When you have braces there is a lot of information that you might be curious about. However, it can be hard to take it all in at once. We broke down the important stuff in this list, you can check it out easily.

If you are looking for braces in New Jersey, then be sure to stop by our practice or contact us today. We have many experienced pediatric orthodontists who are experienced in working with children.

These are the ABCs of Braces for Kids!

A – Age

Treatment with pediatric braces can begin when you have lost most of your baby, or primary, teeth, and your permanent teeth have come in. This is usually between the ages of 8 and 14, but you might be older or younger.

However, adults can get braces too! There is no age limit on getting your best smile.

B – Brackets

Brackets are the ceramic or metal part of your braces that are connected to your teeth. They are also connected to the little rubber bands and are there to hold the wires in place.

You can think of brackets as handles that allow us to hold the teeth so that we can move them.

C – Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are designed to be the same color as your teeth, keeping them less noticeable. They are mostly adolescent braces since teens or young adults might want to avoid the appearance of metal braces.

D – Dentistry

Dentistry is the science of treating conditions or diseases in the mouth. A dentist can repair teeth or remove them if need be. They may also add in artificial teeth. If you had a cavity in one of your adult teeth, a dentist would be one to fix it.

E – Emergency Oral Care

Sometimes, an accident can happen and you might need emergency care. This could be from mouth sores, broken wires, or loose brackets.

Be sure to contact us if something were to go wrong with your braces! One of our pediatric orthodontists would be able to help you quickly, so you can get back on the path to straighter teeth.

F – Floss

Dental floss is important to keep your braces clean. If you have trouble reaching between all of your teeth, we could recommend a floss threader to you. This tool is designed to help floss reach underneath your brace’s wires.

G – Gums

Your gums may be sore after you first get your braces put on. They might swell or be sensitive. When you brush your teeth, be sure to clean your gums well to help avoid this.

A glass of cold water can help numb your mouth if you are in pain.

H- Healthy Teeth

Not only will braces straighten out your teeth, but they will make them healthier! When your teeth are too crowded, they are harder to clean. This means that gunk can build up between them- leading to tooth decay or other issues.

Braces help align your teeth so that you can take care of them better.

I – Invisalign

Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that move your teeth in the same way that your pediatric braces do. They are made from plastic, but no one can see them! They also come out easily, so you do not need to worry about eating different food.

J – Jaw Expander

A jaw or palatal expander is a tool that slowly creates more space in your mouth. It is not painful, since it works just as slowly as your braces do- you will not notice anything moving.

K – Kid Braces

The AAO says that kids should have an orthodontist check-up by the time they are 7. That way they know if they need braces or other treatments. Braces for kids will help straighten their teeth and give them a much healthier smile.

L – Lingual Braces

This type of braces is hidden behind your teeth. They align them in the same way, but no one will ever know that they are there. This makes them another popular choice for adolescent braces.

M – Metal

Your braces are made out of metal. This is the most common type of braces, being in use for over 100 years. Old braces were painful and annoying to wear, but now they are comfortable and work much faster.

You can also choose what color you want the metal brackets to be and have different choices with the rubber bands.

N – Not as Long as You Think

You might think that your braces are going to be on forever, however, they are only worn for an average of 2 years. This can feel like a long time, but it will go by faster than you think.

O – Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry where they learn how to align your teeth using special tools. This includes braces, clear aligners, expanders, and retainers!

P – Plaque

Plaque is the build-up you notice on your teeth when you go a long time without brushing them. This can lead to tooth problems like cavities, bad gums, or smelly breath.

If plaque builds up around your braces, it could leave a permanent stain there when you get your braces taken off. Be sure that you are brushing your teeth every day!

Q – Questions?

You might have some questions about braces for kids. If you want to learn more, check out more of our blog posts or contact our office today. We love teaching kids about orthodontics- so do not be afraid to reach out!

R – Retainers

Retainers keep your teeth in place after your braces are removed. Your orthodontist will prescribe one to you and tell you when you need to wear it.

S – Scary?

Nope! Getting braces is not scary. Our team will help you through the entire process. We have a lot of experience and want to make the treatment easy for you.

T – Toothbrush

Your toothbrush is important for keeping your braces and teeth clean. Be sure to brush twice a day!

U – Unbelievable Results

Be sure to take a smiling picture before you start treatment and one after you get the braces off- you will not believe how much your smile has changed!

V – Very Easy

You might be worried that your day is going to get harder when you have braces on. However, after a while, you will not feel them anymore. As long as you clean them daily, braces are easy to wear.

W – Wires

Wires are what attach to the brackets and put force on your teeth. If one is poking you, be sure to apply some wax in that spot so you do not get a sore.

X – X-rays

X-rays are used to help your orthodontist make a treatment plan to adjust your teeth. You will have one done before you start treatment.

Y – Your New Smile!

Once you get them off, you will be able to see your beautiful new smile! This is always one of our favorite moments at the office.