Children’s Orthodontics and Dental Care

Orthodontics’ Role in Your Child’s Oral Health

At Brocks Gap Orthodontics, our goal, especially with children’s orthodontics, is to address potential problems before they occur in a supportive, stress-free, and caring environment. Children’s facial bones are still growing, so it is easier to influence the teeth to grow in the desired manner. You can find out more about early intervention here.

The goal is to solve any problems that are present, address issues before they arise, and create a healthy environment for permanent teeth as they come in. Once your child stops growing, orthodontic work can take longer, and crowding teeth can be harder to correct. Orthodontics can help with your child’s bite and can contribute to clear speech, as well as provide aesthetic benefits of a beautiful smile, while eliminating issues, such as overcrowding or crooked teeth.

Types of Orthodontics for Kids

There are several different types of orthodontics at Brocks Gap Orthodontics that we offer our pediatric patients. These include:

Braces
Braces for kids are similar to braces for adults. Braces can be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or a combination of materials. They work by applying pressure on the teeth and jaw to move teeth into the desired position, making for not only a better smile but also the elimination of various other dental issues.

Headgear
Headgear is usually worn at night and is used to apply extra pressure as needed to the teeth and jaw. It is attached with braces to the back of the head and to the braces in the mouth. Not every patient ends up needing headgear.

Retainers
Retainers are used after braces are removed since it is still possible for teeth to move at that time. Retainers are used to help prevent this. You can find out more about retainers here.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners such as Invisalign are a series of custom-made plastic trays that help adjust your teeth.

The Experience of Having Braces

There can be some discomfort associated with braces, especially after they are recently tightened/adjusted or when new rubber bands are placed. Additionally, upon first getting braces or other orthodontics, there may be a brief period where there is a slight speech impediment until you are used to the braces. This is completely normal. If there is any continued discomfort over the course of the treatment, we suggest taking Tylenol for relief. A special dental wax is also available that can be placed on any uncomfortable areas of the braces.

Taking Care of Braces

Braces are relatively low maintenance; however, it is important to be extra diligent with flossing and brushing, as the brackets and wires provide more ways for food to get stuck in the teeth.
Special flossers are available that can be used to help work around braces.

Additionally, your child will have to be careful with the foods they eat, as some items can damage the braces. Foods to avoid include hard candy, ice, popcorn, gum, and other sticky or chewy candies.

Overall

The goal is to create a better environment for permanent teeth to erupt in order to prevent potential issues that may arise and provide better overall long-term oral health. Often, some dental work is still required after treatment, but early intervention through the use of braces or other orthodontics can decrease the amount of work that might be needed at a later time.