Kids Braces: What to Expect

Some kids are excited about getting braces. Some of them may feel apprehensive at first. It’s okay if your child feels anxious before getting braces. Whatever your child feels before getting braces, it’s necessary that they know what to expect. You and your child must be aware of what they’ll get through when they have braces. Here’s everything you and your child need to know before getting their braces.

Why Does Your Child Need Braces?

Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw are some reasons why kids get braces. Or they can have overlapping or overcrowding teeth. Braces are also used to treat the condition Malocclusion or a ‘bad bite’.  With Malocclusion, there’s a space difference between the jaws. With an underbite, the upper jaw slightly protrudes outward.

You need to understand first what exactly is wrong with your child’s teeth. Based on those answers, you’ll know which type of kids braces are fit for your child.

Types of Kids Braces

Following are the different types of kids braces:     

• Metal Braces: These the traditional braces you’ve seen the most. They consist of metal bracket and wires. They are effective enough to straighten the misaligned and crooked teeth. Metal Braces are the cheapest ones.
• Ceramic Braces: They are very similar to the metal braces except the brackets are tooth colored or clear ones, that blends with your teeth. They are less noticeable but quite costly.
• Lingual Braces: They are the metal braces that fit inside or simply at the back of the teeth.
• Invisalign: Also called as the invisible braces, they are a set of mouth like clear plastic aligners. They get replaced every two weeks and are not suitable to treat serious dental problems.
• Headgear Braces: These braces are attached with an orthodontic appliance at the back of the head. Such braces are used when a greater pulling force is required to correct the teeth.

What Happens During the First Visit

It’s better that you and your child know what can happen on the first orthodontist visit.The orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth and will let you know whether they need braces or not. Your orthodontist will decide better what type of process your child needs and how long the process will go for them.

If the orthodontist feels that there should be more spaces in your child’s teeth for braces, they won’t add the braces right away. They’ll first add rubber band like tiny bands in between your child’s teeth to create space.

Then your orthodontist must design the perfect set of braces for your child. They’ll take an impression of your child’s teeth and gums by inserting a gooey gum-like material into your child’s teeth. Your child will finally get their braces on.

Dealing with Pain

At first, your child’s braces will pain a lot. Your child must know that no pain means no gain.The pain is an indication that the braces have begun aligning the teeth. Eating pain killers and soft foods like ice cream can help relieve your child’s discomfort.

Your child may find the ends of braces, causing discomfort when in contact with the gums. Covering the ends with wax will prevent the ache in gums. It will take a week or two until your child is set on their braces. With time they will not feel any pain or discomfort.

Taking Care of Braces

Once your child gets their braces, it’s important that they take good care of them.Food easily gets stuck in the braces. Your child must brush their teeth after every meal. Regular flossing is important to ensure the braces and teeth are clean.

You should have your kid avoid foods like popcorn, gum, hard and overly sweet candies that can damage the braces. Sugary sodas and juices too can be a problem as they can cause tooth decay. When your child has braces, they need to take extra care of their oral hygiene.

Get the Best Orthodontist

First priority when starting the process for kids braces is getting a highly qualified and trained orthodontist. You want someone to take good care of your child’s teeth and provide the best treatment with the least discomfort.

Get the best orthodontist for kids braces in NYC. Our orthodontists are skilled in dealing with children and making the whole process fun.

Call today for a consultation:

NYC Dental Orthodontics
(646) 760-8028