When preparing your child for braces, you can take one of two routes: the hard way or the easier way. Researching this as a family can be a fun way for your child or teen to feel involved and have some control over the process.
For example, many kids are enthusiastic about using colored rubber bands. These bands adhere the brackets of metal or porcelain braces to the adjustment wire and are changed out at every visit. Your child can customize them to be as colorful and flamboyant as they want. Clear or white bands are also available to create a less obvious “braces” look.
Plus, getting braces can actually be an enjoyable experience! Our offices provide lots of fun things for your kids, including a 25-seat HD movie theater. This can free you up to spend some time with Dr. Taylor, going over the technical details that your child may find boring. There are also rewards programs and contests for the kiddos to take part in!
Preparing Your Child for the Braces Adjustment Period
Having braces applied doesn’t hurt. In fact, there’s no need for a numbing shot. Your child may feel some pressure on their teeth, but that’s about it. However, a big part of preparing your child for braces is to go over what to expect during the adjustment period after the braces go on. It may take about a week before they’re comfortable “in their teeth” again. The important thing to remember is that this only lasts about a week.
There may be some mild irritation where the hardware rubs against the inside of the mouth or lips. Fortunately, orthodontic wax (also called dental wax) can solve this problem immediately. All they will need to do is pinch off a piece of wax and place it right over the bracket. It’s always a good idea to send some extra wax with your child when they leave the house, so they’ll always have it when needed. Warm, wet tea bags can also soothe sore spots in the mouth.
The teeth may also be a little sore in the beginning (or after each monthly adjustment). Ibuprofen helps a lot, but it’s also a good idea to have plenty of soft foods on hand. Rice, pasta, and soup are all good choices while the mouth adapts to braces. Chilled foods, such as ice cream or popsicles. can be soothing as well.
Food Cautions
When preparing your child for braces, it’s very important that they understand they may need to change the way they eat some foods. Things like apples, carrots, hard pieces of bread, hard crackers, etc., should be cut up before eating rather than biting into them. The reason for this is that taking a bite can cause breakage of the braces on the front teeth. Corn on the cob should be sliced off first, as well.
A few types of food should be avoided altogether so as not to cause breakage:
- Toffee
- Caramel
- Popcorn
- Gum
- Ice
- Hard candies
- Chewy or sticky candy
Your child should also avoid foods or drinks that have strong colors, such as berries or grape juice. These can permanently stain rubber bands or clear porcelain braces and wires.
It’s a good idea to avoid or reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Fructose and other forms of sugar can cause cavities, and with braces on teeth, there are more nooks and crannies for bacteria to form.
You can also visit the American Association of Orthodontics website for more information on what to eat and not eat with braces.
We’re Here to Make Preparing Your Child for Braces a Fun Experience!
Dr. Taylor is a Board-certified Orthodontist and the only licensed Invisalign® provider in the valley. He and our staff are committed to making each experience easy, fun, and exceptional! We are happy to help prepare you and your child for braces.
