Braces for Putnam Kids and Teens, Just Down US-44
Our Chepachet office sits on Putnam Pike, which is US-44, the same road that leaves downtown Putnam heading east toward the Rhode Island line. For most Putnam families the trip is roughly 13 miles and about 20 to 25 minutes, with no highway merges and no city traffic. That short, simple drive matters when your child will be coming in for checks every couple of months.
This page is written for Putnam parents who are starting to wonder about their child’s bite or crowding. It covers when a first orthodontic visit makes sense, what early treatment can and cannot do, which braces we offer young patients, and how the cost works. Dr. Kirsten Romani has treated children in Chepachet for more than 20 years, and every first visit with us is free.
When Should a Putnam Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by about age 7. At that age a mix of baby and adult teeth is in place, and problems with jaw growth, crossbites or severe crowding are easier to spot while there is still growth to work with. You do not need a referral from your dentist to book that visit. Parents see their children’s teeth every day and are often the first to notice something.
A check at 7 does not mean braces at 7. Many children we see early go into our Observation Program, where Dr. Romani tracks how the face grows and how new teeth come in, sometimes for several years, until the timing is right. We will tell you plainly if nothing needs to happen yet. Our braces for kids page explains the signs parents tend to notice first.
What Early Treatment Can Fix
Some children do benefit from starting sooner. Phase I, also called early interceptive treatment, usually happens between ages 7 and 10 and uses limited tools such as a palatal expander or partial braces. The goal is to guide jaw growth, make room for adult teeth that have not come in yet, and correct problems like crossbites, underbites or habits that are shaping the bite.
After Phase I there is a resting period while the remaining adult teeth erupt, with recall visits about every six to eight months. Phase II, which is full braces, typically starts between ages 11 and 13 and averages 18 to 20 months. Waiting on a severe jaw discrepancy can mean a harder fix later, sometimes with extractions or surgery, which is why we look early. You can read the full sequence on our two-phase treatment page.
Braces Options Kids Actually Like
Children and preteens have three main choices with us:
- MicroArch Braces®, a metal option with brackets about 30% smaller than traditional metal brackets
- Clarity Advanced® Ceramic Braces, with tooth-colored brackets that blend in
- WildSmiles® Braces, with brackets shaped like stars, hearts, footballs and more
WildSmiles work exactly like regular brackets, but letting a 10-year-old pick a shape and band colors gives them some ownership over treatment. Older students who want something quieter often lean toward ceramic. The types of braces page has photos and details of each.
Fitting Braces Around School and Sports
Once braces are on, adjustment visits run every 8 to 10 weeks and usually take 20 to 40 minutes, so an after-school appointment rarely means a lost school day. Kids will need to skip hard, sticky and chewy foods, and younger children often need a parent’s help brushing around brackets for the first few weeks. Anyone who plays a sport should wear a mouthguard, and kids in band can play their instruments with braces after a short adjustment period.
Cost, Insurance and Siblings
Every plan is built around the child’s needs, so the fee depends on how complex the case is and how long treatment runs. Dr. Romani reviews the cost and estimated timeline with you at the first visit before anything starts. We help file insurance claims, offer a discount when the fee is paid in full, and can spread payments over months. If a second child or a parent starts treatment, our Family Care Program takes $200 off each additional family member’s fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth crossing into Rhode Island for my child’s braces?
For most Putnam addresses the drive is about 20 to 25 minutes. US-44 runs straight from Putnam to our door at 1109 Putnam Pike, so the route is easy for parents and for teens who drive themselves later.
Do we need a dentist’s referral?
No. You can call us directly. Keep seeing your family dentist every six months for cleanings while your child is in braces, since we focus on the bite and alignment, not general dentistry.
How long will my child be in braces?
Most of our patients finish in one to two years. For children who had Phase I, the second phase averages 18 to 20 months.
What if a wire starts poking or a bracket comes loose?
Orthodontic wax handles most poking wires until we can see you. Call the office and we will set up a repair visit. Our emergency care page walks through common fixes at home.
Book Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Check
The first visit includes an exam, photos and a 3D X-ray, and it costs nothing. You will leave knowing whether your child needs treatment now, later, or not at all. Putnam adults and teens looking for a general overview can also see our orthodontist in Putnam, CT page.
Request a free consultation online or call our Chepachet office at (401) 568-1188.