Orthodontic treatment can be a very big change in anyone’s life, especially for children. As the parent of a child who receives early treatments, there are so many questions and things to consider. While the best treatment options, pricing, and insurance coverage all need to be discussed with an orthodontist directly, here is a list of things to keep in mind to make your child’s life (and yours!) easier with braces or other treatment.
Schedule Regular Orthodontic Appointments
Your child will need to visit the orthodontist more frequently than a normal dentist, so be prepared for them to miss more time from school for appointments. To properly guide the treatment progress and assess if any changes need to be made, appointments will usually be scheduled every 6-10 weeks. But make sure to keep scheduling regular checkups with the dentist as well!
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, maintaining your results is just as important as the treatment itself. Good oral health habits—like brushing and flossing regularly—are essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your orthodontist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and may recommend wearing removable retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for caring for your retainers and orthodontic appliances, and avoid foods that could damage your teeth or appliances, such as hard, sticky, or chewy snacks. With the right aftercare, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful new smile for years to come.
Preparation for Appointments
Getting ready for your orthodontic appointment is an important step toward a successful orthodontic treatment. Start by keeping up with your daily oral health routine—brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly to help prevent dental issues that could interfere with your treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth, orthodontic treatments, or past dental surgery, jot them down so you can discuss them with your orthodontist during your appointment.
It’s also helpful to provide your orthodontist with a complete medical and dental history, including any previous orthodontic treatments or dental procedures. This information allows your orthodontist to design a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for your smile.
What to Expect
When you arrive for your orthodontic appointment, your orthodontist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and jaws to determine the most effective orthodontic treatment options for you. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about a variety of orthodontic appliances, from traditional metal braces and clear aligners to more discreet choices like clear braces and lingual braces.
Your orthodontist will walk you through the benefits and considerations of each treatment option, helping you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and goals. Together, you’ll review a personalized treatment plan that outlines each step of your orthodontic treatment, the expected timeline, and how your chosen appliances will help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
While the length of treatment varies for each patient and their individual treatment plan, the average time is somewhere around 18-24 months. Following all of the orthodontist’s instructions is key to ensuring that the treatment goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. A year and a half or two years may seem like forever, but the time will fly by before you and your child know it.
Tips for Handling Discomfort
During the first week or so when your child first has their braces, they will most likely feel discomfort and soreness. This will go away as their teeth and mouth get used to having braces, but it can return after their appointments when the brackets and wires are tightened and new elastics are put on. Here are a few tips to help:
- Cold drinks and food are great for pain, soreness, and inflammation (ice packs work too!)
- Always keep some orthodontic wax handy. If any brackets or wires are rubbing or poking the insides of your child’s lips, cheeks, or gums, simply roll a small amount of wax between your fingers to soften it and apply it to whatever is causing the discomfort.
- Gargling salt water can also help with sores that develop by reducing irritation.
- Massaging gums gently with fingertips can also alleviate soreness and swelling
- Stock Up On A Braces Survival Kit
Make life with braces easier for your child by putting together a “Braces Survival Kit” to have everything they need available to them at school or when going out somewhere. Here is a great list to keep them ready for anything:
- Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Compact Mirror
- An Interproximal Brush (aka Interdental Brush)
- Floss Picks and Floss Threaders
- Extra Elastic Bands and an Elastic Band Hook
- Orthodontic Wax
- Listerine Breath Strips or Pocket-Spray
- Chapstick
- A carrying case will keep everything together to easily fit into a bag or backpack
Schedule Regular Orthodontic Treatment Appointments
Children will need to visit the orthodontist more frequently than a normal dentist, so be prepared for them to miss more time from school for appointments. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the American Association recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to ensure early detection of potential issues. The association of orthodontists provides authoritative guidance on children’s orthodontic care and supports programs for children in need. Many practices also offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your family’s busy schedule.
To properly guide the treatment progress and assess if any changes need to be made, appointments will usually be scheduled every 6-10 weeks. But make sure to keep scheduling regular checkups with the dentist as well!
Additional Tips
To make the most of your orthodontic treatment, remember a few extra tips. Always attend your scheduled appointments with your orthodontist—missing visits can slow down your progress. Avoid playing with your orthodontic appliances, as this can cause unnecessary damage and extend your treatment time. Investing in tools like a Waterpik or an interdental brush can make it easier to clean around your braces or aligners, helping you maintain better oral health throughout your treatment. And if you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist. Staying proactive and informed will help ensure your orthodontic experience is smooth and successful.
Lasting Results
With consistent care and attention, the benefits of your orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime. Wearing your retainers as directed and keeping up with follow-up appointments will help you maintain straight teeth and a confident smile for years to come. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just improve your appearance—it can also boost your self-confidence and overall well-being.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, there are multiple treatment options available to help you achieve your perfect smile. If you’re in Jacksonville, FL, Ponte Vedra Beach, or the surrounding areas, you’ll find orthodontists who offer the latest technology and innovative treatment options to help you reach your smile goals. Don’t wait—schedule your complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Orthodontic Emergencies and Orthodontic Care
Sometimes a wire may snap, a bracket might pop off a tooth, or something else unexpected may happen. If something like this does occur, it is best to contact the orthodontist immediately. An orthodontist is a doctor with specialized training in dentistry who can address orthodontic emergencies. Orthodontic services are available to handle emergencies such as broken brackets or wires. In some cases, emergencies may involve facial irregularities that require prompt attention from a specialist. Depending on what has happened, it may require an “emergency visit” to their office to fix the problem.
Having a child with braces can seem stressful with so many changes, but there’s no need to worry. For more than a decade, our incredible team at Lazzara Orthodontics in Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach, FL, has created thousands of great smiles and has all the knowledge they need to help you and your child adjust to life with braces, making sure that your child’s treatment process goes as smoothly as possible.
Call us today at (904) 270-8750 or click here to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.
