Children’s Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Children – Creating Healthy, Functioning Smiles that Last a Lifetime
At Chelian Orthodontics, we proudly treat patients of all ages, beginning at the age of seven. Seven is the recommended age to have a first consultation with an orthodontist. While this may seem young, it’s the ideal age for several reasons:
- Children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing us to see how the smile is taking shape.
- We can identify problems that may require intervention and provide that before the issue becomes more serious.
- We can monitor the smile so that treatment can begin at the exact right time to have the most impact.
While the best way to determine if your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment is through a consultation with an orthodontist, there are some signs that could indicate orthodontic treatment is needed.
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Problems chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Jaw that shifts or makes clicking sound
- Biting the inside of the cheeks
- Facial imbalance
- Extended pacifier use or thumb sucking
- Speech issues
What happens at an orthodontic consultation?
An orthodontic consultation allows us to see how the smile is taking shape and to identify any issues that could arise. At this appointment we will:
- Take X-rays and digital photos
- Gather all medical and dental history
- Provide a physical examination and assess oral health
- Make recommendations, including whether treatment is needed now or in the future.
- If treatment is recommended to begin, financial details will also be discussed
- Answer questions and address any concerns
What treatment options are available?
There are many different treatments available for your child to correct their bite and provide a beautiful and properly functioning smile. At Chelian Orthodontics, we provide:
- Traditional metal braces. Our modern brackets are made of high-grade stainless steel and are designed to be sleeker and less visible than ever.
- Ceramic braces. These braces provide the same technology as metal braces, but will blend in better to provide a more discreet orthodontic experience.
- Invisalign. These clear aligners are designed to be virtually invisible, comfortable, and removable, providing a high level of discretion during treatment.
- LightForce braces. LightForce brackets are our 3-D printed braces that are customized to the individual smile of each patient.
After a consultation, Dr. Chelian will work in conjunction with the patient to determine which treatment option will be best to meet their smile goals.
Will I need treatment right away?
While we recommend children visit us for their first consultation at the age of seven, that doesn’t mean every patient will begin treatment right then. The most common ages for orthodontic treatment are between the ages of 10-14. However, beginning a relationship with us at the age of seven means we can begin treatment when it will have the most positive impact on the smile.
Some issues do require early interventive treatment to properly and efficiently correct. For these patients, we may recommend two phase treatment. The first phase helps us correct jaw alignment and/or spacing issues to then make the second phase of treatment as efficient as possible. In the second phase, braces will help guide the teeth to their ideal locations.
How much will treatment cost?
The exact price you will pay for your child’s treatment depends on a few factors, such as the severity of your child’s malocclusion, how long they will be in treatment, and the type of treatment chosen. Average costs for treatment are:
Metal braces – $3,000-$7,000
Ceramic braces – $4,000-$8,000
Invisalign – $3,400-$7,100
LightForce braces – $5,000-$8,000
How can I begin my child’s orthodontic journey?
All it takes to start is a phone call! While many children may be referred by their pediatric dentist, a referral isn’t necessary. If your child is around the age of seven and hasn’t had a consultation, or if you have noticed any of the signs mentioned above, you can call our office to schedule a consultation. We offer complimentary initial consultations to all patients, and no commitment is required at the time of consultation. Call our offices at 603-882-6100 (Nashua) or 978-774-8266 (Beverly) to schedule your child’s appointment.
