How Responsible Does a Child Need to Be to Care for Braces?
Signs your child is ready for braces
Several signs indicate that your child might be ready for braces, including but not limited to crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, gaps between teeth, and difficulty chewing. Speech difficulties, which can be caused by late loss of baby teeth and habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing, can also be signs that your child should receive orthodontic care.
What is the appropriate age for a child to get treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This process can vary for each child, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontic care. Depending on symptoms and the eruption of permanent teeth, we may recommend braces for a child as young as 6 or 7. At the age of 9, most children have developed permanent teeth and are ready to start orthodontic treatment. In some cases, early care can help guide jaw growth and prevent issues from becoming more complex. Additionally, a child’s general dentist may recommend an orthodontic evaluation if they notice early signs of misalignment or bite issues during routine checkups.
Here at Hutta & Hutta Orthodontics, we recommend that all patients maintain proper oral hygiene during treatment, as avoiding potential issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth discoloration is crucial. This requires a dedicated routine, along with the use of appropriate brushing and flossing tools and techniques. If your child isn’t capable of taking care of their teeth, a parent or guardian may need to provide assistance to ensure their smile, health, and orthodontic process aren’t affected.
What foods should you avoid?
During your first appointment, our team at Hutta & Hutta will provide and review a comprehensive guide to some of the restrictions to avoid while wearing braces, as well as some helpful tips for optimal maintenance.
The biggest restriction with braces is the dietary limitations they impose. Children should avoid foods that could damage or get stuck in the braces. These include hard foods like toffee, gum, hard candy, and caramel.
What types of appliances are available for kids?
Our team at Hutta & Hutta is committed to providing the most advanced orthodontic care available. We offer Damon Braces, a cutting-edge technology designed for a faster and more comfortable result. This newly designed technology is a clinically proven treatment that aligns teeth and enhances facial features. The Damon System is self-ligating, eliminating the need for elastics or metal “ties,” which means your child can achieve their best smile without the discomfort of tightening. Your child’s treatment time will also be reduced because the system moves each tooth faster and requires fewer adjustments.
We also offer clear aligners, a discreet and removable alternative to braces, that gently shift teeth using a series of custom-made, invisible trays. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the right solution for your smile and will guide you every step of the way.
How to clean your braces
Orthodontic equipment can complicate the brushing and flossing process. Thus, it’s important to know how to not only properly clean your teeth and mouth, but also the braces themselves. To maintain proper hygiene, simply follow these easy steps:
- Rinse your mouth with water. Start by swishing the water around to loosen any stuck food or plaque that has accumulated throughout the day.
- Brush your teeth and braces. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush, clean your teeth and braces with small, circular motions. Make sure to angle the brush toward the gum line to remove any food buildup that is near the gums.
- Clean under the wire. Make sure to use an interdental brush to clean under the wire and between the brackets.
- Floss daily. Use floss “threaders” that move the floss under the braces, as the wire is good at reaching and removing any buildup between the teeth that a regular toothbrush would have a harder time reaching.
- Rinse with mouthwash. After you finish your flossing and brushing routine, using mouthwash with antibacterial ingredients will help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Additional tips and tricks for cleaning your appliance
Here at Hutta & Hutta, we encourage consistent care for maximum effectiveness. Therefore, it’s important to support your child throughout the process and follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely.
Cleaning your braces is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment. Braces create small spaces around the bracket wires where food can easily collect, making children more vulnerable to decay, cavities, and gum issues if proper care isn’t taken. At every age, teaching your child to take responsibility for their daily brushing and flossing routine helps prevent these problems and supports the goals of their orthodontic care. When plaque builds up, it can cause inflammation of the gums and even lead to long-term oral health concerns. Poor hygiene may also result in white stain spots, which can remain even after treatment is complete. Additionally, keeping braces clean reduces bad breath and ensures the bonded pieces stay securely attached to the teeth.
How long will orthodontic care take?
The length of time a person needs to wear braces depends on the severity and complexity of the orthodontic issue being addressed. Before orthodontic treatment begins, our team will provide you with a personalized estimate; however, treatment typically lasts anywhere from six months to three years.
What is the typical cost?
The costs of treatment vary depending on the treatment method, the extent of care needed, and the patient’s specific needs. During your consultation, our financial coordinator will happily walk you through a variety of options, outlining the estimated costs associated with care. We also proudly offer several payment options and will work with your insurance company to ensure the cost is as accessible as possible.
Post-treatment care
Proper care after your orthodontic appliance is installed is a crucial part of achieving a successful result. After the braces come off, your child may experience some sensitivity as they adjust to the feeling of not having the braces holding their teeth in place. Our orthodontic team will likely give you an upper and lower retainer to maintain alignment from braces. We recommend wearing the retainer as instructed to make sure your new smile stays healthy and aligned.
Schedule your consultation today!
Orthodontic treatment is a significant step in your child’s health journey, and wearing braces requires daily care and attention. If you’re wondering whether your child is responsible enough to begin, we’re here to guide you through the process. Our complimentary consultation will help you understand your child’s specific needs and answer all your questions. Let’s take the first step together!