During an initial visit with an orthodontist in San Clemente, CA, such as from John Redmond Orthodontics, they can examine your child’s jaw, teeth, and mouth for signs of complications. Usually, parents are told by a dentist during their child’s routine cleanings that seeing an orthodontist is recommended. X-rays may be taken and a mold created to assess what type of braces may be best for a dental issue. Here we have talked further about what those options may be for your child’s growing teeth!
Options for Braces
Most children simply need braces installed with the use of rubber bands, wires, and brackets. The brackets are attached to the teeth and then connected to each other through bands and wires. The wire is tightened slowly over the course of months or years to help get teeth lined up correctly. After the braces are put on, it is likely that your child will require visits every few weeks for adjustments and monitoring of how positioning has changed.
How long a child may need braces depends on the severity of the correction needed. On average, braces are worn for about two years. Then, a molded retainer or mouth piece shaped like a mouthguard may be needed to prevent the teeth from going back to their original positioning.
An orthodontist can offer a variety of colored rubber bands to make things a little bit more fun for your child as he or she rocks the braces at school. The standard braces are still made of metal, but we also offer white or clear ceramic braces too. We may even be able to put the braces behind the teeth if your child is incredibly insecure about wearing them.
How to Care for Braces
Food can easily get stuck in wired braces, so children who wear them must work extra hard to maintain teeth cleanliness. Brushing after meals is crucial, and your orthodontist can give your child a special flosser tool to get around teeth. To prevent cavities, seeing a dentist on a regular basis for exams and cleanings are essential.
Unfortunately, children may be disappointed to find out that they cannot eat certain foods like popcorn, sticky candy, and gum. These snacks can quickly cause damage to braces, in which a visit to the orthodontist is then needed. Items like juices and sugary soda can contribute to tooth decay too. Kids who use plastic aligners instead of braces must remove them during meal time.
We do what we can to make children feel comfortable during an orthodontist exam. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your child feel welcome and relaxed. We understand that depending on your child’s age, he or she may be terrified to come in for a visit. If you are not sure whether your child needs braces or what kind, please contact an orthodontist so we can schedule a consultation as soon as possible.