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The Ideal Time to Start
It is recommended for your child to get their first orthodontics screening around age 7, especially if there is already an orthodontic problem arising, such as crowding, jaw position, mouth-breathing, or unbalanced facial appearance. Orthodontists are also trained to detect warning signs and harmful oral habits, like thumb-sucking. Your child’s dentist may refer you to an orthodontist, but a referral is not required to come see us.
There are 2 phases of orthodontics for children, but most only need one. Phase I is early intervention, and this happens while baby teeth are still present. Phase II is comprehensive treatment, when most adult teeth have grown in and for moderate to severe cases.
Orthodontic treatment is also not just for kids! We treat everyone, even if you’re older or have root canals, implants, etc.
Oral Hygiene is Even More Important
Flossing and brushing will take more time than usual, but it will be just as crucial! Food and plaque hide and get stuck around the brackets, which increases the risk of cavities and inflamed gums. When your child gets their braces on, we will teach them how to brush their teeth (above and below the brackets) and how to use a floss threader effectively. Water picks will also be your best friend, but they do NOT replace flossing.
Foods to Avoid
Your child will have to temporarily say goodbye to hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods. These foods can cause their brackets to break and can prolong treatment if it keeps happening. Don’t worry though! Your child can still eat plenty of yummy food, like veggies, meat, and bread. You will just have to cut them up into smaller, manageable pieces for chewing.
Temporary Discomfort is Normal
Especially after bonding, your child will experience soreness. Pain relievers like Tylenol will help, and we recommend a soft food diet. During treatment, as the teeth align, your child will likely experience pokey wires and loose brackets from time to time. We will give you wax to help with any temporary sores, but come on in and we will get that wire trimmed or that bracket glued back on for you!
Retainers are for Life
Once your child’s teeth are in their perfect position, we want them to stay that way! Your child will be instructed to wear their retainers all day every day for a few months, then once cleared by the orthodontist, they will wear them at night forever or until more adult teeth erupt. Teeth always want to move back to their original position, so you have to be diligent in wearing those retainers!
