Orthodontic Experience & FAQs
What to Expect, How It Works, and Why Parents Choose Pediatric Dentistry and Beyond
At Pediatric Dentistry and Beyond, orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth — it’s a supportive, educational, and customized experience built around your child’s comfort and long-term oral health. This page answers the most common parent questions, outlines our orthodontic technology, explains financial options, and walks you through what to expect at each step of the journey.
What to Expect at an Orthodontic Consultation
We offer same-day orthodontic consultations for your convenience. During this initial visit, you and your child will meet with our orthodontic team to:
Review dental and medical history
Take any necessary digital X-rays or photos
Perform a full orthodontic evaluation
Discuss bite, spacing, or alignment concerns
Recommend treatment options (if needed)
Answer all of your questions clearly and honestly
Review dental and medical history
Take any necessary digital X-rays or photos
Perform a full orthodontic evaluation
Discuss bite, spacing, or alignment concerns
Recommend treatment options (if needed)
Answer all of your questions clearly and honestly
Our goal is to make sure you leave with a full understanding of your child’s smile development and whether any action is needed now — or later.
How We Make Braces & Aligners Easier for Kids and Parents
We’ve designed our orthodontic care around what matters most to families: comfort, convenience, education, and trust. Here’s how we make it easier:
Digital Impressions (no goopy molds) for more comfortable diagnostics
Cone Beam CT & Digital X-Rays for precise, low-radiation imaging
Same-Day Consultations & Flexible Scheduling for busy families
Clear treatment timelines and transparent communication
Fun, friendly environment to help reduce anxiety
Ongoing support and check-ins to ensure your child stays on track
From the moment you walk in, we treat your child like family and guide you step-by-step through the orthodontic process.
Orthodontic Financing & Insurance Info
We believe every child deserves a healthy, confident smile — and we work hard to make treatment as affordable and stress-free as possible.
We accept most dental insurance plans and will verify your orthodontic benefits
Flexible payment plans are available to split costs into manageable monthly installments
We offer CareCredit and other third-party financing options
Transparent cost breakdowns provided before treatment begins
We’ll never surprise you with hidden fees
Transparent cost breakdowns provided before treatment begins
We’ll never surprise you with hidden fees
Our team is always available to explain your coverage and help you plan financially for braces, clear aligners, or retainers.
Orthodontic FAQs for Parents
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7.
How do I know if my child needs braces?
Signs include crowding, early or late tooth loss, thumb-sucking, jaw shifts, or difficulty chewing. We’ll assess this at the first visit.
How long does treatment usually take?
Most kids and teens complete treatment in 12 to 24 months. We’ll provide a specific timeline after the initial consultation.
Are braces painful?
Some mild discomfort can occur after placement or adjustments, but it’s temporary and manageable.
Will my child need to change their diet?
Yes, with traditional braces, we recommend avoiding sticky or hard foods. Clear aligners have fewer food restrictions.
Can my child still play sports or instruments?
Yes! We provide orthodontic mouthguards for sports and tips for adjusting to wind or brass instruments.
What’s the difference between braces and clear aligners?
Braces are fixed and better for complex cases. Clear aligners are removable and more discreet — great for responsible teens.
How often will my child need checkups?
Usually every 4 to 8 weeks for braces and every 6 to 10 weeks for clear aligners.
What happens if a bracket breaks or a tray is lost?
Call us immediately — we’ll help repair or replace the appliance and keep treatment on track.
How do retainers work after treatment?
We provide custom retainers and guidance on when to wear them. Consistent use keeps your child’s teeth aligned for life.
Caring for Braces & Aligners
We take time during each visit to teach kids and teens how to care for their appliances, including:
Brushing techniques around brackets
Flossing tools like threaders or water flossers
How to clean and store clear aligners
What to do if a wire pokes or an aligner doesn't fit
When to contact us with a concern
When to contact us with a concern
Our team is always here to help troubleshoot and keep your child’s progress on track — and their smile looking great.
Why Parents Trust Our Orthodontic Team
We take time during each visit to teach kids and teens how to care for their appliances, including:
Pediatric-focused care from a friendly, highly trained team
Full-spectrum orthodontics including early treatment, braces, and clear aligners
Proactive communication to keep parents informed
Technology that minimizes discomfort and improves accuracy
Local, trusted care for families in Tewksbury, Lowell, Andover, Billerica, and Wilmington
We’re here to make orthodontic care feel less overwhelming — and a lot more empowering — for both kids and their parents.
Schedule Your Visit!
