The Brodsky Orthodontics team knows you always want the best for your kids, especially their health. Today, we’re diving into a topic that often leaves Lakewood parents scratching their heads: braces. You might wonder, “When is the best time for my child to get braces?” Well, you’re in the right place! Dr. Joel and Dr. Charles are here to help you decide what’s best for your little one.
Orthodontics, in simple terms, is a special area of dentistry that helps align teeth and jaws. It’s like a superhero for smiles! While it sounds technical, it’s all about making sure your child’s teeth grow straight, and their bite fits together just right. With that in mind, let’s explore when’s the best age to get braces.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
As parents, we often find ourselves playing detective, don’t we? From figuring out who ate the last cookie to spotting signs that our kiddos might need braces, it’s all part of the parenting adventure! So, what are these signs? They can be as obvious as crowded or misplaced teeth or as subtle as difficulty chewing.
If your child is still sucking their thumb beyond age five, that’s another clue. And if their jaws pop or shift, it’s like a flashing neon sign saying, “Time for an orthodontic check-up!” But don’t worry; these signs are just your child’s saying, “Hey, I might need a little help getting my teeth in line!”
Types Of Orthodontic Treatments
Now, let’s talk about the superheroes of the orthodontic world – braces and other orthodontic appliances! At Brodsky Orthodontics, a whole team is ready to swoop in and save the day.
Traditional metal braces are like the Superman of our team – strong, reliable, and always there to save the day. Then we have clear braces, the Invisible Man of the group blending in with your child’s teeth while working their magic.
And let’s not forget Invisalign, the shape-shifter of the bunch. These clear, removable aligners are custom-made for your child’s teeth. They’re like a secret agent, working undercover to straighten teeth without anyone noticing.
But that’s not all! We also have other orthodontic appliances, each with unique powers, ready to tackle any orthodontic challenge. The best part? We’ll help you choose the hero for your child’s particular needs because every smile is a superhero in the making!
When To Start Orthodontic Treatment
You know that moment when your child loses their first tooth? It mixes excitement, nostalgia, and a dash of the Tooth Fairy’s magic. It’s also a sign that your child’s smile is growing up! But when should you start thinking about orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists (and our star orthodontists at Brodsky Orthodontics) recommend that your child have their first orthodontic check-up by age seven. You might be thinking, “Age seven? But they’re still losing baby teeth!” And you’re right! But here’s the thing: even though your child’s teeth might look straight, there could be underlying issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth.
Think of it like a sneak peek into the future of your child’s smile. This early check-up allows us to spot potential issues before they become more significant problems. It’s like having a crystal ball that lets us see how your child’s teeth and jaws develop. And if we spot anything that might need a helping hand, we can step in at the right time.
Now, this doesn’t mean your child will need braces immediately. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to wait and watch how things develop. Think of it like watching a movie. You want to show up for the beginning because it sets the stage for everything that follows.
But if early treatment is needed, it can be a real game-changer. It’s like getting a head start in a race. By addressing any issues early, we can guide your child’s jaw growth, make room for incoming teeth, and even help guide permanent teeth into a better position.
So, age seven is the perfect time for that first orthodontic check-up. It’s all about setting the stage for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. After all, every hero needs a great origin story, and this is the beginning of your child’s smile superhero journey!
Life With Braces
Imagine your child’s life with braces as an exciting adventure story. There are new experiences, a few challenges, and much growth. And like any good adventure, life with braces is filled with learning, adapting, and celebrating milestones.
One of the first things your child will learn is how to navigate the world of food with braces. It’s like exploring a new land with its own rules. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods? They’re the villains in our story, posing a risk to the delicate braces. But don’t worry; your child can enjoy plenty of delicious and braces-friendly foods. Soft fruits, cooked veggies, pasta, and dairy products are all heroes in this adventure, helping to keep the braces safe and the tummy happy!
Next comes mastering the art of oral hygiene with braces. It’s like learning a new skill in our adventure. Brushing and flossing might take a little longer with braces, but your child will become a pro with practice. And the reward? A healthy, dazzling smile!
And let’s remember the occasional discomfort with braces adjustments. It’s like facing a challenge in our adventure. But with some patience and handy tips from our orthodontic superheroes, your child will conquer this challenge like a true hero.
Every adventure has ups and downs, but it’s all part of the process. And at the end of this braces adventure, your child will unveil their superpower – a confident, shining smile that can light up the world!
Braces At Brodsky Orthodontics
And there you have it, folks! Remember, Dr. Joel and Dr. Charles at Brodsky Orthodontics are always here to show all the parents and kids in Lakewood how to fine-tune their smiles. Visit us here to schedule a free consultation.