What age is typical for a child to begin wearing a retainer, and what does one cost?

My daughter is seven, and she has the odd habit of sucking her index and middle finger, which has given her buck teeth. Her only permanent teeth so far are her two bottom front teeth. Her dentist said last visit that she is concerned, but she wanted to see how her baby teeth grow in. I am very concerned, I do not want to set up my daughter for a life time of bad teeth. When should a referral be made to an orthodontist, and what age is appropriate to begin use of a retainer, and what would the cost be? Thank you in advance.

What age is typical for a child to begin wearing a retainer, and what does one cost?
It is absolutely impossible to say at what age a child should begin wearing a retainer. This is a totally individualized decision based on many factors that contribute to the proper diagnosis.





Personally, I tend to refer a patient to the orthodontist as soon as I know there will be problems. Often, I get a letter back saying thanks for the referral, but the child has been placed on 6 or 12 month recall. I would FAR prefer to have a child seen before they are ready for treatment instead of getting them there too late. If you can guide growth and development, it is far easier than waiting for the teeth to come in all wrong and then try to fix them. Ask your dentist for a recommendation and get an early consultation. It will most likely be free and you could also find out about costs.
Reply:at any age. mine costed $200, but it's between that and $300
Reply:i accually had a friend who had this weird retainer that went behind her front teeth and had little prongs coming down so that she couldnt suck her fingers anymore! it was pretty cool and i was jealous... anywaaaays... i would just take her to an orthodontist... since shes so young, they will probably put braces on her, then take them off and replace it with a retainer to hold them in decent order while her teeth grow in, and then put them back on later in life. it wont be cheep let me tell you that (thousands). i dont think they can give her a retainer to straighten her teeth... im sure an orthodontist would put braces on her! but i would just take her to one and get suggestions on what they would do, and decide then! good luck! %26lt;3
Reply:Just took my son to the dentist on Mon. He sucked his thumb for 7 years and has buck teeth that are wide spaced. He HAS to have braces. Because his overbite is so big they are going to do a new procedure where they move the back teeth back and the rest of the teeth will follow. This is relatively new. Plus he is 12 and we waited until all the baby teeth were gone before going ahead with braces so he can get them off sooner. It will cost about $3000 but most dentists will work out a payment plan with you. Good luck!



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