What To
Expect
with Braces
Are metal braces in your child’s future?
Don’t worry! Metal braces are now less noticeable and more comfortable to wear than in previous years. However, for children, metal braces will more than likely require some adjustments to their diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle. While it can take some time to adjust, the beautiful, straight smile, in the end, is worth it!
Eating with Braces
A common question we encounter is, what can a kid with braces eat? You may already know crunchy or sticky foods like nuts or gum should be avoided during treatment to prevent broken wires and brackets.
While your child will feel up to eating their favorite foods most of the time, prepare for their potential to voice soreness and discomfort during the first few days of application and when they get their braces tightened. Emphasizing soft foods during these times can make eating with braces a breeze!
Oral Hygiene with Braces
The inability to remove the orthodontic appliance is one reason metal braces are highly effective at straightening teeth. However, their permanent placement makes maintaining good oral hygiene habits during treatment essential.
Instead of the usual twice-a-day brushing and flossing, our orthodontist recommends brushing and flossing after every meal to avoid decay and plaque buildup within brackets.
Lifestyle with Braces
Activities and hobbies that your child enjoyed before braces don’t have to change! Sooner than later, your child won’t even notice their braces.
But if your child plays a sport, our orthodontist will likely suggest a custom mouthguard to protect the braces. By taking caution during physical activity, treatment can stay on track!
As a parent, it’s only natural to be curious about what to expect when your child has braces. If you have more concerns about what to expect, our San Antonio orthodontist is a phone call away!
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