Children’s braces are a common orthodontic treatment for several reasons. Not only are they effective in correcting misaligned teeth, but they are also generally easy to care for. Still, it is normal for parents to have questions about their proper care and maintenance. Following a few tips can help set your child up for success throughout and after orthodontic treatment.
Children’s braces straighten teeth and correct overbites, underbites, and other bite issues for aesthetic and oral health reasons. The smile will look more uniform at the end of this common orthodontic treatment, and the teeth will be easier to clean and care for. Correcting misaligned teeth can also improve speech patterns and bite force.
Most children get traditional metal braces, which use metal brackets, metal archwires, and elastics to shift the teeth. Due to their various components, metal braces are best at correcting severe misalignments. Self-litigating braces have a similar framework but are not elastic, making them easier to clean than metal braces but less powerful.
Other, less common options include ceramic children's braces, which use ceramic components instead of metal ones. They are discreet because they blend with the teeth better than metal. However, when cared for improperly, they may become discolored and appear less aesthetically pleasing than intended.
Finally, children can also get lingual braces, which are cemented on the backs of the teeth. Lingual braces are the most discreet children’s braces option because they are not visible when the child smiles. Often, people only notice them if the patient opens their mouth wide and points them out. That said, they can be the hardest to care for due to their placement.
With proper care and attention, parents can increase the efficacy of children’s braces. They can also help make braces a more comfortable experience for the patient. Here are a few tips parents can follow in regards to children’s braces:
Caring for children's braces is important to their dental health journey. This starts with good habits like daily care and oral hygiene. Most children know the basics of good oral hygiene (i.e., daily brushing and flossing) by the time they get braces. Therefore, the parents’ role will be to encourage the child to continue those good habits when they have braces. Doing so prevents braces damage, enamel decalcification, tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, and other oral health issues. It also keeps treatment times as short as possible.
Unfortunately, it is common for patients to start neglecting oral hygiene once they get children’s braces. This is because proper oral hygiene becomes more difficult due to the presence of brackets and wires. To make it easier, consider purchasing floss threaders and interdental brushes so the child can easily clean around the brackets and wires.
Another reason children may neglect oral hygiene with braces is the temporary discomfort they may cause. Parents can have pain management tools on hand to help alleviate pain and discomfort and to prevent potential interruptions to orthodontic treatment. Most often, the patient will need these tools after having their children’s braces tightened during a checkup.
Soreness and discomfort, especially after a dental professional tightens the braces, can be alleviated with over-the-counter children's pain medication. Bite wafers can also help. All the patient will need to do is bite down on this plastic-like wafer to put pressure on the teeth. It will hurt slightly at first, but the pressure will then quickly relieve pain from tightened braces.
Alternatively, orthodontic wax can help when brackets irritate the cheeks or tongue. The patient can cover the problem bracket with this wax to protect the soft tissues of the mouth.
Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are the cornerstone of children’s braces treatment. These appointments allow the dentist to ensure the braces are in good condition and working as intended. Inconsistent care or missed visits can delay treatment progress. Thus, keeping these regular appointments is one of the most important actions a parent can take to enhance the care and efficacy of children’s braces.
Parents can help make their child’s orthodontic treatment more comfortable and successful by following the tips above. Speak to a pediatric dentist to get more advice about children’s braces. Contact our Fullerton office for an appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.fullertonfamilyorthodontics.com or call Fullerton Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry at (714) 459-8060 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
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