seven.  Addressing potential problems while a child’s jaw is still developing provides a greater window of opportunity for more effective treatment. To be clear, this does not mean your child will be entering treatment at age 7. It simply means that early consultations are recommended to ensure that minor issues can be properly addressed—before they transform into major problems.

Will my child need to get teeth pulled? Will treatment be painful?
Extractions occur in less than three percent of patients, so if you look at the statistics, it is unlikely your child will need teeth pulled. The technology used in modern braces enable teeth to align with more ease—often without traditional “tightening”— transforming a patient’s smile quickly and more comfortably.

On average, how much does treatment cost?
It’s natural that parents are concerned when it comes to cost of treatment.  While cost varies from patient to patient, on average treatment can be anywhere between $3,800 and $8,000.  At your child’s initial consultation, an orthodontist should be able to provide estimated pricing and give information on available payment options, such payment plans without interest charges, to make treatment more affordable and accommodating to your budget.

Keep in mind, the cost of braces should never keep your kids from achieving the perfect smile. Getting a perfect smile is an important investment, as it pays important dividends in terms of self-esteem and confidence!
    
Dr. Stephen Tracey, D.D.S., M.S. is an orthodontic specialist practicing in Upland, Calif.  He has lectured in 22 countries on 6 continents, published extensively in the orthodontic literature, and is a Visiting Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Ferrara in Ferrara, Italy. He is a proud Damon System provider.