Children's braces are an orthodontic technique using appliances such as brackets connected with archwires or clear aligners like Invisalign , aimed at aligning children's teeth to the correct position on the dental arch, boosting their confidence with a well-aligned smile, and supporting effective chewing and oral hygiene.
Cases where children need braces:
- Diastema, large gaps between teeth.
- Crowded teeth due to missing or extra teeth.
- Protruding teeth, inability to close mouth properly, mouth breathing during sleep.
- Underbite, where only the lower jaw is visible when smiling.
- Deep bite, where only the upper jaw is visible when smiling.
- Crossbite, one or more teeth not aligning correctly with the bite.
- Open bite, where the upper and lower jaws are apart.
POST-BRACES CARE FOR CHILDREN
Parents and doctors should accompany the child, discussing and explaining the significance and future benefits of orthodontic treatment. It is also important to praise the child for wearing their appliances on time and independently.
In the initial days, opt for soft, mashed foods (such as porridge, soup, oatmeal, soft-cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, vegetable noodles …) to prevent discomfort while eating. For desserts, parents can choose: bananas, non-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, smoothies, juices… Children should avoid hard foods (hard candies, bread, nuts, apples), sticky foods (gum, chewy candies, and jams), and foods that stain teeth (caramel, tea, soda).
Guide the child to maintain regular oral hygiene as per the dentist's instructions. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the tooth surfaces, taking care to brush gently over the braces to avoid dislodging brackets. Parents can encourage the use of dental floss to remove plaque and food debris.
