When your kids get braces, it’s a big adjustment for the entire family. It’s important to know what to expect before going into the treatment, to make the adjustment period go more smoothly. Be sure to be aware of the following before your kids get braces.
The Costs
The first thing parents should be aware of before their kids get braces is the cost of doing so. Getting braces can be important to your child’s dental health, and help correct a lot of issues that they may be facing. However, it can end up being quite expensive to go through braces treatment. Without insurance, getting braces can end up being several thousand dollars. However, dental insurance or dental discount plans can help cover most of the costs. You can also set up a monthly payment plan with your orthodontist to make it easier. Doing your research ahead of time can help you save money, and give you less stress.
Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of the dental issues that your child is dealing with, you can choose from a few different treatment options. The most classic is traditional, metal braces. These work exceptionally well and can be the best option if your child needs more serious treatment. However, with advances in medical technology, new treatment options have begun to pop up. Invisalign is a popular choice among teens because they’re less noticeable. These are clear aligners that your child can pop in and out of their mouth, and are far less conspicuous than traditional braces. You can also get lingual braces, which are attached to the back of your child’s teeth instead of the front.
Lifestyle Changes
Depending on the type of treatment that you and your child choose, you’ll have to adjust to a few lifestyle changes during treatment. When you have traditional braces, there are certain cleaning procedures you need to follow, and foods you need to avoid. Instead of brushing twice a day, your child will need to brush after every meal in order to stay on top of bacteria in the mouth. You’ll also need to avoid any foods that could potentially damage your brackets and wires. Foods like caramels, hard candies, bubble gum, and popcorn can all cause damage and should be avoided while you have braces. Knowing what to expect can help the adjustment go more smoothly.
Getting braces is a big step in a person’s life. It can give them an increase of confidence in their aesthetic, as well as decrease their susceptibility to dental issues. Before your child gets braces, be sure you know what to expect from the treatment.
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