Children and Pre-teens
At Walton & Maready, we make getting braces relatable, easy, and educational.
A visit to an orthodontist in Raleigh can be overwhelming and scary for children and pre-teens. Not knowing what to expect, being afraid that it will hurt, and fear about the effects of braces on their appearance are the most common challenges parents and patients face when it comes to braces for children and pre-teens.
But don’t worry! At Walton & Maready, we make getting braces engaging and relevant to their lifestyle. Your child or pre-teen will not only be involved in selecting a treatment plan that is right for their busy lifestyle, but they will also gain information and knowledge about their oral health.
Early Intervention
Early intervention is important in correcting problems that may worsen over time. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you bring your child to see an orthodontist by age seven. Not all orthodontic problems need early intervention, but if we can catch those certain issues early, it will make your child’s orthodontic treatment easier.
Learn more about Early Intervention Orthodontic Treatment.
Why Engaging Children and Pre-teens in Treatment Matters
After more than 30 years of combined experience, we’ve discovered that inviting your child or pre-teen to be involved in their orthodontic treatment plan is essential for lasting and predictable results.
Braces aren’t nearly as scary as you or your child or pre-teen may think. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past.
What to Expect When Starting Treatment
The time it takes to treat your child or pre-teen’s smile with braces depends on three key factors:
Correction
The amount of treatment each individual patient needs depends on the specifics of their orthodontic problem. The arrangement of your child’s teeth is as unique as their thumbprint. Treatment times will vary depending on how much work is needed to give them a confident and healthy smile.
Response to Treatment
Every patient reacts to orthodontic treatment differently. The rate of tooth movement varies from patient to patient due to genetic influences, so while it may take one patient only 12 months to complete their treatment, it may take another patient 24 months.
Maintenance
Your child or pre-teen’s willingness to wear the appliances (such as rubber bands) that are prescribed as part of their treatment plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete treatment. Our approach to involving your child in their treatment selection process and engaging them with knowledge about their oral health helps ensure your child is more likely to be compliant and you won’t have to nag them!
Braces That Fit Their Lifestyle
Our orthodontic practice in Raleigh offers a variety of braces, types, and styles to choose from. Some common options include:
-
-
- Ceramic (clear) braces
- Invisalign Teen
- Traditional metal braces
-
Next Steps
Orthodontic treatment in Raleigh is a big part of life for many children and pre-teens. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel confident. In our welcoming office, your child or pre-teen will experience their own moment of zen and feel in complete control of their oral health.
Giving children and pre-teens a voice in their orthodontic treatment plan makes starting treatment more relaxed, engaging, relevant, and easy.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about the orthodontic treatment plans that are right for your child or pre-teen.
