frequently asked questions

Once your baby's teeth have begun to come in, they become at risk of cavities. Unswallowed milk that remains in a baby's mouth for long periods of time can do damage to the teeth. To avoid tooth decay, avoid situations where your child falls asleep with milk in his or her mouth. Remove your child from the breast before they fall asleep and only fill bedtime bottles with water. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his or her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.

Early detection and treatment are critical for preventing cavities and other dental problems from developing and becoming worse. You should take your child in for a check-up every six months, starting at least by the age of 1. However, every baby's needs are different. Your dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on his or her personal oral health.

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or no later than the age of 1. Pediatric dentists can identify any new or potential oral health issues during each visit. They can also provide a variety of treatments to help prevent future tooth decay, such as fluoride treatment and sealant. 

Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other activities for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, can help prevent potential problems from developing and give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

The fee for an individual’s treatment is determined by a variety of factors, including the severity of the problem to be corrected, the anticipated length of treatment, and the type of orthodontic treatment used. Please talk with your orthodontist about the types of treatment that you are interested in so that together you can decide what is appropriate and will fit your family’s budget.

If you have dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits, check with the insurance company or your employer’s HR department to learn about the details of the coverage available to you.  

Coverage may be for a percentage of the fee or be capped at a specific dollar amount, called a "lifetime cap." Make sure to check who your policy covers, as it may be for you, or you and your spouse, or you and your spouse and your children, etc. Some insurance coverage has an age limit, so make sure your child has not aged out of coverage from your plan. Some types of insurance require you to choose from the insurance company's preferred providers. 

We accept plans from most major insurance carriers. See the Insurance page for a partial list of accepted carriers or contact us to see if we accept your plan.

No. Insurance is not required to have orthodontic treatment. Smile Generation-trusted offices have alternative payment options to help you take care of your family’s oral health, including a discount dental plan and flexible financing. See the Payment Options page for more information.

There is no ideal age for when to start braces or other orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so some orthodontic treatments can begin while your child still has his or her primary (baby) teeth. This treatment is called interceptive or preventative treatment. Your child can also begin orthodontic treatment when most of his or her permanent teeth have grown in. It is generally a good idea to take your child in for an initial orthodontic exam by the age of 7. Once you have established your child's orthodontic needs, you can talk to your orthodontist about which treatments will work best.

The average length of orthodontic treatment is 22 months, according to a 2014 survey among members of the American Association of Orthodontists. Every mouth is different, however. Your child's treatment may vary based on the severity of their condition, the type of orthodontic treatment used, and a number of other factors.

It may be possible to have successful orthodontic treatment if some teeth are missing, depending on your child's circumstances and treatment goals. Orthodontic treatment may be able to close the space of a missing tooth or be able to create or save sufficient space for a replacement tooth. Consult your orthodontist to discuss what is right for your child.