What is having braces like for my child?
Generally, most patients do not find braces to be any big deal. Patients’ mouths are usually sore for the first week after they get braces. Also, their mouths are sore when the braces are tightened. However, with modern braces, most children get so used to the braces, that the children do not notice the braces, except when the braces are being tightened or if the child is hit in the mouth. Certainly, it is much easier for your child to get braces when they are twelve than to go through life with buck teeth.
Generally, most patients do not find braces to be any big deal. Patients mouths are usually sore for the first week after they get braces. Also, their mouths are sore when the braces are tightened. However, with modern braces, most children get so used to them, that the children do not notice the braces, except when they are being tightened.
On the plus side: Today braces are commonplace. The child who doesn’t get braces may be the exception rather than the rule. Peer group acceptance is not the problem it was 50 years ago. The teeth may be tender initially and as new forces are applied but analgesics are seldom needed. Any discomfort soon subsides as the teeth begin to move. Modern braces use light, continuous forces to move the teeth. The braces are not tightened! This greatly improves the level of patient comfort. On the negative side: Braces are “food traps” and must be cleaned following eating to avoid demineralization or decay. Braces can be damaged by hard and sticky foods so these foods must be avoided. Your child will get so used to the braces, they will go unnoticed unless your child is hit in the mouth. On balance: Certainly, it is much easier for your child to wear braces now than to go through life with crooked, irregular, or buck teeth with lower self-esteem, lower self confidence, and an unattractive smile.
Generally, most patients do not find braces to be any big deal. Patients mouth’s are usually sore for the first week after they get braces. Also, their mouth’s are sore when the braces are tightened. However, with modern braces, most children get so used to the braces, that the children do not notice the braces, except when the braces are being tightened or if the child is hit in the mouth. Peer pressure is sometimes a problem, especially if your child gets old fashioned, clunky braces. However, stylish braces(tm) are now available, and most children feel good about them. Certainly, it is much easier for your child to get braces when they are twelve than to go through life with buck teeth. • My son/daughter does not want to get braces because they are afraid that the braces will make him/her look like a geek. Any ideas? This is hard because some teens are so worried about their appearance. One thing to try is to point out is that most people who need orthodontic treatment look like a g
