Healthy Start is a system of gentle, removable appliances for growing kids. Worn mostly at night, the appliances are designed to help guide the jaws and teeth as they develop.
It may help with crowded teeth, bite problems and mouth breathing, while your child is still young enough for natural growth to do some of the work.
Every child is different, so we start with an evaluation and talk through whether it’s a good fit for your family.
Healthy Start uses soft, custom-sized appliances that your child wears at home. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
Ask about Healthy Start at your child’s next checkup and we’ll let you know if it’s worth exploring.
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Healthy Start is usually considered for kids whose jaws may need more room to grow. It doesn’t replace a visit to your pediatrician, but it’s worth a conversation if you notice any of these.
Common signs we look for:
Not sure? Bring it up at your child’s next visit. We’re happy to take a look and answer your questions.
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A cleaning that's as gentle as it is thorough (in the absence of periodontal disease).
X-rays done in seconds instead of minutes, with 80% less radiation, plus digital imaging.
A quick screening ($60 value) for peace of mind, completely gratis.
We’ll never, ever recommend care that you don’t need or want.
Healthy Start is designed for kids whose jaws are still growing, so it’s often started in the early school years. Starting while there’s more growth ahead may give it more to work with.
It may be worth an evaluation if your child:
We’ll recommend what makes sense for your child’s age and stage, including whether it’s better to wait. If your child snores or sleeps restlessly, please mention it to your pediatrician too.
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No. Braces move teeth with brackets and wires. Healthy Start uses removable appliances that aim to guide growth while your child is still developing. Some kids may still need braces or aligners later, but early guidance may make that treatment simpler.
The appliances are soft and removable. Some kids notice a little pressure at first, and most get used to them within a few nights.
Healthy Start isn’t a treatment for sleep apnea, and only a physician can diagnose it. If your child snores, pauses in their breathing during sleep, or seems tired during the day, please talk with your pediatrician. If they recommend a sleep evaluation, we’re happy to work alongside them.
It depends on your child’s age and needs. We’ll give you an estimated timeline after the evaluation.
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans may include it under orthodontic benefits. Give us a call and we’ll help you understand your options.
Wear the appliance as directed, mostly overnight, and keep it clean. We’ll check in regularly to make sure it fits well and is doing its job.
Yes. Healthy Start pairs well with regular kids’ checkups and cleanings, so we can keep an eye on everything at once.
We want dental care to be easy to afford. We work with most major PPO dental plans, and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits.
We’re happy to accept most major PPO dental plans, including (but not limited to):
There are some dental insurance plans we don’t accept, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Healthplex, HMOs, DMOs, and others. Don’t see your insurance? We’ll find out in just a few minutes if you give our office a call.
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We’re in-network with most plans offered by your insurer, but don’t accept HMO, DMO, or Medicare plans. If we don’t accept your plan, we have options available for every budget.
Book nowThe good news: you can still be treated at Mountain View Dental! We offer both in-house insurance and payment plans for every budget. Here are estimated costs for our most common services.
Service
Estimated Cost
First Dental Exam
$375
Filling
$113-$400
Non-surgical periodontal treatment
$175-$298
Emergency Exam
$215
*Treatment costs range because your final cost can vary based on the materials you select and the complexity of the treatment.
