Dental Braces for Kids

Braces are the corrective orthodontic devices that kids need to straighten, align and position their teeth properly with regards their bite. Treatment with braces usually takes from one to three years depending on the severity of the case and some other factors. After the braces are removed, there are still some procedures that need to be undertaken to ensure that the newly positioned teeth stay in place permanently. This may include:

• A thorough cleaning of the teeth.

• A new set of bite impression and X-rays may have to be taken by the orthodontist to ensure that teeth have been properly straightened and positioned in the proper way. An X-ray will also show if wisdom teeth are starting to come out after the braces are taken off.

• If there are wisdom teeth, these may have to be pulled out to preclude the recently straightened teeth from moving and changing position again. After the removal of the braces, the child will also need to be fitted with a retainer. This is another orthodontic appliance that is customized for their own personal needs that aims to help their teeth keep their new position. A retainer is a vital aspect of proper care for the teeth after the braces. This orthodontic appliance is usually made of clear plastic, metal wires or rubber that is designed to cover the external surface of the teeth. For the first six months after the brace removal, a retainer should be worn all the time. Afterwards, the child needs to wear them only when they sleep. The time duration for wearing a retainer differs from patient to patient.

The main reason why a retainer is vital as a post-brace care is that even if the teeth condition has been successfully corrected by braces, the teeth are not yet entirely established in their new position until such time when the gums, bones and muscles have totally become adjusted to the change.

What to do After the Dental Braces are Out

Having the braces finally out of your mouth is such a great relief that you feel like celebrating. But before you go and indulge take note first of what you can and can’t eat after the braces are removed to ensure that all the money spent and sacrifices endured to have straight teeth and a wonderful smile will not go to waste.

• After the braces, you need to be fitted with a retainer, a thin piece of plastic that is fitted on top of the teeth and is placed there to help teeth stay set in its new position after the braces. It will only be for a short time but when first installed you might find yourself having a slight lisp while your tongue is getting used to the plastic. You might need to wear your braces continually for at least a week and afterwards only at night time. Make sure that you follow the instructions of your orthodontist on how to care for them.

• Once the braces are removed the teeth are a little wobbly and weak so allow your mouth to get used to the freedom from metals and wires before indulging in all the crunchy and gummy food favorites that you were not allowed to eat while the braces were on.

• Your teeth might have stains or discoloration after the brace is removed. This is due to the difficulty of cleaning the teeth while the braces are on.

Food that usually stain teeth are coffee, colas , tea, and berries among others. To remove these unsightly stains you can consider using whitening toothpaste or gels with peroxide bleach content. It will take at least 12 weeks for these whitening solutions to have any visible effect. Another option is to get a laser teeth whitening treatment if you cannot wait to have that dazzling white smile.