Braces Specialist
Children and teens may fret over the prospects of having to wear braces, but this essential orthodontic tool does more than straighten your child’s precious grin. We take care to learn your child’s orthodontic needs so we can give them a beautiful smile that is easier to clean. If you live in the area of Pembroke Pines, Florida or Plantation, Florida, call one of the two office locations to make an appointment or use the online booking agent to have your child’s bite evaluated today.
Braces Q & A
Who is a good candidate for braces?
We usually recommends braces for older children and teens who have specific problems with the alignment of their bite. These include:
- Crossbite — when one or more of the top teeth don’t line up with your bottom teeth
- Underbite — the top teeth sit behind your bottom teeth
- Open bite — top and bottom teeth don’t meet properly
- Overjet — the top front teeth stick out
- Over bite — the top teeth cover too much of the bottom teeth
How do braces work?
Braces straighten your child’s teeth for better function and improved appearance. They’re affixed to the teeth and connected by a wire, which puts gentle pressure on the teeth. As your child wears the braces, this pressure gradually coaxes the teeth into a healthier position.
What are the types of braces?
Braces come in several different varieties. Which type is best for your child depends on their bite problems and requires a thorough examination by us.
If braces are the right fix for your child’s teeth, he’ll recommend one of the following according to your child’s specific bite problems and needs:
- Brackets made from metal, plastic, or ceramic that are bonded to the teeth
- Clear, retainer-like appliances
- Lingual braces, which are brackets that attach to the back of the teeth
- Bands, which are the traditional type, that cover most of your teeth
At what age are braces recommended?
Orthodontic evaluations can start as young as age seven, but at what age your child gets braces depends on their personal situation. Braces are typically worn for 24 months, but this varies depending on the health of the teeth and gums and how the teeth respond to the treatment.
Do braces hurt?
Traditional braces, brackets, and lingual braces require tightening and adjustments to get the optimal results. This causes mild pressure on the teeth and can cause some soreness following a visit. The soreness only lasts for a short time.
Are braces hard to care for?
Proper oral hygiene is critical when your child wears braces. They’ll need to avoid specific foods, especially those that are exceptionally chewy, crunchy, or sugary.
Chewy, sticky foods can get stuck in the wires and damage the brackets. Crunchy foods, such as popcorn and hard candy, can break braces. Sugary foods, such as soda, encourages the development of plaque, which is hard to clean and leads to tooth decay.