Finding out your child needs braces can feel like bad news, with worries about money and possible complications. If you plan properly, however, for the possibility of your children needing orthodontic treatment it can become a positive experience that you will be grateful you can give your child.
You may be asking yourself, what is the use of spending all this time planning for something that may or may not happen? When you got so much on your plate already, why stress yourself more?
Actually, in the long run, being proactive is much less stressful than being reactive. Knowing the pros and cons of different treatments and having an idea of how you will pay for it will help you get through the whole decision process a lot easier. While the orthodontist will evaluate your child’s particular situation and give you a recommendation of what treatment will best, by coming in prepared, you will be able to ask the right questions and feel more confident in your final decision.
Choosing a Treatment
Make sure you do some research on current treatment options and always be on the lookout for news about any new trends in orthodontic care. Here are some basic things you should know:
- These are permanently adhered to your teeth and can only be taken off by the orthodontist at the end of treatment
- The orthodontist tightens the wires during treatment to help shift the teeth
- There are certain food and drink restrictions with this treatment
- May have to wear them for 3 or more years depending on how your treatment goes
- Most bite and alignment issues can be treated by metal braces
- They are clear plastic aligners that can be easily removed
- Can be removed to eat and to brush and floss your teeth
- Treatment includes a new set of aligners every two weeks as your teeth shift into proper alignment
- Invisalign can also handle both simple and complicated alignment issues
Lingual Braces
- Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front making them practically invisible to the people around you. They are made up of brackets and wires like traditional braces, but because of their positioning they are more discrete.
- Unfortunately there are some bite conditions that cannot be treated with lingual braces. Patients with a deep overbite are not good candidates for lingual braces because the overbite might put too much pressure on the brackets leading to the brackets falling off. During an evaluation, your orthodontist will be able to determine if lingual braces will work for you.
- Another concern is that not all orthodontists offer this type of treatment. It requires special training because the wiring work is more intricate than it is with traditional treatment. Another concern is that they can be more difficult to clean properly because it is on the back of your teeth which is harder to reach.
Finding the Money
For many families, the money is the biggest obstacle to orthodontic treatment. In most cases, you can probably tell your child will need braces even before the dentist says anything so keep an eye on your financial situation and see if there is a particular time period that you will have extra money available to put to your child’s braces.
If you are carrying a lot of debt right now, start working on paring it down now so you have free savings or credit to devote to your child’s braces. Now is also a good time to talk to your dental insurance to see what they cover and what payment plans are typically available. Some of the treatment options are more expensive than the others so take that into consideration as well. Generally metal braces are the most cost-effective, but the more expensive treatments can be affordable if you start planning now.
Choosing an Orthodontist
Finding the right orthodontist is a big part of the planning process as well. Your dentist will give a couple of recommendations, but you should have a short list of the best orthodontists in the area. At this point you don’t need to set up consultations just yet. Instead ask friends and family for their experiences and recommendations and use internet searches to find out basic information like education and specialties and pricing.
Once your dentist signals it is time, then go ahead and schedule a free consultations with some of the orthodontists on your short list. Remember that you don’t need to go with the first orthodontist you meet with you. If you don’t like the treatment options they are offering or if you get a bad vibe from the condition of the office or from how the staff treats you, then keep on looking. You have every right to pick someone who will give you and your child the best experience possible.
Why You Should Choose Orthodontics Limited?
Here is why Orthodontics Limited should be on your short list:
- Individualized attention — Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg understand that each person’s situation is different so that is why they take the time to sit down with you and go over your options. They will create the best treatment plan for your particular needs.
- A team that really cares — At Orthodontics Limited, Drs. Gemmi, Middleberg and Pale really care about you and your oral health. Cost for any orthodontic treatment can be a big factor for many people and some people opt out of it because they consider it a luxury purchase. But crooked teeth and alignment issues can really have adverse effects on not only your dental health, but your overall health as well. Orthodontics Limited will work with you to come up with an affordable plan. The staff at Orthodontics Limited is also very compassionate and friendly and will always greet you with a smile giving you comfort and peace of mind a priority during your visits to the office.
- Experienced staff — Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg are certified by the American Board of Orthodontist and only perform orthodontic work every day making them experts are what they do. They are also an Invisalign Top 1% provider, which means they are one of only three dental practices in Pennsylvania to be given this distinction in 2014 and 2015.
- Updated equipment and technology — If you have ever walked into a dentist’s office and felt like you walked back into the 70s, then you understand the importance of updated equipment and technology. It is hard to have confidence in an orthodontist who hasn’t stayed up-to-date on all the current technology and trends in orthodontics. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg offer all the latest technology in their offices and they always stay current on important trends in their field.
For more information about planning for your child’s orthodontic care, contact Orthodontics Limited today.
