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If your child's dentist has mentioned that braces may be coming up, or your child has already had their firstorthodontic consultation, it is normal to have a lot of questions. What exactly happens when braces go on?How do you get a child ready for that? What should they stop eating? How long does it take? This postanswers all of it in plain terms so you and your child can walk into that appointment feeling prepared ratherthan anxious.
Most children get braces between the ages of 10 and 14, once the majority of their permanent teeth havecome in. That said, orthodontic evaluation should happen earlier. The American Association ofOrthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening around age 7, not because treatment starts then,but because it gives the orthodontist a chance to spot developing problems early. Some issues are mucheasier to address while the jaw is still growing.
At Kanopi Kids in Antioch we do orthodontic evaluations as part of our regular care. If we see somethingworth watching, we will let you know well in advance rather than springing it on you at the last minute. Youcan read more about our orthodontics services at kanopikids.com/service/orthodontics
The first visit where braces actually go on is longer than a typical checkup, usually one to two hours. Here iswhat that appointment generally looks like so your child knows what to expect going in.
This is the part kids care most about, and honestly parents too. The food list is not as restrictive as kids fear,but there are some things that genuinely need to go while braces are on. The reason is simple: hard orsticky foods can pop brackets off or bend wires, which means an extra appointment to fix it and potentiallyslows down treatment.
Oral hygiene with braces takes more time and effort than without them, and this is where a lot of kids fallshort. Food gets trapped around brackets and under wires, and if it stays there it causes white spot lesions,which are permanent marks on the enamel that show up when the braces come off. No parent wants to seethat after two years of treatment.
The basics: brush after every meal, not just morning and night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush atan angle above and below each bracket. A Waterpik or water flosser makes a real difference for cleaningunder wires where floss is difficult to thread. Floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks help too. At KanopiKids we demonstrate the technique at the bonding appointment and will show your child exactly what to do.
For younger kids especially, the idea of something being glued to their teeth for months or years can feeloverwhelming. A few things that help: visit the office beforehand so the space feels familiar, let them askquestions directly to the orthodontic team, normalize it by pointing out other kids or family members whohave had braces, and avoid making a big deal out of the discomfort ahead of time. Kids tend to take the cuefrom how parents frame it.
Teenagers often have their own concerns, usually about appearance. Clear ceramic braces or Invisalignare options for some patients depending on the complexity of their case. If your teenager has strongfeelings about the type of braces, it is worth raising that at the consultation so the team can walk throughwhat will actually work for their specific situation.
Getting the brackets bonded does not hurt at all. The soreness comes after, once the wire is in place andteeth start shifting. That soreness is normal and typically peaks around day two, then fades over the nextfew days. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods make it manageable. Most kids adjust quickly andafter a few adjustment cycles they barely notice the discomfort.
Treatment time varies a lot depending on how much movement is needed, how consistently the childfollows instructions, and whether they wear any additional appliances like rubber bands. Most children arein braces for 18 months to 3 years. Your orthodontist will give you a more specific estimate based on yourchild's X-rays and exam.
Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal dental) covers orthodontic treatment for children who meet certain clinical criteria,specifically cases where the misalignment is severe enough to affect function. Not every child who wantsbraces will qualify under those guidelines. At Kanopi Kids we can help you understand what is covered and what options are available if your child's case does not meet the Denti-Cal threshold.
Traditional braces use fixed brackets and wires that apply continuous pressure. Invisalign uses a series ofremovable clear aligners that are changed every one to two weeks. For kids and teens, compliance is themain consideration with Invisalign since the aligners only work when they are actually being worn. Forstraightforward cases in motivated teens, Invisalign is a great option. For more complex cases or youngerchildren, traditional braces are usually more reliable.
After braces are removed, your child will be fitted for a retainer. This is not optional. Teeth shift back towardtheir original position if nothing holds them in place, and that shift can happen fast, especially in the firstyear after treatment. Most kids wear a retainer full time initially, then transition to nights only. The retainerphase is just as important as the treatment itself.
Serving Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Discovery Bay, Bay Point, and surrounding Contra CostaCounty. We accept Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, and most major insurance plans.
kanopikids.com | 3110 Buchanan Rd, Suite B, Antioch, CA | (925) 281-4893
(925) 281-4893(925) 281-4893(925) 281-4893(925) 281-4893(925) 281-4893(925) 281-4893
