Does your child need braces but have fear and anxiety about getting them? We understand how scary braces can be. Dental Care of Mid Florida is Sebring, Florida and Avon Park Florida’s trusted Dentists with decades of experience to speak for our efforts.
Common questions we get from children about braces are as follows:
Will it hurt? Will I not be able to eat foods I like? Will others think I look weird?
We can help you and your child adapt to braces each step of the way. Braces shouldn’t be scary at all. We can assure you that we do our best to make sure our patients have the least amount of pain and discomfort possible. When our dentists place braces on children, they make sure the process is not painful and the end result of straight teeth is as inviting as it can be.
We stress to children that the best, most painless, and quickest time for them to get braces is now. Braces will have the best impact before their jaw has completed growing.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children should first see an orthodontist around the age of seven years-old. In instances where facial or oral irregularities are noted, children may need to visit the orthodontist before the age of 7 even. Early diagnosis and prevention plans are key.
Why Aren’t All Teeth Straight?
Usually misaligned teeth are a genetic trait and the patient cannot do anything about it. Sometimes teeth mis-align during development. Other times teeth become misaligned from the following occurrences:
- A broken mouth
- Thumb or finger sucking or pacifier use
- Poor diet or nutrition
- Poor oral hygiene
The Process for Child Braces
- Our orthodontists perform an oral exam
- We take x-rays of the head and neck to help us evaluate and diagnose the most effective treatment
- The orthodontist recommends the type of braces that will be best for the child (usually we recommend fixed braces as they are easier to care for, more durable and provide the quickest results.)
- The child comes in for an appointment to get the braces on.
- We send the child off with thorough care instructions for the braces.
We have compiled a list of the most popular orthodontic braces:
- Traditional braces – These string braces preserve the whiteness of teeth. The braces have individual brackets that get adhered to each tooth. in between the brackets are archwires that continually press on the teeth gently. These are typically made of metal but can also be made with a ceramic material that’s closer to the natural color of teeth. While the ceramic braces are typically more comfortable than metal ones, they can sometimes get stained from food, coffee or tea, etc.
- Headgear – We only use this application when the child has developmental irregularities. THis custom-made appliance gets attached to to wire of the braces and assists with the proper movement of the teeth. We recommend that this headgear gets worn for 12-20 hour a day to achieve the best results.
- Retainers – These are used during the retention phase after the braces have been removed. Children should wear retainers constantly throughout this phase so that the proper alignment of the teeth remains long-term. It is essential that the teeth do not regress back to the original misalignment. Wearing a retainer gives the jawbone around the teeth a chance to stabilize as well.
Benefits of Straight Teeth:
- Reduced tooth decay
- Lower periodontal disease likelihood
- Lower tooth injury
- Better digestive health
Is your child in need of braces? Contact Us and we will help alleviate your child’s fears while giving them the beautiful, straight smile they need.