Thinking about braces or aligners for your child? You’re not alone! For many parents, getting braces is a big milestone—and it can come with plenty of questions. How long will treatment take? Will braces hurt? What can they eat? How do you keep everything clean?
At Westlake Orthodontics, we believe the more you know, the more confident you and your child can feel about starting treatment. Here are five things every parent should know before their child gets braces.
1. Braces and Aligners Are About More Than Just a Straight Smile
While a beautiful smile is one of the most noticeable benefits of orthodontic treatment, braces do much more than straighten teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can help improve the way the teeth and jaws fit together, address crowding and spacing, and create a healthier, more functional bite. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can also make it easier to brush and floss effectively.
Every smile is different, which is why your orthodontist will create a treatment plan based on your child’s individual needs—not just how their teeth look.
2. Your Child May Need a Little Time to Adjust
It’s completely normal for children to need some time to get used to braces or aligners.
When braces are first placed, your child may notice some pressure or tenderness as the teeth begin to move. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also need time to get accustomed to the brackets and wires.
The good news? The adjustment period is usually temporary.
Soft foods, orthodontic wax, and following your orthodontist’s instructions can make those first few days much more comfortable. Most children quickly adapt and return to their normal routines.
3. Food Choices Matter
One of the biggest changes with braces is learning which foods are safe for orthodontic appliances.
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can damage brackets or wires. Foods such as hard candies, chewing gum, ice, and very crunchy snacks should generally be avoided.
But don't worry—your child doesn't have to give up all their favorite foods!
With a few simple modifications, there are still plenty of delicious options. Cutting crunchy foods into smaller pieces and choosing softer alternatives can help protect braces throughout treatment.
Pro tip: Keep braces-friendly snacks on hand for school and after-school activities.
4. Oral Hygiene Becomes Even More Important
Braces create additional areas where food and plaque can collect, so keeping teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is extremely important.
Encourage your child to:
Brush thoroughly at least twice a day.
Clean carefully around brackets and along the gumline.
Floss every day using an orthodontic-friendly method or tool.
Brush after meals when possible.
Keep regular dental checkups with their general dentist.
Good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment helps keep the teeth and gums healthy while creating the best environment for a beautiful smile.
Remember: Braces straighten the teeth, but your child still needs to take care of them!
5. Braces Don't Have to Get in the Way of Being a Kid
Sports, school, birthdays, sleepovers, and activities can all continue while your child has braces.
If your child participates in contact sports, a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard is especially important. Your orthodontist can recommend an appropriate option to help protect the teeth, braces, and soft tissues.
It's also important to remind children not to play with their wires or brackets. Biting pencils, chewing on pens, or using teeth to open things can increase the chance of damage.
With a little preparation, most kids adjust quickly and continue doing all the things they love.
Ready to Start Their Smile Journey?
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—and you don't have to navigate it alone.
At Westlake Orthodontics, we take the time to explain your child's treatment, answer your questions, and make orthodontic care comfortable and family-friendly.
Whether your child is ready for braces now or you're simply wondering when the right time is to begin, an orthodontic consultation is a great place to start.
Ready to see what your child's smile could look like?
📞 Contact Westlake Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. 561-566-7896
We can't wait to help your family smile with confidence!