Your child (or teen) is scheduled to receive a full set of traditional braces, and you’re both a little stressed. This orthodontic treatment has a reputation for being difficult to adjust to, after all.
Not to worry. These four tips for getting through the first week should help your child get the hang of their new dental appliance. With some mindfulness and consistent habits, they’ll be a braces pro in no time!
#1. Managing Dental Discomfort from Day One
It’s no secret that braces can cause oral soreness, especially on the first day. You can always rely on pain relief medicine to help with any discomfort, but here are some solutions for more specific aches:
- Molding a small piece of orthodontic wax around a pokey wire or bracket will prevent the piece from rubbing against your child’s mouth. Eventually they should develop callouses to mitigate this, but it’s an effective fix in the meantime.
- Since your child is likely to develop callouses, it might be a good idea to add a saltwater rinse to their oral care for the first week or so. The salt will help soothe aches and promote healing.
Your child’s mouth will be adjusting to their braces as much as them, so don’t be stingy and apply these solutions as needed!
#2. Orthodontic Meal Prep
Needless to say, chewing with metal wires and brackets feels weird. Your child’s teeth might also be sensitive at first, so it’s best to start with soft, liquid foods. They can gradually add more solids to their diet, but the rumors are true. Your child should completely avoid:
- Hard, crunchy food like popcorn
- Excessively sticky substances like caramel
- Certain crispy items like apples
Even if these foods miraculously don’t break a bracket, they’ll be a pain for your child to clean out of their braces!
#3. Oral Hygiene – Seriously!
A consistent brushing and flossing routine is always essential for dental health, but especially so when braces are added to the equation. Your child will quickly find that food particles can get stuck behind their wires or stick to their brackets. If these aren’t brushed away or flossed out, they’ll accumulate bacteria over time, increasing your child’s risk for cavities and gum disease. They might think it’s a chore, but remind them cavities are no joke!
#4. Plenty of Communication
As you can tell, your child is likely to experience all kinds of new sensations with their braces. That’s why it’s important for the two of you to communicate.
Discomfort during this transition can indicate more than post-appointment soreness. The braces might need an adjustment – if not addressed in a timely manner, the ill-fit could actually prolong your child’s treatment time. Additionally, some children might be nervous to report broken brackets, even if they weren’t sneaking in any anti-braces snacks. This can also lead to prolonged treatment times, so take care to be patient and reassuring.
Of course, you should also be communicating with your pediatric orthodontist! They can address your questions and concerns, and will ensure that your child’s smile-straightening journey stays on-track.
About the Practice
Our team at Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of San Ramon promotes a stress-free experience for you and your little one. We know that metal braces can seem daunting, even for the most courageous of patients. Rest assured that as a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Melissa Bailey is highly qualified to help with the transition. If you need to book an appointment or have questions about your child’s braces, call our office at 925-648-8580.