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Preparing Your
Child for Braces

What should you do to Prepare your Child for Braces?

When preparing your child for braces, you can take one of two routes: the hard way or the easier way. Researching this as a family can be a fun way for your child or teen to feel involved and have some control over the process.

For example, many kids are enthusiastic about using colored rubber bands. These bands adhere the brackets of metal or porcelain braces to the adjustment wire and are changed out at every visit. Your child can customize them to be as colorful and flamboyant as they want. Clear or white bands are also available to create a less obvious “braces” look.

Plus, getting braces can actually be an enjoyable experience! Our offices provide lots of fun things for your kids, including a 25-seat HD movie theater. This can free you up to spend some time with Dr. Taylor, going over the technical details that your child may find boring. There are also rewards programs and contests for the kiddos to take part in!

 

We Serve the McAllen, TX, and Surrounding Areas, including the Entire Rio Grande Valley! 

I had a wonderful experience going to A Perfect Smile! Service was always friendly, and I was always taken in in reasonable time. I would definitely recommend this orthodontist to anyone. My teeth are straight and beautiful and I couldn’t be happier.” – Jadyn B. 

Girl with braces at school
teeth grinding in sleep

Preparing Your Child for the Braces Adjustment Period

Having braces applied doesn’t hurt. In fact, there’s no need for a numbing shot. Your child may feel some pressure on their teeth, but that’s about it. However, a big part of preparing your child for braces is to go over what to expect during the adjustment period after the braces go on. It may take about a week before they’re comfortable “in their teeth” again. The important thing to remember is that this only lasts about a week.

There may be some mild irritation where the hardware rubs against the inside of the mouth or lips. Fortunately, orthodontic wax (also called dental wax) can solve this problem immediately. All they will need to do is pinch off a piece of wax and place it right over the bracket. It’s always a good idea to send some extra wax with your child when they leave the house, so they’ll always have it when needed. Warm, wet tea bags can also soothe sore spots in the mouth.

The teeth may also be a little sore in the beginning (or after each monthly adjustment). Ibuprofen helps a lot, but it’s also a good idea to have plenty of soft foods on hand. Rice, pasta, and soup are all good choices while the mouth adapts to braces. Chilled foods, such as ice cream or popsicles. can be soothing as well.

Food Cautions

When preparing your child for braces, it’s very important that they understand they may need to change the way they eat some foods. Things like apples, carrots, hard pieces of bread, hard crackers, etc., should be cut up before eating rather than biting into them. The reason for this is that taking a bite can cause breakage of the braces on the front teeth. Corn on the cob should be sliced off first, as well.

A few types of food should be avoided altogether so as not to cause breakage:

  • Toffee
  • Caramel
  • Popcorn
  • Gum
  • Ice
  • Hard candies
  • Chewy or sticky candy

Your child should also avoid foods or drinks that have strong colors, such as berries or grape juice. These can permanently stain rubber bands or clear porcelain braces and wires.

It’s a good idea to avoid or reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Fructose and other forms of sugar can cause cavities, and with braces on teeth, there are more nooks and crannies for bacteria to form.

You can also visit the American Association of Orthodontics website for more information on what to eat and not eat with braces. 

 

child

We're Here to Make Preparing Your Child for Braces a Fun Experience!

Dr. Taylor is a Board-certified Orthodontist and the only licensed Invisalign® provider in the valley. He and our staff are committed to making each experience easy, fun, and exceptional! We are happy to help prepare you and your child for braces.

 

This a place really does live up to its name as the services provided give exceptional results not to mention the staff and dentists are extremely hospitable to their patients as they accommodate to the patients needs in order to provide them with a perfect smile!” – Cielo 

 

Come in For a Free, No-Obligation Consultation at Our McAllen, Texas Location!

Our Orthodontist: Dr. David Taylor

Dr. Taylor is a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 15 years of experience and the only Gold Plus Provider of Invisalign in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Taylor is recognized by his colleagues and patients as a consummate professional. He is also widely recognized in our RGV community for providing excellent orthodontic treatment for children and adults.

If you have been on the fence about whether to explore braces as an adult, call us! Dr. Taylor offers a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone considering braces.

Our family-friendly environment is welcoming to patients of all ages, and our staff is eager to help you with your orthodontic needs! 

Your consultation includes a complete, painless exam, which will include x-rays. Dr. Taylor will go over exactly what to expect and what options work best based on your individual needs and budget.

We believe financial considerations should not be an obstacle to getting a healthy, beautiful smile. We are sensitive to the fact that people have different financial situations and can provide you with several payment plan options. 

“Dr. T & the whole staff are amazing, warm & caring environment. I get to see my baby smile now. Shes has gained so much confidence since starting treatment. Love you all & thank you so much.” -Cassandra W.

“10/10 overall experience, staff is very gentle & friendly. My teeth look great! 😁” – Kimberley N.

“I always had a great experience during my appointments, was always treated nicely and all the staff were very respectful and kind to me. They did a great job on my smile, and I’m so happy with the outcome!” – Paulina M.

 

These are just some reasons we’re the best orthodontist in the Rio Grande Valley.

But don’t just take our word for it. Read our reviews, then come in and find out how easy it can be to get a perfect smile! 

Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic health. Simply call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below and we'll get back to you.

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We are located in McAllen Texas and are happy to service you at our clinic, A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

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