In the last decade, clear removable braces that move teeth with plastic trays called aligners (rather than wires and rubber bands) have become available, but these are usually only for people without bite problems.
Some kids may need other devices, too, such as headgear (don’t worry — this is usually worn only at night!). Headgear uses a horseshoe-shaped wire that attaches to the back teeth, pushing them back and allowing more room for teeth in the front of the mouth. The orthodontist also might recommend that your child have one or more teeth removed to create more space in his or her mouth.
Once the braces are on, your child will have to visit the orthodontist every few weeks for monitoring and adjustments.
How long your child will need to wear braces depends on the problems the orthodontist is trying to fix, but the average is about 2 years. After that, your child might wear a specially molded retainer, a small, hard piece of plastic with metal wires or a thin piece of plastic shaped like a mouth guard. Retainers keep the teeth from wandering back to their original places.
Caring for Braces
Because it’s so easy for food to get stuck in wired braces, kids who wear them need to work extra hard to keep their teeth clean. Brushing after meals is essential, as is daily flossing (the orthodontist can give your child a special flosser to use in and around braces). Regular dental cleanings and checkups to look for cavities are also a must.
Your child should avoid certain foods, such as popcorn, hard and sticky candy, and gum, because they can damage braces. Sugary sodas and juices can be a problem, too, because they can contribute to tooth decay. A child with clear plastic aligners should always remove them when it’s time to eat.
Because braces put pressure on the teeth, they can feel uncomfortable once in a while, especially after the orthodontist makes adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if this happens.
See the orthodontist right away if your child has a loose wire or bracket, or a wire that is poking his or her mouth. If the orthodontist can’t find a problem, your child might use some soft wax to cover any sharp spots on the braces that are bothersome or rubbing against the inside of the mouth or gums.
-kidshealth.org
