We know that orthodontic care is a big investment in your child’s oral health, and the trust you place in us is important. You and your child should feel fully confident in the journey ahead, so let’s take a look at some of the top things you should know about the orthodontic process before your child begins treatment!
Orthodontic treatments are not meant to just straighten your teeth
Many people mistakenly believe that orthodontics focuses exclusively on straightening teeth. The reality, however, is that we’re able to address bite alterations, misaligned jaws, and other dental alterations that originate from a bad position of the teeth.
By examining a patient’s teeth, the movement and growth of their jaw, and the way the teeth are developing, an experienced orthodontist can catch any impacted, missing, or overcrowded teeth that may go unnoticed otherwise. This often means that we are able to correct issues before they can become bigger problems that require more serious or invasive treatment.
Will braces hurt
Braces move teeth in gradual increments, putting pressure on the teeth to reposition them. All forms of braces require periodic adjustments to keep the teeth on course. In the first few days after an adjustment, the new pressure on the teeth can be uncomfortable, but the mouth adapts to the new positioning quickly and the discomfort subsides.
With traditional braces, the edges of the metal or ceramic brackets can rub against the inside of the mouth, creating small areas of irritation. Furthermore, the wires used to straighten the teeth can sometimes poke into the cheeks as the teeth start to align. Patients can use orthodontic wax and press it against the braces or wires that are causing problems. When wax doesn’t work, the orthodontist can also clip the wire that is causing discomfort.
Do Braces Require Special Care?
The main two things that a patient wearing braces will have to take care of are The cleaning of their teeth and the types of foods they take.
- Eating with braces: Throughout your orthodontic treatment you should avoid eating the following foods:
- Sticky or hard candies
- Foods that are small and hard, like nuts or popcorn, can get easily stuck.
- Crunchy foods like toasted bread
- You should also cut up your food before taking them inside your mouth
Cleaning your teeth with Braces:
Teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces should be thoroughly cleaned after every meal to prevent damage to the teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth after every meal and before and after bedtime. Follow these other cleaning tips:
- Use a water pick on teeth to clear out pieces of food that become trapped behind the brackets.
- Use a medium-bristle toothbrush because it is gentler on the braces and the teeth.
- Start using mouthwash once daily to keep the bacteria in your mouth under control and protect your enamel.
How long will the Treatment take
There’s no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to how long a patient will be in braces or aligners. Each case is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. The length of time that your child will require treatment will depend on their specific case, the severity of the problem, the health of their teeth, gums, and supporting bone, and how compliant they are. On average, however, braces tend to be worn for about 12-24 months.
Give your child the gif of a Healthy Smile
As a mom, we know you want nothing but the best for your child, including a healthy smile that will last them a lifetime! If you have a child who is age 7 or above, we’d love to schedule them for an initial visit where we will evaluate his/her individual case and design the treatment plan that better suits their specific dental situation.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
Specialist Orthodontist
