Steps on Getting Kids Braces

Braces become part of life for many kids with crooked teeth. The process of straightening teeth with braces can take month or years. Since your child will probably have these braces for a very long time, you want to make sure that you not only find an orthodontist that you trust, but also choose the right type of braces and prepare your child's mouth properly for getting the braces put on.

The Orthodontist

• The first step in getting your child braces is finding an orthodontist. To find an orthodontist that does good work, ask nearby friends and family for their recommendations. Chances are that someone you know has gotten braces for her children. You can also look up orthodontists in the phonebook. Many orthodontists offer free consultations, so once you find a few doctors that you are interested in, call and set up consultation appointments. To ensure you choose an orthodontist that offers a proper and honest treatment plan, consult at least two different orthodontists. These consultations should include a treatment plan and an estimated cost that includes applying the braces, tightening and adjusting, and removal of the braces. Remember to balance the cost against the quality of the work.

Types of Braces

• Once you find an orthodontist that you feel comfortable with, you, your child, and the doctor will have to decide on which type of braces to get. If you and your child decide on metal braces, you can choose silver or golden braces. Different colors can also be placed in the braces making them more fun for a child. These braces are typically the least expensive type. They also correct your child's teeth in the shortest possible time and rarely break off. On the downside, metal braces are more visible than other kinds and they can bother your child's gums more than ceramic braces.

  Lingual braces are metal braces that are applied to the back of your child's teeth instead of the front, making them nearly impossible to see. However, not all orthodontists can apply these types of braces since special training is required. Lingual braces are more expensive than traditional metal braces and can cause difficulty speaking and tongue pain.

  Ceramic braces are white to blend in with the teeth and can't be seen from a distance or in school pictures and other photos. They are also strong and are not prone to breaking or falling of your child's teeth. However, ceramic braces are usually more expensive than the traditional metal braces and the time your child has to wear them might be longer.

  If your orthodontist determines that your child doesn't have severely crooked teeth or a large over or under bite, he may be able to get invisible braces. These are clear, plastic trays created to fit the child's teeth. They resist staining, are easy to clean, and tend to irritate your child's gums less than other braces. Invisible braces can cost more than other braces, however, and your child may still need traditional braces before getting his invisible braces.

Getting the Braces On

• Finally, you will have to make an appointment to have the braces put on. Before you take your child to this appointment, make sure he brushes his teeth well, flosses and uses mouthwash. Once you arrive for your child's appointment, the orthodontist will most likely brush his teeth one more time just to ensure that they are as clean as possible. You may want to have your child put some chap stick on his lips before the orthodontist begins putting the braces on since the child won't be able to wet his lips while the doctors is working on his teeth. The entire process for applying braces to the top and bottom teeth takes about two hours.