Created 26/3/2015.
Updated 12/16/2023.
Care of dental brackets
Orthodontics for children is delicate because, sometimes, they do not take into account that brackets are delicate and that a breakage of the same lengthens the treatment.
In our clinics in Barcelona and Ibiza, our orthodontists have collected the questions that most concern mothers before deciding whether to start orthodontic treatment with braces. Many times it depends on the individual diagnosis, which is why we provide all our patients with a dental study and a CAT scan on the first visit, completely free of charge. Access this section to see all the free treatments you will have on your first visit at IMOI.
Can a dentist provide orthodontic treatment instead of an orthodontist?
Depends on. It is possible that a dentist may be able to correct a mild problem, although normal, at least in Spain, is that all treatment is done by a dentist with his Master in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, which are specific studies of 3 years apart from the career of Dentistry.
Visit our clinics to explain your case. On the first visit we will perform a dental CT and a complete study, totally free of charge. In this way we will know the extent of the problem, your needs and we can advise you on the different types of orthodontics and the advantages of each one and we can give you a quote tailored to your needs.
Do not doubt our professionalism, we will inform you about the best alternatives according to your situation. Book your visit today.
From what age is it advisable to visit the orthodontist?
The American Orthodontic Association and the American Dental Association recommend referring all children to the orthodontist from age 7, it is at this age that problems can be detected and treated before they go further, taking advantage or slowing the growth of the jaw bones. Most children will be treated between the ages of 9 and 14. But some will need treatment first.
Even so, as long as there are teeth, it is necessary to visit the general dentist to create correct hygiene habits and solve problems in time. In addition, the child is made aware of the need to check his or her teeth in the future. The dentist himself will know when to refer your child to the orthodontist.
We strongly recommend correcting dental problems while your child is still growing up. Once they stop growing, if skeletal problems have not been corrected in time it may be necessary to perform orthognathic surgery (operating the maxillary bones) or what is known as camouflage (correcting the dentary problem but leaving the skeletal problem).
What is the age at which children can wear braces?
There is no specific age, because everything depends on the individual diagnosis. In some children it will be convenient to wait because they present an optimal development, and in others it will be necessary to intervene to take advantage of their growing age and lead them towards the ideal occlusion.
However, most children who require early orthodontic treatment will need additional braces at the end of tooth eruption. In short, early orthodontics corrects problems that could not be treated later, and prepares the patient for easier treatment at a later date.
Does it hurt to wear braces?
We can say that every time adjustments are made in orthodontic treatment your child may have discomfort. In any case, they should pass in the first few days and should be controlled with an analgesic. In this regard, ask your orthodontist which one is most appropriate for your child.
In addition, if sores occur due to rubbing of the brackets or archwires, special wax can be applied for these treatments. It is very useful and at the beginning of the treatment it works very well.
Is it possible to be allergic to braces?
Of course. Some people are allergic to stainless steel, so brackets and archwires made of other materials may be used. It is also possible to have an allergy to the latex in the gloves. Let us know as soon as possible if you already know of any allergies in your child so that other materials can be used.
Braces can sometimes irritate the gums causing inflammation. This is not an allergic reaction, but it does not hurt to visit us as soon as possible to put your mind at ease.
What foods should not be eaten if they wear Orthodontics?
Brackets are delicate and could break if not properly cared for. As a consequence of the breakage, undesired movements could occur, making the treatment longer. Prevent your child from chewing on ice chips, hard candy, snacking on apples, etc. We must also avoid foods that are prone to form cavities such as sticky foods: cookies, chewing gum, jelly beans, popcorn….
How much time does my child need for orthodontics?
The duration is very variable and depends on the problem your child has, your child’s cooperation, and your child’s growth. To get a general idea, treatments usually range from 18 to 36 months. Your orthodontist will give you an idea at the beginning of treatment, but it can always vary due to the factors that we cannot control and that we mentioned at the beginning.
How long will you have to wear the retainer?
Ideally, it should be worn forever. Teeth keep moving throughout life, and it would be a shame if they were to move after all the effort invested. In addition, wisdom teeth erupt after the age of 18 and often move the teeth, unless the retainer is used correctly.
In our clinics in Barcelona and Ibiza we perform any type of orthodontics, since we have a specialized medical staff and we have some of the best facilities, in terms of the latest technology in implantology and dental aesthetics, both for children and for adults and adolescents.
For any questions do not hesitate to use the chat on the page, our dentists will help you.
At IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza, we follow editorial principles that guarantee the authenticity of all the information we disseminate. If you are interested in learning more about how we ensure that our content is always up-to-date and accurately supported, we invite you to review our editorial commitment.
This article has been supervised by Dr. Ferran Novell Costa and Dra. Erjona Demiraj, specialists in Dental Health and Dental Aesthetics treatments. Responsible for the treatments provided at IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza and for the supervision and/or updating of the contents of this blog entry. (7/11/2023). The recommendations described are not generic and do not replace the diagnosis and evaluation of a professional in a dental office. If you want us to clarify any aspect or you want a personalized diagnosis and advice we recommend you to come to our dental clinics.
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