Braces for Kids & Teens
We accept all PPO and Dentical/Medi-cal insurances
Orthodontic care is one of the most important investments you can make in your oral health.
Misaligned teeth might seem only a cosmetic concern. However, such issues can put your smile
at increased risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and more. At Chino Aesthetic Dental, we offer
braces for kids and teens, featuring compassionate care and expertly built treatment plans.
What Are Braces?
Braces are typically comprised of two parts: the brackets and connective wires. Occasionally, rubber bands may also be involved. This staple orthodontic treatment gradually improves a range of tooth alignment issues, including:
- Over-, under-, or crossbite
- Misalignment issues (crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth)
- Jaw alignment issues
In short, braces help align your child's teeth. The end result should be an even, straight, and healthy smile that boosts your kid's oral health (and their confidence).
How Do They Work?
The brackets are affixed to individual teeth, and the connecting wires are tightened. This applies
force to specific teeth, pulling them into a better position. At key points in the treatment, your
dentist will further tighten the braces. This continues applying pressure until every tooth is in its
ideal position.
Why Choose Chino Aesthetic for Orthodontic Care
- Compassionate care for all ages.
- Carefully designed treatment plans.
- Attentive follow-up care at every stage.
- Results that you can depend on.
- A focus on patient comfort and safety.
Braces FAQs
How long do I have to wear braces?
On average, you will need to have braces for 18 to 24 months. For most patients, this timeframe
is sufficient to bring all their teeth into proper alignment. However, alignment issues can vary
dramatically from one patient to the next. Some patients may need as few as 6 months for full
treatment. More severe misalignment can take up to 3 years to correct.
What is the best age to get braces?
There is no upper limit to getting braces. However, the sooner you pursue orthodontic
treatment, the better. Braces for kids and teens tend to be a mild experience. Since their bodies
are still developing, they can respond more quickly to treatment. The treatment time typically is
shorter, and then they can enjoy the benefits for a lifetime. However, many people might not
have had access to braces during adolescence. So starting in your 20s or even much later into
adulthood can still work.
How much do braces cost?
Braces tend to cost between $3,000 and $5,000. The total cost will depend on factors like
treatment duration, any preparatory treatments, and follow-up care (e.g., retainers). We break
down the costs of each treatment during your consultation to paint a clear picture of what to
expect. We accept most insurance plans and work with patients to find payment options that suit
their needs. Our primary goal is always to ensure that our patients have access to the care they
need.
Does insurance cover braces?
Dental insurance almost always covers braces for kids and teens. However, the amount of
coverage can vary, meaning the out-of-pocket costs can differ. We gladly work with patients to
understand what their insurance will cover or reimburse for their expected plan costs. For
adults, not all dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment. We recommend contacting
your insurance to understand your benefits.
What food and drink should I avoid with braces?
Braces do come with a few dietary restrictions. Your child can still enjoy most foods, but they will need to keep an eye out for anything that is:
- Sticky
- Chewy
- Crunchy
- Hard
Any food items with these consistencies could prove problematic for your braces. As for beverages, keep any acidic or sugary drinks to a minimum.
Are there alternative treatments?
The key advantage of braces is their efficacy. However, the downside is that they are quite
visible. For a subtler treatment, we also offer Invisalign. These are clear aligning trays that alsofacilitate orthodontic treatment. During your consultation, we will work with you to settle on the
better treatment for your health, concerns, and preferences.
Can my child play sports with braces?
They can! However, we recommend your child wear a sportsguard during most physical
activities. We especially recommend this precaution for any contact sports, like soccer, football,
or basketball.
Will I need to wear a retainer after getting braces?
In most cases, you will need a retainer, but the amount of time will vary. Usually, patients will
need to wear a retainer nightly for about 4 months following treatment. While your teeth are in
their new position, it takes some extra time for the surrounding bone to reform and fully secure
them. A retainer helps keep your new smile in place.
Book an Appointment Today
With orthodontic treatment, starting treatment sooner means you can enjoy the benefits of a
beautiful, healthy smile sooner. Call our office or use our online form to set up a consultation
visit to see if braces for kids and teens are right for your child.
Easy Payment Options
We accept most insurance plans AND payment from most PPO and indemnity plans. Please call our office to make an appointment and we will answer any questions you may have.