Frequently Asked Questions About the Basics of Teeth Braces

Your child’s dental health doesn’t need to be taxing for you.

However, here are answers to a few questions you might have for the time when it’s time for your child’s first visit to the orthodontist or when the time comes for your child to get braces treatment.

When should your child first see an orthodontist?

Your child should see the orthodontist for the first time by age seven when their permanent teeth start coming in.

What are the signs that my child needs braces?

Here are a few signs which indicate your child needs braces:

• If your child has lost their baby teeth too early or too late.
• If your child has an overbite, underbite or a crossbite. A misaligned jaw can cause alot of undue stress to the teeth in the future.
• If your child continues to suck on his or her thumb after reaching the age of four, this might be a sure shot indication of needing teeth braces.
• Children who mouth breathe might also need to see the orthodontist soon.

How long is the procedure for braces treatment?

The period for which your child will have to wear braces depends on the severity of the problem and the type of teeth braces chosen for them. An average period is around 1-2 years. With proper oral hygiene and regular appointments to the orthodontist, the period to wear braces can be shortened.

Will there be any changes in dietary habits?

While your child can eat most foods when they have braces, it’s essential that your child maintains oral hygiene because food can get stuck in braces. Brushing and flossing must be done two times a day.

Your child needs to stay away from hard, crispy, crunchy, gooey, or sticky food that can get stuck in teeth braces and can cause them to loosen or break off. It’s also recommended that your child stop chewing gum.

Will there be changes in lifestyle?

Your orthodontist will ensure that your child’s lifestyle is not hampered because of getting teeth braces.

If your child is an aspiring musician who plays wind instruments like saxophone, clarinet or brass, after a brief adjustment period, they will be back to blasting tunes in no time.

When it comes to sports, a mouth guard will ensure that your child’s braces are safe from getting damaged.

Will there be any discomfort when wearing braces?

After a period of adjustments, the discomfort that your child will feel will be almost nil.
For the first week of wearing teeth braces, it is strongly recommended that your child can only eat soft foods and learn how to clean their teeth and braces regularly.

Braces might cause sore gums for the first few weeks. But the orthodontist will ensure that they cover braces or the wires with a soft piece of wax so that will not cause any irritation to your child’s mouth.

What are the benefits of your child wearing braces?

The time and effort you and your child spend in adapting to teeth bracing is well-spent.

Not only do teeth braces improve oral health, but it also helps in lowering risk for gum diseases and corrects misaligned jaws.

If you’re in New York and looking for an orthodontic appointment for your child for teeth braces, then Putnam Orthodontics will promise you high-quality oral care. Give our orthodontist in Carmel a call at 845-459-8500 and in Briarcliff at 914-432-7625.