CSP Team Note: As part of our “Smarty Ask the Doc” Series, we recently interviewed the orthodontists at Hull & Coleman Orthodontics about frequently asked questions with braces. Thank you, Drs. Hull & Coleman, for taking time to hang out with CSP today!
It seems that kids are getting braces younger and younger. Is this a trend and at what age (or teeth milestones) should we start considering braces for our kids?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get an orthodontic evaluation done at age 7. Most children certainly do not need treatment at such a young age, but early screening provides valuable information about a child’s oral growth and development, and sometimes important conditions can be identified–missing teeth, extra teeth, bite problems, etc. While most children can wait for full orthodontic treatment until they are 11-14 years old and all their permanent teeth have grown in, some children really do need early or “interceptive” orthodontic treatment at a younger age to protect their teeth from damage or to influence inappropriate jaw growth.
What is a typical length of time for braces in kids?
The average orthodontic treatment will last between 18-24 months. Early or “interceptive” treatments for younger children usually last 12 months or less.
Can we pull out baby teeth to expedite getting braces earlier? Does that work?
Sometimes baby teeth need to be removed to correct the inappropriate growth direction of the permanent teeth beneath them. Removing baby teeth can cause malpositioned permanent teeth to improve their direction of growth. Sometimes baby teeth can be removed to speed up the eruption of permanent teeth.
Are two rounds of braces common?
It shouldn’t be. Most children do NOT need two rounds of treatment and can be treated adequately in a single phase of treatment, usually between 11-14 years of age. Early screening helps identify the small percentage of children that actually do need early orthodontic treatment.
At what age and situation do you recommend Invisalign for teens?
If there is not major bite correction involved and we are simply correcting mild to moderate crowding or spacing, Invisalign or other clear aligner therapy may be an excellent option for kids.
What is the average cost of braces in Charlotte per child?
That’s very difficult to answer because the cost varies considerably based on the difficulty of treatment. Easier cases carry lower fees, while more complicated cases cost more. {Sorry, that was a loaded question for sure:-}
To schedule a consultation with Drs. Hull & Coleman, visit their website. You can find out everything you need to know about this amazing practice in The Hull & Coleman Difference in Orthodontics. Make sure you tell them Smarty Pants sent you!
You can find Hull & Coleman Orthodontics at:
Arboretum Office
7800 Providence Road, Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-334-7203
Wesley Chapel Office
5941 Weddington Road
Suite 103
Wesley Chapel, NC 28104
704-684-8080
You can always find them on facebook.
Voted “Best Orthodontist” in the Smarty Awards! Read Jen Plym’s tips for when your child first gets braces.
