Braces for Kids and Teens
Grants Pass, OR
 When you were growing up there is a good chance that no one saw an orthodontist until they were teenagers. It was kids in high school who wore braces. These days that is not necessarily the case any longer. Younger children are starting to have problems fixed. Sometimes the child is as young as six! The idea is that the child's jaw is still forming, which means that it will be easier to correct a bite problem or a crowding issue. Plenty of teens are still getting braces as well, that has not changed. If your pediatric dentist has recommended that your child see us here at Robinson Orthodontics, remember that it is for your child's wellbeing. We treat children, teenagers, and even have braces for adults. Here is what you need to know about braces for your child or your teen.
A Guide to Braces for Kids and Teens
Most of the time for children and teens we will recommend traditional metal braces. This is because there is no stigma attached to braces as an adolescent like there is for an adult. Here is what you need to know about kids, teens, and braces.
There is a good chance that your child will need braces for two years. If it is a young child, we may decide to treat part of the issue at an early age, and then include more treatment at an older age.
With young children, it is important to teach him or her how to properly take care of their braces. That means that you will need to teach them to brush both the braces and their teeth. It is also important that they get into the habit of brushing immediately after eating so that no food will stay in the braces. Talk to the parents of your child's friends so that they will not give sugary or sticky treats.
Teenagers might need to be reminded to take care of their braces, although they should be responsible enough to do it. Make sure that there is a toothbrush in your teen's backpack so that he or she can brush after lunch at school.
There are some popular foods that children and teenagers with braces will need to stay away from. Candy should be only an occasional treat, and only if the teeth and braces can be brushed immediately. It is also important that your child or teen realizes that chewing gum is also off limits.
Regular trips back to our office will become a regular part of your life. We will need to check the braces about once a month or so.
It is important that you constantly remind your child or teen that it will be worth it once the braces come off. Time seems to go slower for kids, so two years might seem like an eternity to them. Here at Robinson Orthodontics, we want to help your child or teen to have straight teeth that will last a lifetime. Make an appointment by calling (541) 441-8288. Your child's smile depends upon it.
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