Orthodontist Serving Converse, TX

I recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by around age 7, or sooner if a parent or dentist notices a concern with tooth eruption, crowding, or the bite.

An early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean your child needs braces right away. It gives me an opportunity to monitor how the teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether early treatment could be beneficial.

For some children, the best approach is simply to continue monitoring their growth until they’re ready for treatment.

Some common signs that a child may benefit from orthodontic treatment include crowded or overlapping teeth, noticeable gaps, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or teeth that aren’t erupting properly. You may also notice your child having difficulty biting or chewing, frequently biting their cheek, or having trouble keeping crowded areas clean.

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether your child needs braces is through an orthodontic evaluation. I’ll look at their teeth, bite, and jaw development before recommending treatment.

Neither option is automatically better for every child. The right treatment depends on your child’s age, orthodontic needs, bite, dental development, and ability to follow treatment instructions.

Traditional braces can be a very predictable option for many children and teens, while clear aligners may be appropriate for patients who can consistently wear and care for them as directed.

During an evaluation, I’ll explain which options are appropriate for your child and why, rather than simply recommending one treatment for everyone.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on the type of treatment, the complexity of the orthodontic problems being corrected, and the expected treatment time.

I don’t believe families should have to guess what their treatment will cost, so we’ll review your child’s treatment plan and discuss the financial options available before you begin. If you have orthodontic insurance, our team can also help you understand how your benefits may apply to treatment.

Many dental insurance plans provide some orthodontic benefits, although coverage varies considerably between plans. For eligible families enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, orthodontic services are covered subject to the program’s eligibility requirements, coverage limits, and cost-sharing rules.

We’ll help you understand how your insurance or benefits may apply to your treatment, but I always recommend confirming the details of your individual plan before starting treatment.

Yes. We offer flexible payment options to help make orthodontic treatment more manageable for families. The cost of treatment varies based on your individual needs, so during your complimentary consultation, we’ll review your recommended treatment plan, insurance benefits, and available payment options. Our team will help you understand your financial options so you can choose a plan that works for your family.

There isn’t one treatment timeline that applies to every child. Treatment length depends on the amount and type of tooth movement needed, the child’s growth and development, and how consistently they follow their treatment instructions.

Some cases are relatively straightforward, while more complex bite or alignment problems can take longer. At your consultation, I’ll evaluate your child’s specific needs and give you a realistic estimate rather than promising an arbitrary treatment time.

Eligible family members enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program may have orthodontic coverage. The current TRICARE Dental Program handbook states that orthodontic services are covered for eligible children and certain spouses, subject to the program’s requirements and orthodontic lifetime maximum.

If you’re stationed near Randolph Air Force Base or expect a PCS during treatment, let our team know. We can discuss your treatment timeline and help you understand what you’ll need to consider if your family moves during orthodontic care.

The first visit is an opportunity for me to get to know your child, understand your concerns, and evaluate how their teeth and jaws are developing. I’ll examine their teeth and bite and determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate now or whether we should continue monitoring their growth.

If treatment is recommended, we’ll discuss the available options, expected timeline, and financial considerations so you can make an informed decision. The goal isn’t to put every child in braces as quickly as possible—it’s to determine the right treatment at the right time.

Sí! El Dr. Senties y nuestro equipo hablamos español y estamos orgullosos de atender a pacientes y familias hispanohablantes de Converse, Schertz, Cibolo y las comunidades cercanas.

Nos aseguramos de que cada paciente pueda hacer preguntas, entender sus opciones de tratamiento y sentirse cómodo durante todo su tratamiento de ortodoncia. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarle a lograr una sonrisa saludable y segura!