Braces for Kids

Setting the Stage for Lifelong Confidence

At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we know that every parent wants the best for their child, especially regarding their health and well-being. A healthy, confident smile can have a lasting impact on your child’s self-esteem and overall health. That’s why we offer specialized braces treatment tailored specifically for kids. Our approach is gentle, effective, and, most importantly, centered around the unique needs of young patients.

Introduction to Braces for Kids Ages 7 and Above

Orthodontic treatment for our youngest patients is about guiding the growth of the child’s mouth and jaw to ensure that their teeth come in properly aligned. This early intervention can prevent more serious dental issues later in life. Whether correcting crowding, closing gaps, or addressing bite issues, braces for kids and their variations can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.

Introduction to Braces for Kids Ages 7 and Above

Understanding Early Orthodontic Treatment (Phase One)

Early orthodontic treatment, or Phase One treatment, is a proactive approach that addresses potential dental issues in children while their teeth and jaws are still developing and before they become more severe. During this phase, the goal is to guide the growth of the jaw and the eruption of permanent teeth. This treatment for kids may involve braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances.

Key Objectives of Phase One Treatment:

Create Space: Ensuring permanent teeth have enough space to come in properly.
Correct Bite Issues: Addressing bite problems like crossbites, underbites, or overbites that could worsen without early intervention.
Guide Jaw Growth: Helping to guide the development of the jaw to prevent future misalignment.

Understanding Early Treatment (Phase One)

Benefits of Early, Comprehensive, Two-Phase Treatment

Two-phase treatment is a comprehensive approach that involves early intervention (Phase One) followed by further treatment during adolescence (Phase Two). The benefits of starting treatment early are numerous:

Reduced Risk of Surgery:
Studies show early treatment can minimize or eliminate the need for more invasive procedures later on, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery.
Improved Oral Health:
By addressing alignment and bite issues early, you can help your child avoid problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and poor airway development.
Enhanced Facial Aesthetics:
During Phase One treatment, guiding jaw growth can improve facial symmetry and enhance your child’s overall appearance.
Shorter Treatment Time in Adolescence:
With early intervention, the second phase of treatment during the teen years is often shorter and less complex.

Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment

Reduced Risk of Surgery:
Studies show early treatment can minimize or eliminate the need for more invasive procedures later on, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery.
Improved Oral Health:
By addressing alignment and bite issues early, you can help your child avoid problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and poor airway development.
Enhanced Facial Aesthetics:
During Phase One treatment, guiding jaw growth can improve facial symmetry and enhance your child’s overall appearance.
Shorter Treatment Time in Adolescence:
With early intervention, the second phase of treatment during the teen years is often shorter and less complex.

Braces Care 101: Tips & Tricks for Kids (and Parents!)

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential while your child is wearing braces. Here are some tips to keep their teeth and braces clean:

Brush After Every Meal:
Encourage your child to brush their teeth after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires.
Floss Daily:
Flossing can be challenging with braces, but it’s crucial for preventing plaque buildup. Special floss threaders can help make this task easier.
Use Mouthwash:
Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Protecting Braces:
If your child plays sports, wear a mouthguard to protect their braces and teeth from injury.

Braces-Friendly Eats: What’s In and What’s Out

Certain foods can damage braces or make them difficult to clean. To keep your child’s braces in good condition, avoid the following:

Sticky Foods: Caramel, and taffy can get stuck in the braces.
Hard Foods: Nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can break brackets or wires.
Chewy Foods: Bagels, licorice, and similar foods can put too much pressure on the braces.

Encourage your child to eat softer foods and cut fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces to make them easier to chew. You can also read more about our Braces FAQs here.

Braces Care 101: Tips & Tricks

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential while your child is wearing braces. Here are some tips to keep their teeth and braces clean:

Brush After Every Meal:
Encourage your child to brush their teeth after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires.
Floss Daily:
Flossing can be challenging with braces, but it’s crucial for preventing plaque buildup. Special floss threaders can help make this task easier.
Use Mouthwash:
Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Protecting Braces:
If your child plays sports, wear a mouthguard to protect their braces and teeth from injury.

Braces-Friendly Eats: What’s In and What’s Out

Certain foods can damage braces or make them difficult to clean. To keep your child’s braces in good condition, avoid the following:

Sticky Foods: Caramel, and taffy can get stuck in the braces.
Hard Foods: Nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can break brackets or wires.
Chewy Foods: Bagels, licorice, and similar foods can put too much pressure on the braces.

Encourage your child to eat softer foods and cut fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces to make them easier to chew. You can also read more about our Braces FAQs here.

Why Choose Us? The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Orthodontist

Choosing the right orthodontic practice is as crucial as selecting the proper treatment. At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we combine expertise, personalized care, and a family-friendly environment to ensure the best possible experience for your child.

Why Families Choose Us:

Expertise: Dr. Joseph Phillips has extensive experience in early orthodontic treatment and delivers the highest level of care.
Personalized Care: We tailor each treatment plan to your child’s needs, ensuring optimal results.
Comforting Environment: We make every effort to make our office kid-friendly with prize boxes for good behavior and brushing, small treats, and video games! Our office is welcoming and supportive, helping children feel comfortable during their visits.
Advanced Technology: We use the latest orthodontic technology to ensure precise, effective treatment.

The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Orthodontist

Why Families Choose Us:

Expertise: Dr. Joseph Phillips has extensive experience in early orthodontic treatment and delivers the highest level of care.
Personalized Care: We tailor each treatment plan to your child’s needs, ensuring optimal results.
Comforting Environment: We make every effort to make our office kid-friendly with prize boxes for good behavior and brushing, small treats, and video games! Our office is welcoming and supportive, helping children feel comfortable during their visits.
Advanced Technology: We use the latest orthodontic technology to ensure precise, effective treatment.

Your Child’s Smile, Our Mission

Braces for kids are more than just a way to straighten teeth—they’re an investment in your child’s future. Phillips Family Orthodontics is committed to providing the highest quality care to ensure your child’s smile is healthy and beautiful. From the initial consultation to the final results, our team is here to support you and your child every step of the way.