Getting braces for kids is a proactive step toward long-term dental health. At VIP Smiles Orthodontics, we create treatment plans tailored to children’s growing mouths while ensuring comfort every step of the way. Call (601) 321-9216 to set up a consultation and explore your child’s orthodontic options.
Helping Your Child Prepare For Braces
If your child needs braces, you probably have a few questions and maybe even a few concerns. That’s normal. Orthodontic treatment is a big step, but it’s also a positive one. Straight teeth and a healthy bite can lead to better oral health, more confidence, and fewer dental problems down the road. As a parent, understanding what the process involves and how to support your child can make the experience easier for both of you.
Here’s what you can expect at each stage of the journey.
Starting With An Orthodontic Evaluation
Most children see an orthodontist for the first time around age seven. That doesn’t mean braces will go on right away. In many cases, the orthodontist is just checking the growth of the jaw, the spacing of the teeth, and how the bite is forming. Early evaluations allow the doctor to catch issues before they become more serious. If treatment is needed later, it may be simpler and shorter.
Some children may benefit from early intervention, such as a space maintainer or limited braces to guide jaw development. Others might not need braces until their teen years, once most permanent teeth have come in. Your orthodontist will explain the best timing based on your child’s needs.
Understanding When Treatment Will Begin
The right time for full orthodontic treatment varies from child to child. Most kids get braces between ages ten and fourteen, after they’ve lost most of their baby teeth. By then, the permanent teeth have come in, but the jaw is still growing. This makes it a good time to guide alignment and bite development.
The orthodontist will take X-rays, photos, and possibly digital scans to create a full treatment plan. You’ll get a clear picture of what’s needed, how long it may take, and what to expect in terms of cost. Many practices offer payment plans to make braces more affordable for families.
Explaining Braces To Your Child
For kids, the idea of getting braces can bring up mixed feelings. They may worry about how they’ll look or whether braces will hurt. Being honest while offering reassurance can help. Let them know that some discomfort is normal in the beginning, but it doesn’t last. Explain that many kids go through this process and that the outcome—a healthier, straighter smile—is worth it.
It can also help to involve your child in small decisions, like choosing the color of their rubber bands or picking out a new toothbrush designed for braces. A sense of control can ease some anxiety.
What Happens On The Day Braces Are Placed
The appointment to get braces typically takes one to two hours. Your child’s teeth will be cleaned and dried, then brackets are attached with a bonding agent. A wire is threaded through the brackets, and small elastic bands are added to hold the wire in place. The process doesn’t hurt, but it may feel strange at first.
After the braces are on, your orthodontist will give your child instructions on how to care for them. This usually includes tips on brushing, flossing, and which foods to avoid.
Adjusting To The First Week
The first few days after getting braces are usually the most uncomfortable. Your child may have sore teeth and some irritation inside the cheeks or lips. Eating soft foods like yogurt, pasta, and smoothies can help. Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce discomfort if needed.
Using orthodontic wax to cover rough spots on brackets or wires can also make things more comfortable. Within a week or so, most kids adjust and begin to feel more normal with braces.
Helping Your Child With Daily Care
Good oral hygiene is even more important during orthodontic treatment. Braces create more spaces where food and plaque can collect. Encourage your child to brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. You may need to help them in the beginning, especially with flossing around wires. Special tools like floss threaders and water flossers can make this easier.
It’s also important to watch what your child eats. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage braces. Avoid things like popcorn, gum, nuts, and caramel. Cutting foods into smaller pieces and encouraging slow, careful chewing will help protect the brackets and wires.
What To Expect At Follow-Up Appointments
Your child will need to visit the orthodontist every four to eight weeks for adjustments. These appointments are short but important. The orthodontist may tighten wires, replace bands, or check progress. Some children feel mild soreness after these visits, but it usually goes away quickly.
It’s important not to skip these checkups. Staying on schedule helps the treatment stay on track and prevents delays.
Handling Minor Issues At Home
Sometimes a bracket may come loose, or a wire might poke the inside of the mouth. While these issues aren’t emergencies, they can be uncomfortable. Keep orthodontic wax on hand to cover sharp spots, and call your orthodontist for advice. In most cases, they’ll tell you if it needs a quick fix or if it can wait until the next scheduled visit.
Encourage your child not to pull on the brackets or bend the wires. Letting your orthodontist handle repairs helps avoid damage that could slow progress.
Celebrating Progress And Milestones
As the months go by, your child’s smile will begin to change. Teeth will shift into better alignment, and their bite will start to improve. Taking progress photos can be a great way to show your child how far they’ve come. These small milestones make the experience more rewarding.
Positive reinforcement can also help your child stay motivated. Compliment their effort in keeping their teeth clean or sticking to food rules. Let them know you’re proud of how they’re handling the process.
What Happens When Braces Come Off
When treatment is complete, your child’s braces will be removed in a short and simple visit. After that, they’ll likely be fitted for a retainer. Wearing the retainer is crucial to keeping the teeth in their new positions. Your orthodontist will explain when and how often to wear it, whether full-time at first or just overnight.
Make sure your child understands the importance of wearing their retainer. It helps preserve all the progress they’ve made and reduces the chance of needing braces again in the future.
Strong Foundations Start with Braces for Kids
Braces can be a learning experience for both kids and parents. There may be a few bumps along the way, but with guidance and encouragement, your child can get through treatment successfully. Focus on small wins, support them when it gets tough, and celebrate the progress together.
Early treatment with braces for kids helps prevent future dental problems and builds a healthy smile. VIP Smiles Orthodontics provides child-friendly care in a supportive environment. Call (601) 321-9216 to book your child’s consultation and start their smile journey today.