The “Right” Time to Start Orthodontic Treatment

There’s no single age or stage of life that’s the “right” time to start orthodontic treatment. At Lincoln Orthodontics, we create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s smile, growth, goals, and individual needs.

For children, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation to have a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. That doesn’t mean every 7-year-old needs braces or treatment! Some children benefit from early intervention, while many simply need to be monitored as their teeth and jaws continue to develop.

An early consultation gives Dr. Willett the opportunity to evaluate how your child’s teeth are developing, monitor growth, and determine if—or when—orthodontic treatment may be beneficial.

One bonus? Your first consultation with us is free, so there’s no cost to taking that first step.

Orthodontic Care for All Ages

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids! At Lincoln Orthodontics, we see patients of all ages and base our recommendations on each person’s needs, goals, and stage of development.

Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment, which may begin around age 7. Others may not need comprehensive treatment, such as braces, until their teen years. And adults can absolutely achieve healthier, more confident smiles through orthodontic treatment, too.

There isn’t one “perfect” age to begin. The right timing depends on you, and our team will always give you an honest recommendation about whether it’s time to start—or whether waiting makes more sense.

Which Type of Treatment Is Right for You?

Orthodontic treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. We offer several treatment options, and Dr. Willett will help you choose the one that best fits your smile, lifestyle, and goals.

• Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces are a trusted and effective option for correcting a wide range of orthodontic concerns. They’re a great choice for kids, teens, and adults.
• Clear Ceramic Braces: Clear ceramic braces offer the effectiveness of traditional braces with a less noticeable appearance. At Lincoln Orthodontics, ceramic braces cost the same as metal braces, so you can choose the look you prefer without having to make the decision based on price.
• Invisalign: Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. This can be an appealing option for teens and adults looking for a more discreet approach to treatment.
• InSmile: InSmile™ offers another discreet approach to orthodontic treatment. Customized braces are positioned behind the teeth instead of on the front, keeping them virtually out of sight.

Making Orthodontic Treatment Fit Your Budget

We understand that the cost of orthodontic treatment matters to families. Starting treatment doesn’t necessarily mean a large upfront expense. We offer flexible payment options designed to fit a variety of budgets and make braces and other orthodontic treatment more manageable.

Monthly payment plans allow families to spread the cost of treatment over time rather than paying everything upfront. Some patients are surprised to learn that:

• Monthly payments are adjustable and typically average around $220 per month.
• Down payments can often be adjusted and typically range from $250 to $500.
• 0% interest financing is available for qualified payment plans.
• Patients who pay in full receive a 5% discount.

We also accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Automatic monthly payments can be scheduled for your convenience.

Our team will walk you through your options and help you find a payment plan that works for your family.

Dental Insurance and Orthodontic Treatment

Depending on your plan, dental insurance may cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. Coverage varies from one insurance plan to another, so our team can help you understand how your benefits may apply.

It’s always worth checking your coverage before assuming orthodontic care isn’t within your budget.

Start With a Free Consultation

A free consultation with Dr. Emily Willet, our Board-certified orthodontist, is an opportunity to learn more about your orthodontic health, talk through your goals, and understand what your next steps could look like. Whether that means braces, another treatment option, or simply waiting and monitoring for now, we’ll help you make a plan that makes sense for you.

Schedule your free consultation with Lincoln Orthodontics today or call (402) 489-8841 to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.