FAQ

A safe age to start considering a child for braces can range. Most commonly we will begin the consideration at ages 9 to 14 years old. During these years children have at least a few permanent teeth while some are still growing in.

There are some signs to look out for that indicate your child may need to be seen about getting braces. Here are a few of the most common signs you may need to look into braces:

• Finding it difficult to bite or chew their food
• Teeth that appear crowded or blocked-out
• Jaw alignment that appears to be protrude, make sound when moving, shift when they open and close or are recessed.
• Disproportioned teeth or jaws to the rest of the child's face
• Child is consistently breathing out of their mouth rather than their nose
• Sucking on their thumb or fingers
• Baby teeth that are lost too early, too late or in any irregular pattern

Applying child braces is the same process as adult braces but at Dr. Charles E. Lane Ortho, we make sure your child is safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. Once you have come for your initial consultation, you and your child will come back for your application stage. The procedure of applying child braces has four main steps:

Step 1: Apply bonding cement, or an adhesive substance, to the teeth.
Step 2: Carefully fasten the brackets onto the teeth
Step 3: The Doctor will thread the arch wire into each bracket to connect them
Step 4: Attach small rubber bands to secure the arch wires in place

Prior to your child getting their braces on they should not feel much pain or discomfort. After three days, the teeth will begin to realign and they may experience slight discomfort. This discomfort does not last very long and will become unnoticeable once they are familiar with the pressure from the braces.

After your child gets their braces on, they will need to come back to the office every 4-6 weeks to get them tightened. You can make your next appointment on your way out each time so you do not miss a visit!

Some insurance companies will cover orthodontic treatment, such as braces, or they may pay a certain amount towards the treatment. Your coverage will depend on your personal insurance provider.

Each child is unique and so are their teeth! Depending on the child and their needs will determine how long they will need to wear their braces. On average a child will wear braces for at least 2 years. After the braces are removed your child may be given a specially molded retainer to wear to ensure the teeth stay straight.

While your child is wearing their braces it is important they stay away from certain kinds of foods to avoid damaging their brackets, or promoting the development of gum disease. We advise you stay away from any sticky candy and sweets like caramel, toffee, gum or fudges. We also advise you limit your intake of crunchy or hard snacks, such as popcorn, that can loosen the brackets as well or get stuck in them.

Your child should continue to brush their teeth two times a day to ensure there is not increase in build up or decay. It is also recommended that your child uses a fluoride toothpaste to assist in the cleaning.

Yes. It is important to still visit your general dentist during your treatment to obtain routine cleanings and check ups.