Wearing braces as a kid can be exciting but also nerve-wracking at the same time. With our team at Shirck Orthodontics, we make the transition easy by providing you with the knowledge of how your child can have a successful orthodontic treatment. We invite you to read through the resources below and give us a call to schedule a consultation with our orthodontists, Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina, in Pataskala, New Albany, Westerville, Newark and Powell, Ohio.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
As your child grows up, they start to lose their baby teeth for their adult ones. To make sure everything is coming in correctly, our orthodontists may suggest starting early orthodontic treatment to direct the growth. This allows your child to be able to speak more clearly and have less difficulty eating the foods they love. Plus, it also prevents future dental problems, keeping you and your wallet happy.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for Early Orthodontic Treatment
When your child turns 7, you can bring them in for their first visit with an orthodontist. During this visit, we will perform an exam to determine if your child is in need of treatment. To know if your child needs early orthodontic treatment, watch out for these common signs:
- Thumb-sucking
- Difficulty chewing their food
- Overcrowded or misaligned teeth
- Large gaps in their smile
- An uneven bite when they slightly close their teeth
Tips To Keep Your Child’s Braces Secure and Comfortable
It can take quite a few adjustments for your child to feel comfortable with their new braces. Here are some tips on what you can do at home to help make the transition easier.
General Tips
After your child has had their new braces put on or tightened, it’s okay to give your child pain reliever medication to soothe the soreness. You can also have them rinse their mouth with salt water a few times an hour to help with the discomfort.
Kids Who Play Sports
If your child is an avid sports player, we strongly encourage you to ask us for a mouth guard to protect their smile. This allows them to still have fun and avoid damage to their orthodontic appliance.
Kids Who Play Instruments
Is your child a music lover and enjoys playing wind instruments at school? If so, try applying a little bit of dental wax to sensitive areas on their braces to help make it more comfortable to play.
Sleeping With Braces
The best sleeping position for your child living with braces is to have them sleep on their back. You may also apply dental wax to any irritated areas to help your child, and yourself, enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
Orthodontic Emergencies
Living with children, you never know what is bound to happen. Your child may misplace an elastic or have a loose bracket. Whatever the case may be, you can always give us a call here at Shirck Orthodontics. For more tips on orthodontic emergencies, click here.
