Is there much pain with kids’ braces?
Some pain is to be expected, especially after braces are initially installed and after adjustments. Kids’ baby teeth and mouths can get more comfortable for braces in time and pain can disappear. If the pain is unpleasant, you can give them over-the-counter medication. You can also use the wax we give you to cover the hard edges and prevent the braces from rubbing against their mouth. If your child is in severe pain or has a problem that you can’t handle at home, call our office so we can help you resolve it. First, visit an orthodontist like Dr. April Lee of Burlingame Smile Studio in Burlingame, CA for a consultation.
Use the wax packet provided
We will give your child a pack of wax to use to make the braces more comfortable. This wax is safe to use in the mouth if needed and is effective in preventing pain and irritation. If the ends of the wire or some hooks rub against your child’s cheek or tongue, use wax to cover the areas that irritate them. It is best for the wax to adhere to dry surfaces so that they absorb additional saliva before application and keep the area dry.
Avoid certain foods
While wearing braces, your child should avoid sticky food like gum, taffy, and caramel as they will get stuck to the braces and can damage the intricate parts of the braces and wires that are important. Also avoid hard food like ice, croutons, nuts, hard candy, and popcorn because they can break the wires and other appliances. Do not let your child chew on fingernails, pencils, or other hard objects since this can also break the braces and result in extra expense and more trips to the orthodontist to fix them. It is a good idea to cut up fruits and vegetables like apples, corn on the cob, and carrots and eat them in small bites.
The need to wear and maintain rubber bands
It is important for your children to consistently wear the rubber bands on their braces, as suggested. Neglecting to do this can allow their teeth to move back to previous positions. Do not be worn during dental checkups, they will always be taken off for treatment time. Rubber bands can cause some soreness at first, this soreness will go away as they are worn, and your child’s teeth adjust to the pressure. Pain can return if they are not worn regularly.
Brushing and cleaning of braces
When wearing braces, your child should clean three times a day for 4-5 minutes. Flossing should also be done once a day. They need to be meticulous in removing food particles between the braces and the gums. During your orthodontic visits, we will show you some of the tools your child can use to properly clean their teeth and braces.
Wearing retainers after braces are removed
After completing treatment with braces, your child will likely receive a retainer to wear so that the teeth do not migrate back to their original positions. These are to be worn for life to maintain the position of the teeth. Even after many years, teeth can move if they are not worn every night. If not, teeth can change over time, just like the rest of the body.
Contact Burlingame Smile Studio we serve Burlingame, CA, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
