If you are going to be taking your child in to have braces put on, then the both of you will undoubtedly have a lot of questions. Finding the answers to those questions before you take them in for the braces will help ensure you have them better prepared, as you will both know what to expect. Read the information below to find the answers to some of the questions you may have.
Does getting braces put on hurt?
When your child is having their braces put on, it requires them to have their mouth held open for an extended period of time while they are being put in place. This will be quite uncomfortable and will leave them with stiff jaws afterward. Also, when the wires are tightened, it will cause their teeth to be pulled together. This can hurt, but the pain should subside with some over-the-counter pain reliever. After the first few days of wearing their braces, your child should notice the pain becoming less and less.
Are braces easy to take care of?
There isn't much extra your child will have to do to take care of their braces, but they will have to clean them more often. Your child should be provided with a travel dental care kit that has a small toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste. They want to keep it with them at all times when they wear braces. They should brush their teeth each time they eat anything, even just a snack. If food gets caught between the brackets and wires and you aren't able to remove it, then you want to take them in to the dentist to have it removed as soon as possible.
Are there a lot of options to choose from regarding the type of braces?
There are the more traditional silver braces that most children fear the thought of going to school with. Then, there are also clear braces that aren't as easy to spot, as well as braces with brightly colored bands in just about every color. A lot of younger children like to choose the colored braces and they can go with any colors they like, as well as a combination of them.
The more you learn about your child's braces, the easier it will be for you to explain everything to them. If you have more questions, speak with a professional in the dental field like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A.
