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Flower Preparing your child for braces
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Image Children are first seen in our clinic for an orthodontic evaluation, at which time X-rays may be taken. During this appointment you will find out if your child needs braces. If it is time to begin orthodontic treatment, a second visit will be needed to take additional X-rays, photographs and impressions of your child's mouth. This will allow the orthodontist to measure your child's mouth and decide the best course of treatment.
Additional visits
Depending on the type of orthodontic treatment needed, it will take several visits to prepare your child for orthodontic treatment and to put the braces on.

After the braces have been placed, a return visit is needed every 4-8 weeks to adjust them and to monitor treatment.

Oral hygiene and braces
Children with braces should brush their teeth after every meal. It is recommended that children hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush along the gum line. Brushing often and properly, in addition to dental cleanings every six months, is important to reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis (bleeding of swollen gums).

Children should also floss at least once a day. We recommend the use of floss threaders in conjunction with standard floss or super floss to help floss under and between brackets and wires.

On the day your child has his or her braces put on, detailed instructions will be given on brushing, flossing and diet.

Braces maintenance
Orthodontic appliances must be in place and intact at all times for the treatment to work properly. If your child's bands, brackets or wires break, please contact our office for an appointment as soon as possible. If your child's wires break and your child is experiencing some discomfort, we recommend that you use wax to cover the sharp end of the wire.

During treatment your child may wear elastic bands to aid in tooth movement. If your child runs out of elastics or misplaces them, please contact our department and we will be happy to mail more elastics to you. Please remember that children need to wear their elastics at all times.

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Help us help you!
In order to provide you with the best orthodontic care possible, it is important that your child:

  • attends all scheduled appointments
  • maintains good oral hygiene
  • takes proper care of his/her orthodontic appliances
  • Learn more about orthodontics and braces.
    Foods to avoid:
  • Chewing gum
  • Ice
  • Popcorn kernels
  • Granola bars
  • Chewy or sticky candies like taffy, caramels and gummy bears
  • Hard foods like pretzels, pizza crust, bagels and French or Italian bread
  • Braces maintenance tips:
  • Slice apples and hard vegetables before eating
  • Keep fingers away from wires
  • Keep pens and pencils out of mouth
  • Cut corn off cob
  • Cut meat off bone
  • Don't bite down on cough drops and hard candies
  • Have regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months
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