Braces for Kids: Are They Worth the Cost?

Are your child’s teeth less than perfect? Are you noticing some gaps, overcrowding, or crooked chompers?

Braces for kids can really perfect their little smiles. Yet they can be quite an investment, and you may be wondering if some problems will correct themselves over time.

Believe it or not, the reasons for getting braces for your child aren’t all cosmetic. Here are some important reasons to consider kids’ braces.

Dental Health

Most people believe that getting their child braces is all about fixing smile problems now so your child will have an attractive appearance into adulthood.

While that’s important, straight teeth are also critical to your child’s overall dental health. Straighter teeth are easier for your child to brush and floss, so you’ll reduce their chances of getting cavities. This will also lessen the need for more involved dental surgeries such as root canals.

In addition, you will lower your child’s chances of getting gingivitis, or mild gum disease, as they get older. Gingivitis happens when plaque that contains bacteria build up on teeth and produces toxins that irritate the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can even lead to tooth loss.

If you care about your child’s long-term health, it pays to invest in braces now.

Prevent Long-Term Issues

Leaving teeth crooked means that your child may experience uneven wear and tear. This could result in difficulty eating, headaches, or jaw pain. It can also cause tooth sensitivity.

Crooked teeth may seem like a minor problem, but they can cause more pervasive issues over time. It’s important to straighten them before your child’s overall health is affected.

Cost-Effective

Braces for kids cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. The exact cost will depend upon a number of factors, including the type of braces that you choose.

For example, metal braces are the most visible and least expensive braces type. These are quite popular among younger teens. Less visible options, such as Invisalign, will cost more. Other factors that impact braces include the experience of your orthodontist and your geographical area.

If you have dental insurance, it may cover at least part of the cost of braces. Make sure that you check with your customer service representative before choosing an orthodontist. Your dental professional may also have payment plans available that allow you to pay the braces off a little each month.

Many folks also pay for children’s braces through a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) These allow you to put aside a certain amount of tax-sheltered money each month that can be used to pay for health expenses such as braces.

While braces may seem like a big investment on the surfaces, you can make them more affordable by budgeting carefully. And it can end up saving you big money down the line on other dental health problems.

Why Braces For Kids?

Believe it or not, braces for kids are one of the best investments you can make. Your child will have a healthy, happy smile for years to come, and you will save money in the long run.

Don’t stop getting smart about your health and lifestyle now. For more great advice, read our blog today.