Braces Revealed: A Parent’s Guide to Straightening Smiles

Parents want nothing but the best for their children — including healthy, confident smiles. Orthodontic treatment like braces can play a crucial role in ensuring proper tooth alignment, improving oral health and boosting self-esteem. But knowing when to start, which type to choose and what to expect can feel overwhelming.

Let’s dive into what parents need to know about braces and how they can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

When to consider braces

As a parent, you may wonder when the right time is to consider braces for your child. While every child develops differently, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This doesn’t mean treatment will start right away, but early assessments can help identify potential issues before they become more complicated.

Some common signs your child may need braces include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Large gaps between teeth
• Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite)
• Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Thumb-sucking past age five

Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, an orthodontic evaluation can help detect hidden alignment problems that may lead to issues later in life.

Long-term benefits of braces

Braces do more than just create a beautiful smile — they set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Some of the key long-term benefits include:

• Improved oral health: Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease and enamel wear.
• Better bite alignment: Correcting bite issues helps prevent jaw pain, TMJ disorders and uneven tooth wear.
• Clearer speech: Misaligned teeth can affect speech clarity. Braces help improve pronunciation and articulation.
• Boosted confidence: A straight, healthy smile can enhance self-esteem, especially during the formative childhood and teenage years.
• Reduced risk of dental problems: Addressing misalignment early can prevent the need for more invasive procedures like extractions or surgery in adulthood.
  

Considering braces at the right time ensures your child’s teeth develop in the best possible way, leading to lasting oral health and confidence.

Types of braces

When it comes to straightening your child’s teeth, there are several types of braces to choose from. Each option has its own advantages, depending on factors like budget, aesthetics and the complexity of the orthodontic issue. Here’s a breakdown.

Traditional metal braces

Metal braces are the most common and often the most affordable option. They consist of metal brackets and wires that gradually shift teeth into place. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and even allow for customization with colorful bands — something many kids enjoy.

Pros: Effective for all orthodontic issues, typically the most cost-effective

Cons: Most noticeable option

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with teeth, making them less noticeable. They are a great option for teens who want a more discreet look while still benefiting from traditional braces.

Pros: Less visible than metal braces

Cons: Slightly more expensive, brackets can stain if not properly maintained

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are placed on the inside (tongue side) of the teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They function just like traditional braces but are hidden from view.

Pros: Virtually invisible

Cons: More expensive, can be uncomfortable initially, harder to clean

Clear aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular alternative to traditional braces, especially for mild to moderate alignment issues. They consist of custom-made, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into place. They are generally more expensive than traditional braces, and comparable or slightly less expensive than lingual braces.

Pros: Nearly invisible, removable for eating and brushing, more comfortable

Cons: Not ideal for severe cases, requires discipline to wear 20-22 hours per day

The braces procedure: what to expect

Getting braces is a multi-step process that takes place over several months, but knowing what to expect can help you and your child feel more prepared. Here’s how the process typically works.

1. Initial consultation

The first step is a consultation with an orthodontist. During this visit, the orthodontist will:

• Examine your child’s teeth, jaw and bite alignment
• Take x-rays, photos and possibly a 3D scan or impressions
• Discuss treatment options and create a customized plan

If braces are recommended, the orthodontist will explain the timeline, costs and any necessary preparations.

2. Preparing for braces

Before placing braces, some children may need preparatory treatments like:

• Tooth extractions (if there’s severe crowding)
• Space maintainers (for early loss of baby teeth)
• Palatal expanders (to widen the upper jaw for better alignment)

Not every child will require these extra steps — but if they do, the orthodontist will guide you through the process.

3. Application of braces

The day your child gets braces is an exciting milestone! Here’s what happens:

• The orthodontist cleans and dries the teeth.
• A bonding glue is applied to hold the brackets in place.
• Brackets are carefully positioned on each tooth.
• An archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with small rubber bands or clips.

This process is painless, but your child may feel some pressure as the braces are applied. The appointment typically takes one to two hours.

4. Adjustments & tightenings

Every four to eight weeks, your child will visit the orthodontist for adjustments. These appointments involve:

• Tightening or replacing the archwire to continue shifting the teeth
• Changing elastic bands 
• Checking progress and making any necessary modifications

Some soreness or mild discomfort is common after adjustments, but it usually subsides within a few days.

5. Removing the braces

Once the teeth have moved into their final positions (usually 12 to 36 months later), it’s time for braces to come off! The orthodontist will:

• Remove the brackets and wires
• Clean the teeth and remove any leftover bonding material
• Take final impressions for a retainer, which helps maintain the results

6. Wearing a retainer

After braces, retainers are essential to prevent teeth from shifting back. Depending on the case, your child may need to wear a retainer full-time for several months, then only at night.

Living with braces

Adjusting to life with braces takes some time, but with the right habits and mindset, your child will get used to them quickly. From eating to daily care, this is what you can expect.

Eating with braces

Braces require some dietary adjustments to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Foods to avoid include:

• Sticky foods (gum, caramel, taffy)
• Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, ice, hard candy)
• Chewy foods (bagels, tough meats)
• Crunchy foods (raw carrots, apples — unless cut into small pieces)

Encourage soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, smoothies and scrambled eggs, especially after adjustments when teeth may be sore.

Brushing and flossing

Braces create more space where food and plaque can get trapped, making oral hygiene even more important. Make sure your child:

• Brushes after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Uses an interdental brush or water flosser to clean between brackets and wires
• Flosses daily with a floss threader or orthodontic floss to remove debris between teeth

Regular dental cleanings are also essential to prevent cavities and gum disease during treatment.

Managing discomfort

It’s normal to experience some soreness after getting braces or during adjustments. To ease discomfort, your child can:

• Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets causing irritation
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore gums

Common issues

Even with proper care, braces can sometimes cause minor problems:

• Loose bracket or wire: If a bracket comes loose, call the orthodontist for advice. If a wire is poking, use a clean pencil eraser to gently push it down or cover it with wax.
• Mouth sores: Braces can sometimes irritate the inside of the mouth. Orthodontic wax can help, and warm saltwater rinses soothe irritation.
• Food stuck in braces: Use an interdental brush or floss threader to remove trapped food.

Cost of braces

The cost of braces vary depending on several factors, including the type of braces, the complexity of the case and the length of treatment. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $10,000 for orthodontic treatment.

Average cost by type:

• Traditional metal braces: $3,000 - $7,500
• Ceramic braces: $2,000 - $8,500
• Lingual braces: $5,000 - $13,000
• Invisalign: $3,000 - $7,000

Most orthodontists offer monthly payment plans to help families manage the cost of braces. Some providers also work with third-party financing companies to spread payments over time with little to no interest.

Insurance & coverage

Many dental insurance plans partially cover braces, especially for children under 18. Coverage typically includes a lifetime orthodontic benefit that reduces out-of-pocket costs. However, not all plans cover clear aligners, so it’s important to check the details of your policy.

If you’re looking for immediate orthodontic care, Spirit Dental offers insurance plans for orthodontics, with no waiting periods — meaning your child can get braces as soon as coverage starts. This can be a huge advantage for parents who need treatment right away. 

To maximize savings, ask your orthodontist:

• What insurance plans they accept
• If they offer discounts for upfront payments
• Whether your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) can be used for treatment

Braces are an investment in your child’s long-term oral health, and with the right insurance and payment options, they can be more affordable than you might think!