Braces for Kids: What Happens During and After Braces Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a significant step in ensuring your child’s oral health and confidence. Understanding the process can help alleviate any concerns and prepare both you and your child for the journey ahead. This guide outlines what happens when your child gets braces and the steps to take after the treatment concludes.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The journey begins with a visit to an orthodontist in Melbourne, who will evaluate your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure. This comprehensive examination may include X-rays and impressions to determine the most effective treatment plan. It’s also an opportunity to discuss the different types of braces in Melbourne available and address any questions or concerns.
The Braces Placement Process
Once a treatment plan is established, the next step is fitting the braces. This procedure typically takes about one to two hours and involves the following steps:
- Tooth Preparation – The teeth are cleaned and dried to ensure a strong bond.
- Bracket Application – Brackets are attached to each tooth using a special dental adhesive.
- Archwire Installation – An archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with elastic bands or ligatures.
Your child may experience some discomfort or soreness in the days following the placement, which is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help manage this initial discomfort. Using orthodontic wax can also alleviate irritation caused by brackets rubbing against the inside of the mouth.
Adjustments and Regular Check-Ups
Throughout the treatment, your child will need to visit the orthodontist every four to eight weeks for regular adjustments. During these check-ups, the orthodontist will adjust the tension of the archwire to keep the teeth moving into the correct positions, replace elastic bands or ligatures if needed, and monitor overall progress to address any concerns early. These visits are essential to ensure the treatment stays on track. Some temporary soreness may occur after each adjustment, but it typically settles within a few days.
Dietary Considerations and Oral Hygiene
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Brushing and flossing become more challenging with braces, so it’s essential to:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around brackets and wires.
- Incorporate interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between teeth and under the archwire.
Additionally, certain foods should be avoided to prevent damage to the braces:
- Hard foods like nuts and hard candies.
- Sticky foods such as gum and caramel.
- Chewy foods like bagels and tough meats.
Encouraging your child to follow these guidelines will help ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and prevent any setbacks.
What Happens After Braces Are Removed
Upon completion of the active phase of orthodontic treatment, the braces are removed, revealing the newly aligned teeth. However, the journey doesn’t end here. To maintain the results achieved, the orthodontist will provide retainers. Dr Wexler routinely provides double retainers, where possible, for better reliability. Retainers can be either fixed and / or removable and are designed to hold the teeth in their new positions while the surrounding tissues stabilise.
It’s imperative to follow the orthodontist’s instructions regarding retainer wear, as neglecting this phase can lead to teeth shifting back to their original positions.
Regular Dental Visits and Monitoring
Even after the braces are off, regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the stability of the results and overall oral health. These visits allow the orthodontist to detect any potential issues early and ensure that the teeth remain in their desired positions.
Start Your Child’s Smile Journey with Confidence
Understanding what happens when you get braces and what happens after braces is key to making the process smooth and stress-free for both you and your child. At Dr Geoffrey Wexler’s Orthodontics Melbourne, we guide families through every step—offering expert care, clear communication, and personalised treatment tailored to each young smile.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with a trusted children’s orthodontist and learn more about your options, including the right timing for treatment. We’re here to answer all your questions—from what age can kids get braces to choosing the best type of braces Melbourne has to offer.
