If your dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment for your child, you may wonder about timing and what makes the most sense for your family. Now that holiday madness is behind you, you’re ready to take the next step, but is now the right time?
January isn't just about resolutions and fresh starts; it’s actually the ideal month to begin children's braces in West Chester, OH. Why? In this blog, we’ll talk about why this timing may be ideal for your family.
New Year, New Insurance Benefits
Your dental insurance benefits reset on January 1st, meaning you have a full year's worth of coverage to put toward orthodontic treatment. Starting now means getting the most out of those benefits throughout the year, rather than waiting until November and finding out you’ve barely used them.
Many insurance plans also require meeting a deductible before coverage kicks in. So beginning treatment in January lets you meet that deductible early and receive full benefits for the remainder of your child's treatment.
School Schedules Work in Your Favor
Starting your child’s orthodontic treatment in January can fit well with their school and activities schedule. There’s typically less going on during the winter months, and this timing makes it easier for your family to adjust before spring sports and other after-school activities get in full swing.
Why not just wait until the fall? Back-to-school schedules can feel overwhelming for kids. They’re busy meeting their new teachers, making new friends, and adjusting to a different routine. Getting started with braces in January means you and your child won't be juggling orthodontic appointments alongside these first-of-school-year challenges.
Taking Advantage of Expert Guidance
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children complete their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, when they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The dentist will assess their dental development and identify potential issues. This timing helps determine the ideal treatment timing for your child's specific needs.
Building Consistency and Routine
During orthodontic treatment, your dentist will need to see your child regularly, typically every 4–8 weeks. When you start in January, you and your family have time to settle into a routine early in the year when schedules tend to be more predictable and flexible.
Winter also means fewer conflicts with outdoor sports, vacation plans, and summer activities. Your child can focus on adapting to their braces without competing demands on their time and attention.
Financial Planning Made Easier
Beginning treatment in January also makes financial planning less stressful. You know exactly what your family budget looks like for the coming year, so it’s easier to budget for treatment costs and arrange flexible payment options with your dentist’s office.
Tax season is also approaching, and depending on your situation, your child’s orthodontic care may be considered a qualified medical expense. Starting treatment early in the tax year gives you the whole year to track these expenses for potential tax benefits.
The Confidence Factor
Starting a transformation, such as orthodontic treatment, at the beginning of the year can be a powerful motivator. Your child will watch as their smile improves throughout the year, boosting their confidence and giving them a more positive attitude that ripples through all their milestones, from spring class photos to summer fun.
Waiting only means more time with them, feeling self-conscious about their smiles during those tween and teen years when confidence can be in short supply. The sooner they begin treatment, the sooner your child can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
Ready to Start Your Child's Orthodontic Journey?
If you've been considering orthodontic treatment for your child, January offers practical benefits and the “fresh-start” motivation the New Year brings.
Contact Dentistry@University Pointe today to schedule your child's orthodontic consultation and learn how children's braces in West Chester, OH, can transform their smile in the New Year.