The branch of dentistry known as orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth. Children’s orthodontics is an offshoot in which the dentist has done extra years of training after dental school to specialize in correcting child and adolescent teeth issues. Greenberg Orthodontics is pleased to offer not only traditional metal braces and ceramic braces, but also Invisalign Teen®, which is a non-invasive treatment method using customized removable plastic aligners instead of wires to straighten your child’s teeth.
Since your child is still growing, having orthodontics so young is actually quite helpful in correcting issues such as their bite and ability to chew properly. It can also help improve self-esteem, particularly during a time when they may be emotionally sensitive.
Another great benefit is that straightening teeth now can prevent teeth from crowding your child’s mouth. Along with that, it can resolve problems with speech your child may be experiencing due to upper teeth overlapping the lower ones. And starting orthodontic treatment at a young age can actually reduce the amount of time needed to correct your child’s teeth. This is also an excellent time for your child to create habits for maintaining their oral health, which will prevent tooth decay, infection, plaque or tartar buildup, or other potential issues that can lead to tooth loss.
If your child has teeth that do not line up properly, a misaligned jaw, large gaps in their teeth, crooked teeth, rotated teeth, or issues with biting, then they are likely good candidates for orthodontics.
While more severe cases may need braces instead of Invisalign Teen®, Dr. Greenberg can find the most effective solution available to straighten your child’s teeth. In order to get started, you will need to book a free consultation with Dr. Greenberg. She will examine your child and discuss the best ways of treatment to straighten their teeth. Call or click here to book your consultation today.
After Dr. Greenberg has created an orthodontics treatment plan for your child, there will be a series of steps to follow that will slowly shift your child’s teeth a little bit at a time. Whichever treatment your child ends up having, it’s important that they carefully follow all instructions so as not to lengthen the amount of time they have to wear their orthodontics. There are several differences between traditional braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign Teen® plastic aligners.
While metal and ceramic braces are permanently attached to your child’s teeth during treatment, Invisalign Teen® plastic aligners are able to be removed while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Another main difference is that metal and ceramic braces require appointments to tighten the wires, while Invisalign Teen® follow up appointments are to give your child a new set of plastic aligners, so this is also a less painful method. Whichever treatment is used, it’s important to remember that there will be follow-up appointments and that the treatments do take time. Once the braces have been removed or the plastic aligners are finished, your child will also be expected to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in place.
That really depends on whether your child will be getting braces or Invisalign Teen and what are the specific changes needed to straighten your child’s teeth. On average, your child will wear Invisalign Teen between a year to 18 months, but this time may be longer or shorter. During your consultation with Dr. Greenberg, she will be able to give you a more specific length of time.
The price for these orthodontics depends on what kind of straightening is needed, which affects how long the braces or Invisalign will be worn. Most dental insurers do cover orthodontics, so make sure to contact your provider to get more information on that. If your provider does not fully cover your Pasadena Child’s Orthodontic treatment or if your child does not have insurance, make sure to ask about possible payment plans or alternate ways to finance.
Greenberg Orthodontics & TMJ not only offers specialized care, but you can also first see if it’s the right choice for you by booking your FREE consultation. We offer these free consultations to get to know you and help ease your or your child’s fears about what it means to have ongoing dental treatments and how that can improve your overall quality of life.