It’s not easy to face the fact that your child needs orthodontic treatment. You might have concerns about the cost involved and whether or not there will be any unforeseen complications. With a bit of planning, however, you can ensure that orthodontic treatment goes well for both you and your child.
To learn more about orthodontics, we invite you to contact Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in Decatur, IL. We can answer your questions and guide you so the orthodontics process is not stressful for anyone!
1. Treatment Options
There have been plenty of changes with orthodontic treatment since you were a teen with a mouth full of metal. Do your research ahead of time. Your dentist can also advise you on the best course of treatment for your child, including:
- Orthodontic appliances. With early intervention and the use of orthodontic appliances such as spacers and palatal expanders, we can prepare your child for orthodontic treatment ahead of time. These are good options for children who have a difficult time breaking habits such as thumb-sucking.
- Traditional metal braces. Similar to the braces you might remember from your childhood, treatment with traditional braces last three or more years, depending on your child’s needs.
- Invisalign. The clear plastic aligners are ideal for self-conscious teens who are responsible enough to wear the plastic aligners for the allotted time each day.
2. Creating a Budget for Treatment
The financial aspect of orthodontic treatment can be a challenge for many families. It’s a good idea to start saving early. You can also investigate third-party financing to break up the cost into affordable monthly payments. You can also weigh the costs of different treatments to determine what fits best into your budget.
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 period that you will have extra money available to put to your child’s braces.
3. Choosing a Dentist
It’s important to choose the right dentist to see you and your child through the orthodontic process. A pediatric dentist specializes in working with children, and this is an attractive option for many parents.
Call Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in Decatur, IL, for more information on orthodontic treatment for your child.