ages & stages dental
Bracing for Braces
By Dr. Heather Schneider IF YOU ARE a parent and considering
braces for your child, you likely have a lot of questions and concerns. Why does my child need braces? How long will they last? How much will they cost? These questions ANTONIO DIAZ
are normal, and you are certainly not alone! Here are all the basics you need to know about braces and more.
Why does my child need braces?
treatment, talk to your dentist for more
compared to breaking in a new pair of shoes.
Braces are usually considered for a child if
information.
Individuals who have braces are more likely
they are living with crooked teeth. Teeth
to feel soreness rather than pain when they
can become crooked for a number of
How long do braces last?
get their braces due to an inflammatory
reasons, including malocclusion, which
As braces are a personalized treatment for
response from the pressure of the brackets
is a genetic condition that causes teeth to
the individual, the time frame for for braces
being tightened or adjusted by the
become crowded, or from accidents and
is usually determined by the orthodontist
orthodontist. However, this soreness doesn’t
injuries that come from kids being kids. It
who will give you an estimated treatment
last long, and your orthodontist is likely to
can also happen when baby teeth take a bit
time frame for your child at the first visit.
recommend taking an anti-inflammatory
longer to fall out.
For most people, braces are worn for about
medicine to help reduce discomfort.
While the appearance of straight teeth
1-3 years. After the braces are removed, the
is just one perk of getting braces, properly
patient will then receive a retainer to keep
Though the timeline of braces may seem
aligned teeth are easier to clean and
their teeth straight.
intimidating for you and your child, this
maintain than crooked teeth, which are
short period can lead to a lifetime of straight
more likely to lead to cavities, tooth decay
How much do braces cost?
and possible tooth loss.
The cost of braces depends on the length
(and healthier) teeth if cared for properly.
of the treatment plan and the method that
Dr. Heather Schneider is the Dental Director at
What age should my child get braces?
you choose. For metal or ceramic braces,
Delta Dental of Arizona. Dr. Schneider earned her
the price ranges from $3,000 to upwards
Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from the Arizona
For children, orthodontic treatment
of $8,000. Before you investigate the cost,
School of Dental and Oral Health at A.T. Still
usually begins between the ages of 8 and
it is important to first check with your
University, followed by an Advanced Education in
15. At this time, your mouth and jaw are
dentist if braces are the correct option for
General Dentistry (AEGD) residency through NYU
still growing, making it easier to correct
your child.
Lutheran Hospitals in Mesa, Ariz., extending her
your teeth. However, the braces experience
surgical and specialty skill set. With a special interest in
is personalized to the individual. If you are
Will braces be painful for my child?
dental education, Dr. Schneider serves as an adjunct
considering getting braces for your kid but
At first, braces can seem a bit uncomfortable
instructional dentist at A.T. Still University.
are unsure if their teeth are ready for the
or hard to get used to – it is commonly
20 November 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com