Considering braces for you child? Here's what you need to know

Braces help position teeth into alignment and can be the key to a dazzling and healthy smile. While more adults are getting braces these days, they're often first prescribed to children or adolescents.

If you're considering getting braces for your child, the following are answers to some frequently asked questions — the information can help you figure out the best course of action for your child's smile journey.

The best age for getting braces varies from person to person. Most children begin braces treatment between the ages of 9 and 14 when they start losing their baby teeth and begin getting their permanent teeth. However, it's important to consider whether your child is ready for the responsibility of caring for their braces before you begin the process. An orthodontist will be able to help you determine if it's the right time.

"The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that all children see an orthodontist no later than age 7," said Dr. Todd Bovenizer who is certified with the American Board of Orthodontics.

Bovenizer runs his practice, Bovenizer and Baker Orthodontics, with his business partner and fellow orthodontist Dr. Chris Baker in Cary.

"The reason is, the earlier we can see a child and where their teeth are, the better. This can help us identify a need for braces early on and provide treatment," Bovenizer said.

Braces do not generally "hurt" but they may feel foreign for a time until your child gets used to them. After certain visits, the teeth and mouth may be sore for a few days as the braces are adjusted to encourage shifting and movement in the teeth. Over-the-counter pain relief medicine can help alleviate any of this discomfort.

There is no standard or set time for a child's braces treatment as it depends on each patient's specific orthodontic needs.

"A minor correction could take as little as four months, whereas a more involved correction could take between 20 and 26 months," said Baker, who is also a Board Certified Orthodontist with the American Board of Orthodontics. "Once we assess your child's orthodontic situation, we can give you a more detailed timeline specific to your child's case."

Dedicated and attentive oral hygiene is a must with braces. Patients should thoroughly brush their teeth three to four times a day, including after meals and snacks. Patients are provided with special toothbrushes, flossing aids, and toothpaste to help keep the teeth and gums free of debris and bacteria that can get easily trapped with braces. It is important for children to stay on top of their regimen for their oral health.

Are there foods that are off limits if you have braces?

Yes. Chewy, crunchy, sticky and hard foods are off limits when you have braces. This includes popcorn, caramel, nuts, taffy, certain hard candies and even ice.

"Certain foods can distort or break your braces," said Bovenizer. "Your child can avoid extra repair appointments and reduce their time in braces by carefully following food item instructions."

The average cost of braces is around $6,000, but it depends on a number of factors such as the complexity of the correction and if your health insurance covers all or a portion of the cost. Practices like Bovenizer and Baker offer financing options to accommodate the needs of families.

"Braces are an investment in your child's oral health and future. We understand it can be a large financial commitment, but we work with all of our patients to the best of our ability. We review your insurance information to help maximize your benefit and even file your claims for you," said Baker. "We want to be the architects of your child's best smile."