Kids’ Braces from a General Dentist – FAQs

Children with poor teeth alignment often need teeth straightening appliances like braces to correct their bite. Dental associations advise parents to bring their child in for their first bite evaluation by the time they reach seven. Bite issues become noticeable around that age, and the child’s soft jaw and facial structures make teeth straightening treatments more effective.

Teeth straightening treatments can be performed at any age, but the developing bone structures of children are easier to mold with appliances like braces, shortening treatment times.

Frequently asked questions about kid’s braces

Let us take a look at the answers to some of the questions you might have about braces for kids:

1. What type of braces are used for kids?

Traditional metal braces have been the go-to appliance for teeth straightening treatments for over a century. These devices have two main components: metal brackets placed on each of the patient’s teeth and metal wires that link all brackets on each arch. Tightening these wires increases the forces placed on the patient’s teeth. The wires are typically adjusted every four to six weeks during the course of the patient’s treatment.

Ceramic braces have emerged as a subtler type of braces that can improve the alignment of a child’s teeth. These come with more natural-looking components, making it harder to notice the appliance on the wearer’s teeth. Instead of metal brackets and wires, ceramic braces come with tooth-colored brackets and wires.

Teenagers who are disciplined can also explore improving their bite with clear aligners. These are transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly on each dental arch. Clear aligners are virtually impossible to notice when worn, and they can be removed for meals and oral hygiene. The aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours daily for the treatment to be effective. That requires a level of commitment and discipline to keep up with its daily use for treatment times that can be as long as two years.

2. How do I keep my teeth clean while wearing braces?

Braces are fixed devices that stay on the patient’s teeth for the duration of their treatment, so they get in the way of meals and oral hygiene. People who wear braces should dedicate more time to keeping their teeth clean since food particles can get stuck under the appliance, giving oral bacteria all they need to make acids that damage teeth.

Some of the things braces wearers can do to help keep their teeth and gums healthy during their treatment include:

• Floss once daily and brush after every meal
• Use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse for extra protection against cavities
• Avoid foods and beverages that are sugar-rich since they give oral bacteria the fuel they need to wreak havoc in the mouth
• Do not miss any of your scheduled appointments. These are necessary to detect decay in its early de-mineralization stage when it can be reversed with fluoride treatments

Protect your child’s bite

Getting teeth straightening treatments early on helps protect your child against more significant dental issues like temporomandibular joint disorders in the future. It also gives them a smile they can be proud of. Call or visit our Dubuque clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.bracesbyabbadent.com or call Braces By Abbadent at (563) 484-5202 for an appointment in our Dubuque office.

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