The Timeline of Braces: What to Expect at Each Stage
We understand that braces are a big commitment for any family. The process of correcting a child’s bite is time-consuming. It’s important to remember that braces are about much more than simply giving your child the perfect smile (although that’s a significant benefit). Corrective orthodontics through braces will impact your child’s oral health for the rest of their life. Here’s what you can expect through each stage with braces.
Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Treatment with braces might not begin until your child is in the 11-to-13 age range, which is average. But the process starts much earlier than that. Their first visit with an orthodontist should happen around age 7. We’ll take X-rays and do a bite analysis, telling us if your child might need braces when they’re older. If it’s your first visit with us and your child has any dental anxiety, you can show them our virtual tour to help put them at ease. We’re very kid-friendly here!
Stage 2: Treatment Planning and Appliance Selection
We’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your child’s needs. In some cases, a child might need orthodontic treatment for another problem before it’s time for braces. This happens case-by-case, so it’s impossible to say whether your child will require additional treatment before that first evaluation. In extreme cases, children might need teeth extraction when they’re younger to make more room in the jaw for their permanent teeth. Others might require treatment with another appliance before it’s time for braces. For most kids, this is rare.
Stage 3: Braces Placement Day
This is the big day, and we treat it like a celebration at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics! Braces placement appointments usually last one to two hours. Although it may not sound very safe, most kids are surprised by how easy and painless the process is.
Our team walks your child through each process step, using kid-friendly language. We’ll carefully clean and dry your child’s teeth before attaching the brackets with a special bonding agent. Once the wires are in place and everything is secure, your child officially begins their smile transformation. The proud parents should remember to bring a phone to snap the big “braces debut” photo!
You should also be ready for the dietary adjustment before placement day happens. Be prepared with soft comfort foods, cold treats, tips, and tools for brushing and managing discomfort as your child adjusts to braces.
Stage 4: Adjustments and Checkups
Your child’s teeth will start moving as the braces pressure them. You’ll have to come in for periodic visits to adjust the wires, so we can keep those teeth moving along. In most cases, these appointments are spaced out at 4- to 8-week intervals, and only take about 20 to 30 minutes. Your doctor will check over the brackets, swap out the elastics, and monitor your child’s progress.
Stage 5: Braces Removal and Retainers
This is another one of those significant milestones! Your orthodontist will use a special tool to remove the brackets and any remaining adhesive from the teeth. This process is gentle, but they might feel a slight pressure or tugging. Once the braces are off, many kids are amazed by how smooth their teeth look again. Expect photos, high-fives, and lots of smiles. Your child will also be fitted with a custom retainer and receive instructions to wear it at night. This is to help hold the teeth in position and prevent them from regressing.
Bottom Line for Parents
We already know what the parents think: “Okay, but how long does it take, and how many appointments are there?”
Studies have shown that the average treatment time for most patients is around 20 months, which involves about 18 total orthodontic visits when you include all the adjustments. Remember that these are averages, and every child is unique, so your child’s treatment could take slightly more or less time than that.
If you think your child is a good candidate for braces, contact us at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule an appointment!