Last updated 1 year ago
When your child gets braces from a pediatric orthodontist, there are several steps to the process. Each step is crucial, and in order for your child to get the best results possible, the orthodontist must ensure everything is done just right.
Initial Consultation
Prior to your child getting braces, he or she will have a consultation with a pediatric orthodontist. This appointment helps the orthodontist determine the proper course of treatment and obtain impressions before the braces are installed. This is a great time for you and your child to ask questions.
Teeth Cleaning
The day of installation, your child will have his or her teeth cleaned as part of the preparation process. This is similar to what is experienced during a regular cleaning from a children's dentist. After the teeth are cleaned, they'll be dried and your child's mouth will be kept open by cheek retractors.
Installation of Brackets
The actual process of getting braces is simple and easy—the pediatric orthodontist will use a special cement to attach a bracket to each tooth, after which an archwire will be threaded through the brackets. Finally, rubber bands are placed over the brackets in order to hold the wire in place.
Purchasing Helpful Items
Though the process of getting braces is relatively painless, your child could be a bit uncomfortable as he or she adjusts to the brackets, wires, and spacers that are now in place. It's a good idea to stock up on some things to help your child feel better, such as:
- Cold compresses, ice packs, or frozen peas
- Dental wax
- Children's pain reliever (be sure to ask your orthodontist or pediatrician for the proper dosage)
- Soft foods like pudding, yogurt, and applesauce
- Movies or other treats to help your child relax and distract him or her from the initial discomfort.
At Best Kids Dentist, we can help your child enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile. Call (718) 491-5300 today to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 1 year ago
When your child has braces, brushing is more important than ever. Watch this video to learn how your child needs to brush and what you can do to help.
As the video shows, you need to help your child brush his or her teeth as well as the brackets and braces themselves. There are specialized tools you can get to help ensure that your child’s teeth are getting as clean as possible while being moved into proper alignment. Ask your pediatric orthodontist if you need additional suggestions or instruction on how to brush with braces.
Come to Best Kids Dentist for comprehensive pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services. Call our kids’ dentist today at (718) 491-5300 to learn more.
Last updated 1 year ago
We hope you have enjoyed our recent articles on the benefits of early orthodontic treatments and what happens during the process of getting braces. Here are some resources that can provide more information about these topics:
- This website provides tips on cleaning teeth with braces to help kids keep their teeth healthy and strong.
- For information on why early orthodontic treatments are so important, read over the information found at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
- To find out more about orthodontic treatments and the different phases involved with having braces, check out this article.
- LiveStrong.com explains the details of what happens when your child gets braces.
- Here are some tips on caring for braces, courtesy of WebMD.com.
- Call Best Kids Dentist at (718) 491-5300 to schedule an appointment with a children's dentist or pediatric orthodontist.
Last updated 1 year ago
If your kids' dentist has recommended orthodontic treatments for one of your children, then you may be wondering what exactly goes into getting braces and achieving a perfect smile.
You and your child will have many appointments with a pediatric orthodontist as your child progresses towards that amazing new smile.
Consultation
First, your child will have an initial consultation. This will generally include X -rays, molds, and an exam. Other tests and diagnostic procedures may be performed, and your pediatric orthodontist will begin to formulate a plan of action.
Preparation
Next, your child will go in for spacers. These are used to create space in the mouth for the braces or to hold a place for a tooth that hasn't yet emerged or is in the wrong place. Some children may not need spacers—your pediatric orthodontist will determine what dental work your child needs before braces are put on.
Installation
Installation day is the pinnacle step in getting that straight, perfect smile that you and your child want. This may be an uncomfortable experience, so make sure to stock up on children's pain reliever and orthodontic wax. Reassure your child that even though his or her mouth may be temporarily sore, the results will be well worth it.
Maintenance
Your child will have periodic appointments for checkup and adjustments to the braces. Wires will be tightened and the progress of the treatment will be checked. Once the work is done, the braces will be removed.
Post-Removal Checkups
After braces come off, your child's trips to the pediatric orthodontist aren't over. He or she will need a retainer as well as occasional checkups to make sure the teeth are staying in place. Some retainers are permanent and others are removable, but you can still expect to visit the orthodontist from time to time to ensure proper fit.
If your child needs orthodontic treatment, then come to Best Kids Dentist—our pediatric orthodontists can help your children get the amazing smiles they deserve. Call us at (718) 491-5300 to schedule an appointment.
