Kids with Braces: Tips for Making Life More Comfortable

Dental braces for kids in Sooke, BC, are no longer a doom and gloom prospect. Firstly, orthodontists' rooms are brighter and happier places. Staff are attentive and concentrate on patients and their well-being from the moment they walk in. Their compassion extends to kids too! 

Secondly, orthodontics has come a long way, and there are many options to choose from that are lighter and, may we say, more cheerful in design. Here are a few tips to ensure your child is comfortable and to minimize potential orthodontic emergencies during their orthodontic treatment. 

Educate, Educate, Educate 

Early orthodontic treatment for children starts between nine and fourteen. It’s an age at which they can understand the treatment, why they need it, and the expected outcome. With this understanding, kids will be more dedicated to oral hygiene and encouraged to work hard to achieve their perfect bite. 

Orthodontists are meticulous and will provide you and your child with the required information on treatment at home and which foods to avoid. It's crucial for a parent to continue at home with the education and to monitor their kids’ dental routine.

Living With Braces At Home

Modern braces, regardless of type, are individualized for each patient. They allow for easy, thorough and painless maintenance. Removing all traces of food from the mouth, particularly between the gums and the braces, is essential. 

Brushing

• Always inspect after brushing and rinsing, and brush again if necessary.

• Massage the gums gently with the brush, paying attention to the area between the gums and braces.

• Replace brushes at the first sign of wear. 

Dental Flossing

• Traditional flossing is a straightforward way to get remaining food particles between the teeth, gums, and braces.

• Oral irrigators are an excellent way for kids with braces to floss and use a water technique whereby water is squirted right between the teeth to clean them effectively and fast. 

Rinsing

• Rinsing is an integral part that follows brushing and flossing, allowing loosened particles to be flushed away.

• Warm salt rinses are helpful, especially in the first days after brace placement and teeth are sensitive.  

Keep Your Dental Appointments

• For the duration of the braces, it's important to schedule regular check-ups for dental exams and professional teeth cleaning.

• Take advantage of your scheduled brace adjustment appointments.

• If you notice a protruding or loose wire or bracket, call the orthodontist immediately, even if your child isn't experiencing any discomfort or pain. 

Protect Your Kid’s Smile

It’s never been this easy to rectify and perfect your kid's bite and smile. A healthy set of teeth with the correct bite and jaw alignment improves appearance and self-esteem. Setting your child up with a healthy mouth will eliminate expensive and even more painful procedures later in life. At Dr. Kirk Bartlett Orthodontist, we believe your child’s smile is worth the investment! We have the perfect solution for your kid's needs among our orthodontic braces, InvisalignTM, cosmetic braces, and IncognitoTM. 

With our passion for orthodontics and people, we have assembled a highly qualified team of experts to care for all kids braces in Sooke, BC. Call us today and schedule an appointment.