Braces for Kids and Teens
Portland, OR
The Importance of Braces
From the moment your child’s first teeth start to come in, it is a good idea to start bringing them in for regular checkups. At about the age of seven or eight, when the permanent teeth start to emerge is when it is time to visit us to see how they are coming in. Through the use of x-rays, we can detect issues in individual teeth and determine if there are any irregularities. Digital x-rays can even help us to see what level of care is necessary to make sure your child’s mouth and jaw are as healthy as possible.
If caught early enough, which usually, it is, we can begin treatment immediately to prevent issues that could cause discomfort or developmental delays in your child’s future. Impaction can be very uncomfortable but does not have to happen. Significant potential for misalignment can be corrected before it can ever become a problem. This is why it is important to make sure your child sees us every six months to make sure we can stay on top of dental issues before they become an inconvenience.
Caring For Your Braces
If your child has a tooth, your child needs to start brushing to establish the care and responsibility necessary for maintaining their own healthy habits. Creating a routine, such as after waking up and before they go to bed can help prepare them for a lifetime of excellent dental hygiene. With braces, it is also important to ensure that the teeth are brushed after every meal as well. Because there are so many additional nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide in, removing buildup can be especially critical in keeping braces functional and teeth healthy.
For the most part, simply brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and using a flosser to remove particles can be enough to keep your braces clean. In addition, however, it is a good idea to make sure to avoid certain foods that could damage the teeth. Though candy and gum are tasty snacks that appeal to children of all ages, these sticky treats could adhere to the wires and not only cause discomfort, but also may break them off or dislodge them completely.
Through regular checkups and superior at-home care to maintain your teeth, your braces can remain in the best shape possible and ensure that when they finally come off, you will have a smile that is worth sharing with the world. If you would like to learn more about braces and how to take care of them, please do not hesitate to give us here at Great Grins for KIDS - Portland a call at (971) 470-0054 to talk to someone about how braces can help you.
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