Why is this procedure done?
Some children, and even adults, need dental braces. Your child may have problems with the teeth or jaws. The teeth may not fit neatly together. This can lead to: ‚
- Problems with bite
- Gaps between teeth
- Lips, teeth, or jaws that do not line up the right way
- Speech problems
The dentist may suggest your child see an expert called an orthodontist. The orthodontist will work to correct the problem with your childs teeth. This is done using dental braces. The braces are made of brackets, bands, and an arch wire. The brackets are placed on each tooth. They may be held on with a special kind of glue or with a band. The arch wire runs between the brackets. The force of the wire gently pushes the tooth in a particular direction. ‚
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What will the results be?
Braces can fix how your child looks or improve how the teeth and jaw work. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your childs dentist or orthodontist will take your child's history. The dentist will also check your child's teeth with care.
- Your child may need to have:
- Mouth x-rays
- One or more teeth pulled if the teeth are too crowded
- A mold made of the mouth and teeth
What happens during the procedure?
- Your child will sit in the dentists chair and the dentist will clean your child's teeth with a special polish. The dentist may use special tools like a lip stretcher to keep the lips and tongue from touching the teeth. The dentist may also use a tool to help get rid of extra saliva from your child's mouth.
- The dentist will use a special kind of glue and attach the brackets on the surfaces of your child's teeth. The brackets may be metal, clear, or tooth colored. Some teeth will have bands and brackets on them. An arch wire will connect all of the brackets. It is held in place by small rubber bands. The rubber bands may come in different colors.
- This procedure will last about 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your child can go home after the procedure.
- Your child may feel some pain after the procedure. Talk with the dentist about the best way to help your child with the pain.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Let your child suck on ice cubes or eat ice cream to help ease pain.
- Your child may want to eat a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the procedure.
- Cut foods into small pieces.
- Do not give your child sticky or chewy foods.
- Do not let your child chew hard foods.
- Learn the right way to brush and floss teeth with braces. Ask the dentist to show you how. Teach your child to brush and floss the teeth after each meal. It is important to also use a mouthwash after brushing teeth. Ask your dentist about the best kind of toothbrush and mouthwash.
What follow-up care is needed?
The dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Your child will need to have the braces adjusted every 4 to 6 weeks. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Sore mouth
- Accidental removal of brackets
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
Helpful tips
Your childs appearance will change once the braces are placed. Talk with your child's doctor if you are worried about your child. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces.aspx ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Teeth_orthodontics_and_orthodontic_treatment?open ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/braces.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚