Are you a parent in Savannah, Rincon, or Pooler? Been up all night Googling information about braces for your kids or teens? At Innovative Orthodontics, Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton are about making smiles shine. Today, we’re spilling the tea on braces. Spoiler alert: They do way more than straighten teeth!
Types of Braces: Your Choices
You’ve heard how awesome braces can be for teeth. But did you know they come in different styles? Yep, you’ve got options, and each has its flair. Let’s explore the different types of braces you’ll find at Innovative Orthodontics.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are like the blue jeans of orthodontics—reliable and never out of style. They’re budget-friendly and super effective at fixing all sorts of issues. But they’re not exactly a secret. You’ll see them when you smile. And, you might have to say bye-bye to some of your favorite crunchy snacks for a while.
Ceramic Braces
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, meet ceramic braces. They’re less noticeable, thanks to their tooth-colored brackets. They’re like the chameleons of the orthodontic landscape! But they can be a bit pricier and are a tad more fragile. So, if you’re a coffee lover, you’ll want to be extra careful to avoid staining.
Invisalign
Last but not least, let’s talk about Invisalign. These are the ninjas of braces—almost invisible! You can even take them out to eat, so no food FOMO here. But they’re not the best fit for complex issues, and let’s be honest, they can be easy to lose. So, they’re great for the responsible types.
What Do Braces Do?
Ever thought braces were just a one-trick pony, only suitable for straightening teeth? They do indeed realign teeth. But they also do a whole lot more.
Fixing Bites
Have you got a kiddo with an overbite or maybe an underbite? Braces to the rescue! They’re like superheroes. They swoop in to ensure your child’s bite is correct.
Improving Chewing
If your little one struggles with munching on their favorite snacks, braces can help. Better-aligned teeth make chewing easier. So mealtime becomes a breeze.
Helping with Speech
Braces can even help with speech. Sometimes, misaligned teeth can make certain words harder to say. But once those teeth are in their proper spots, talking becomes as easy as A-B-C.
The Food Maze: What to Eat and Avoid
Your child’s braces may come with a tiny rule book on dining. But don’t worry. It’s not a culinary buzzkill. Let’s dish out the do’s and don’ts:
Yummy Foods You Can Enjoy
- Soft Fruits: Think bananas and berries.
- Tender Veggies: Steam them, and they’re good to go.
- Grains: Pasta and rice are your new BFFs.
- Dairy: Cheese and yogurt are okay!
- Soft Meats: Go for tender chicken or fish.
Foods to Steer Clear Of
- Crunchy Stuff: Chips and popcorn are no-gos. Sorry, movie nights!
- Sticky Sweets: Gummy bears are cute but not brace-friendly.
- Hard Foods: Love apples and carrots? Slice them up!
- Chewy Meats: Beef jerky is a no-no.
- Soda: Acid and sugar are not your braces’ friends.
Soreness: It’s a Thing, But Don’t Sweat It!
So, you’ve heard the rumors: braces can make your mouth sore. But before you hit the panic button, let’s get real. A minor soreness is normal. Especially when you first get braces. Your child might also complain of soreness after the braces get tightened. No sweat. That soreness is normal. Here’s what you can do to help!
Cold Stuff to the Rescue
Ice packs or cold drinks can be your mouth’s new besties. They’re like a mini spa day for your teeth!
Soft Foods for the Win
When your mouth’s feeling tender, think mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Pain Relievers: Your Plan B
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help if the soreness is bugging you.
Getting Sore Is A Bore
Now, you might wonder, “How long will this last?” Good news! The soreness usually fades away after a few days. It’s like your mouth getting used to a new pair of shoes. Initially, it’s a bit snug, but they’ve been there forever.
Braces might give you a tiny ache here and there. But the fixes are simple. And hey, a minor soreness is a small price to pay for a lifetime of gorgeous smiles, right?
Brace Care: Keep ‘Em Happy!
Let’s talk brace care. Just a little daily attention goes a long way for braces. Here’s your quick and easy guide to keeping those braces in tip-top shape:
Brushing: Twice a Day, Every Day
No shortcuts here, folks! Brushing is a must! Your teeth need it, but your braces need it too.
Flossing: The Tricky Part
Flossing with braces can be like solving a puzzle, but it’s oh-so-important. Trust us, your teeth will thank you!
Check-ups: Your Orthodontic Dates
Keep those appointments because your orthodontist needs to see how you’re doing. Think of it as a progress report for your mouth.
The No-Nos: Foods to Avoid
We talked about this before, but it’s worth repeating. Hard or sticky foods are big no-nos. So, caramel and popcorn lovers, you’ll have to take a little break.
So there you go, a simple guide to keeping those braces happy and healthy. It’s not rocket science, just a few minutes a day. And the payoff? A smile that’ll light up a room!
Braces Treatment At Innovative Orthodontics
So, there you have it, folks! From fixing bites to making mealtime a breeze, braces are the unsung heroes of oral health. Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton at Innovative Orthodontics are here to help you and your kiddos get the smiles you’ve always wanted. Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free consultation today at our Savannah, Rincon, or Pooler offices.