Braces for kids are relatively the same as braces for adults in the way that they work and issues they are able to correct. South Belmont Orthodontics & Oral Surgery proudly provides high-end orthodontic treatments, including braces for kids in Belmont, NC. Our friendly and professional orthodontic staff can care for your child’s orthodontic needs and eliminate any fears or concerns while making each appointment more enjoyable. We strive to create an environment that both parents and kids enjoy while providing high-quality orthodontic treatments that help patients achieve healthier and more beautiful smiles.
How Do Braces Work?
Traditionally, braces work by attaching brackets to each tooth and connecting them using a metal wire and rubber bands. Your orthodontist will adjust and tighten the wiring and bands regularly to gradually align the teeth. The average child will wear braces between 12 and 24 months to achieve alignment and a beautiful smile.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs to See an Orthodontist?
Determining when your child should see an orthodontist depends on their specific orthodontic issues. Generally, their dentist will recommend that they see an orthodontist if they notice a current or potential problem.
Initial orthodontic visits for children usually occur between the ages of seven and nine. Most kids in that age range are missing most of their baby teeth and starting to get adult teeth. Identifying alignment concerns and bite issues when permanent teeth appear is easier at this time.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
Most children won’t get braces until they are between 11 and 13 years old because this is when the majority of adult teeth should be in place and teeth adjustment slows. Getting braces before then could result in the second round of braces because the teeth continue to grow and shift.
The age range between 11 and 13 is ideal because although tooth growth should be near complete and significant shifting has slowed, kids’ teeth this age are still receptive to adjustments and alignment. It can be more complex as an adult and take longer to align teeth and correct bite deficiencies.
What Should I Expect When My Child Gets Braces?
Thankfully, braces are non-invasive and relatively painless. When getting braces for your child, expect multiple follow-up visits throughout the year until achieving proper alignment and bite correction. These follow-up visits are for adjusting and tightening the braces and checking for loose fittings or damage.
The first appointment to place the braces takes the longest, with the visit lasting between one and two hours for fitting purposes. After that, the shorter adjustment visits should take place every few months.
You can expect your child to experience mild discomfort after the initial placement and adjustments. This discomfort will be more of a soreness than pain due to the unfamiliar pressure being applied to the teeth and should fade after the first couple of days.
After removing braces, Dr. Hoffman will fit your child’s teeth for a retainer. Retainers are initially necessary to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your child should wear their retainers full time for a few months before transitioning to only at night.