Aren't braces for cosmetic purposes only?

This is a common misconception. Indeed, braces will help your child achieve cosmetic improvements. Having crooked teeth can lead to confidence issues in children, so aesthetic enhancements are important. However, the most significant advantages are health-related. 

It's easier to prevent problems such as gum disease and cavities when your teeth are straight. There are fewer places where bacteria can hide. Once your child has straight teeth, their brushing will become more effective, and it will be easier for them to maintain good oral health. 

The Initial Appointment

The initial appointment, or consultation, will involve a lot of paperwork, questions, and an examination of your child's mouth. The orthodontist will need access to your child's dental records to see any work done in the past. Be sure to let them know any helpful information, like if your child has allergies to medications, tooth pain, etc. 

The orthodontist will use x-rays to see your child's teeth in detail. The results will help them create a plan. They will look for impacted teeth, crowding, etc. They may need to remove teeth to make space for straightening.

Getting the Braces Put On 

Once the plan for straightening your child's teeth is in place, you can schedule an appointment to get their braces put on. It will only take a few hours and won't be very hard on your child. The process is mostly painless. 

First, the orthodontist will apply brackets to each of your child's teeth. The tricky part is for the orthodontist to keep the teeth dry, so the brackets stick correctly. Once in place, they will insert metal bands around your child's molars. They'll then insert wires into the brackets (held in by small bands that give the braces their color). 

Regular Checkups for Adjustments

Once your child has their braces on, they will visit the orthodontist every month or two to tighten their braces. The orthodontist will also make adjustments to ensure the straightening process is working correctly. 

Removing Them

When the orthodontist approves the results, they will finally remove your child's braces. The process will take about an hour or so. The orthodontist will clip off the brackets to remove the braces. After that, they will polish your child's teeth to remove the glue that held the brackets in place. 

The orthodontist will then make a retainer for your child. They must wear it for the teeth to remain straight. Otherwise, the entire process will have been for nothing. 

To learn more, contact a company like Monacell Orthodontics.

Share