405.604.3745How To Make Braces For Kids Results Last
June 26, 2023
Kids Braces |
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Orthodontic treatment is often the first step in achieving a healthy and confident smile. But how can you assist your child in preserving their orthodontic results? What is the best age for kids to get braces? Whether using traditional metal braces or lingual braces, maintaining the outcome requires ongoing upkeep.
Are Braces For Kids Worth It?
Yes, braces for children can be worth it if they have all their adult teeth. Now there are times when braces can be applied to children as early as 7 if it’s been deemed medically necessary to create space for emerging adult or baby teeth or to direct the growth of your kid’s jawbone to correct any misaligned bite.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting Braces For Kids?
Children who struggle with misaligned teeth can often face challenges chewing properly and may experience frequent headaches. Thankfully wearing braces can effectively correct their bite, eliminating misalignment and reducing headaches. Additionally, braces play a crucial role in preventing jawbone erosion, which can occur when teeth lack the necessary support due to gaps between them. Fixing these gaps can also make brushing and flossing easier, improving oral healthcare.
What Are The Downsides Of Not Getting Braces For Kids?
Delaying your child’s orthodontic care can lead to negative outcomes such as:
Crooked, crowded, or spaced-out teeth are harder to clean effectively, which raises the chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.
When teeth are misaligned or the bite is off, uneven pressure is placed on certain teeth during chewing.
Children with crooked teeth may feel self-conscious about their smiles, leading to lower self-esteem and increased social anxiety.
Ignoring the need for braces can allow alignment problems to worsen over time. Delaying treatment can result in more complex and costly treatments to correct the problem later in life.
Getting Braces For Kids
Getting braces for kids is a common decision that many parents make due to the benefits of getting braces at a young age, including:
Increased self-esteem: Having crooked teeth can make kids self-conscious about their smiles. Braces can help improve your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Improved speech: If your child has crooked teeth, they may have difficulty chewing or speaking clearly. Braces can help improve your child’s ability to chew and speak more effectively.
How Old Should Kids Be For Braces?
The preferred age for braces is generally around 11 years and older. Orthodontists consider the child’s age, stage of development, and the severity of their orthodontic issues. By this age, children are typically more capable of following instructions, such as avoiding certain foods that could damage the metal brackets or wires. They are also more likely to maintain good oral hygiene and keep their teeth clean during this time. Braces can increase the chance of cavities if they are not properly maintained. So it’s important to make sure your child can properly maintain and clean them.
Is It Bad For Kids To Get Braces Young?
Not at all. Having your kid see their first orthodontist at age 7 is ideal. Once your child has been cleaned and their teeth inspected, they’ll be ready for braces. There are no concerns about long-term damage from braces in younger or older children. Braces are most effective when installed early, once all adult teeth have just begun to appear.
What Is The Average Age For Kids Getting Braces?
On average, children typically receive braces around 11 and 12 years. However, there are instances where children as young as 6 or 7 may already have a full set of braces. It depends on the recommendation of your orthodontist.
When Is The Best Time For Kids To Get Braces?
Summer break is the best time for your kids to get braces. Not only are your kids away from the social pressures of school, but the summer is a time of many growth spurts. Times of growth are the best time to straighten teeth because your kid’s bones become more pliable.
Managing Your Child’s Braces
A routine is important when managing the required oral care for any braces. It is important to be prepared for your child’s discomfort as they adjust to their new braces. Modifying your child’s diet to suit their braces is a significant aspect of this process.
How To Relieve Pain From Kid’s Braces
It’s natural to feel some pain and discomfort while straightening your teeth. Regardless of age for braces. But when it comes to braces for kids, it can be a little harder for them to understand why their mouth hurts.
To relieve pain, try the following:
- Cold drinks and foods can help reduce inflammation. The same goes for ice packs.
- A saltwater swish can help reduce your child’s oral pain.
- Over-the-counter medicine for pain relief.
What Kind Of Food For Kids With Braces
One of the common issues kids face with their new braces comes from their diet. You’ll want to avoid anything sticky, dense like a bagel, and anything too tough or hard. You’ll want to stick with softer, more tender foods such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, tortillas, etc.
What To Pack For Lunch For Kids With Braces
There are a variety of braces-friendly lunch ideas that are both nutritious and safe for your child’s braces, such as:
- Soft sandwiches
- Pasta
- Fruit cups
- Yogurt
- Cheese and crackers
- Bean and cheese burritos
- Anything easy to chew
<h2id=”5″>How Orthodontic Care Can Help
If you’re curious about orthodontic care, the different types of braces, and your child’s teeth, contact Orthodontic Arts in Oklahoma City today. We can explain braces for kids and help answer any questions. The next step in orthodontic treatment is to schedule an evaluation. During this, you’ll be instructed on how to adapt your child’s diet to their orthodontic care. Adapting to braces at a young age can require patience, but the benefits outweigh the discomfort.
When getting braces for kids, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should consult an orthodontist to determine if your child needs braces and what type of braces would be most suitable. You should look for braces that are comfortable, durable, and easy to clean.
A child usually doesn’t need to stay home after getting braces. Getting braces usually involves some discomfort or soreness, but it is typically manageable.
It is not uncommon for kids to experience anxiety or fear when getting braces. Applying braces may cause discomfort or pressure on the teeth, leading to temporary soreness.
While 11 is a common age for orthodontic treatment, it’s not a fixed rule for every child. The decision should be made in consultation with an orthodontist who will evaluate your child’s dental development, tooth alignment, and any orthodontic issues present.
Orthodontic Arts, your number one Orthodontist in OKC. Our Certified Orthodontist provides the latest and greatest Orthodontic practices to our clients in the OKC and Midtown area. Orthodontic Arts is the best place for child and teen orthodontics as well as adult orthodontics. Be sure to ask about Invisalign and invisible braces! Contact us today at (405) 604-3745 or request an appointment.