How Can I Help My Child Maintain Their Braces?

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Braces can help straighten your child’s teeth and align their jaw to help with their future dental health. Braces need maintenance while they’re being worn, and many children need support as they try to take care of their braces.

As a parent, there are many things you can do to help your child maintain their braces. Working with the orthodontist in Lakeville, Eagan, and Prior Lake, MN and providing your child with resources and gentle reminders, you can help your child avoid problems like damaged braces.

How Are Braces Maintained?

To maintain their braces, your child will need to brush their teeth after every meal, see the dentist regularly, and avoid eating foods that can cause damage to their braces.

What Can Parents Do to Help Their Kids Maintain Their Braces?

There are many things you can do to support your child while they take care of their braces.

  • Consider your child’s dietary needs before each meal. Avoid serving your child foods that will damage their braces. For example, crunchy veggies can damage brackets and wires on braces. To avoid this problem, serve your child cooked vegetables or vegetables that are sliced very thinly.
  • Give your child gentle reminders. Your child may not be used to brushing their teeth after every meal. Remind them to clean their teeth after they eat.
  • Make your child’s orthodontic and dental appointments. Take your child to each orthodontic and dental appointment. Don’t delay making appointments, or you may forget.
  • Get your child the supplies they need to take care of their braces. Your child may need supplies like floss threaders, rubber bands, and dental wax to take care of their braces. Keep these supplies on hand to ensure that your child has what they need.

Does Your Child Need Orthodontics in Lakeville, Eagan, and Prior Lake, MN? Call Today

Take your child to an orthodontist you can trust. For orthodontics in Lakeville, Eagan, and Prior Lake, MN, call today to make an appointment.

Are Clear Aligners a More Holistic Choice Over Metal Braces?

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When most people think about clear aligners, they likely consider the aesthetic benefits of choosing this option over metal braces. Nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye, clear aligners are less invasive in nearly every sense of the word. If you’re also concerned with the health aspects of these two common treatments, though, it’s worth doing a deeper dive into both.

Are Metal Braces Toxic?

You might find studies that show how nickel and chromium from braces can seep into your saliva, both of which can cause negative impacts on the body. However, if you’re choosing a reputable orthodontist in Lakeville, MN who can fit your braces properly, the toxicity of metal braces is near non-existent. In addition, the long-term risks of braces, which have existed in some form or fashion since the 1800s, are extremely low.

Can I Be Allergic to Braces?

Yes, though it’s unlikely. A rare subset of people will either be sensitive to or outright allergic to braces.

Are Clear Aligners a Better Choice?

Clear aligners are easier to maintain and, for most people, easier to maintain. Because you can take them out when you eat and clean them at night, there’s less overall upkeep. The debate usually appears for orthodontists when they start comparing more granular issues, such as the severity of your bite or teeth misalignment. Metal braces are still a better choice for more complex issues, though you’ll want a skilled orthodontist making the ultimate decision for the best long-term results.

If you have questions about metal braces in Lakeville, MN, contact Orthodontic Specialists, P.A. for more information about how we help our patients come to better conclusions that protect their oral health for years to come.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Benefits of Clear Braces For Adults

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Choosing to straighten your teeth as an adult is a big decision, but it’s one that can pay off in both confidence and long-term dental health. Many adults hesitate because they imagine traditional metal braces, but modern clear braces in Lakeville, MN offer a more discreet, comfortable solution that fits better with professional and social lives.

Nearly Invisible Appearance

Clear braces use tooth-colored or transparent materials that blend in with your natural smile. For adults who give presentations, meet clients, or simply want to avoid drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment, this is one of the biggest advantages. They let you improve your bite and alignment without feeling self-conscious every time you smile or speak.

Comfort and Custom Fit

Today’s clear braces are smaller and smoother than the metal brackets you might remember from childhood. They’re custom-made to fit your teeth, which means fewer sharp edges and less irritation to your cheeks and gums. Many patients also find that after a brief adjustment period, they hardly notice them day to day.

Effective for Complex Corrections

Clear braces can handle the same wide range of orthodontic needs as traditional braces. Whether you have crowding, gaps, or a misaligned bite, clear braces provide the strength and control needed to shift teeth into the proper position.

Lasting Oral Health Benefits

Well-aligned teeth are arguably easier to take care of, reducing the potential risk of cavities and gum disease. Correcting bite issues can also prevent uneven wear or jaw strain down the line. Clear braces give adults the chance to protect their oral health for years to come.

If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment because of concerns about how it will look, clear braces could be the perfect solution to help you achieve the smile—and dental health—you deserve. Contact your Lakeville, MN orthodontist to learn more.

The Different Types of Metal Braces Explained

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Your decision to get braces in Lakeville, MN, will be a rewarding one. That one decision will give you or your child a lifelong smile they can be proud of.

The Different Types of Metal Braces Explained

Once you’ve decided to get braces, you will need to decide which type of teeth straightening braces you want. Your orthodontist in Lakeville, MN, will make recommendations based on your needs and goals.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces use stainless steel wires, bands, and brackets to gently move your teeth into their desired position. The brackets will be bonded to the fronts of your teeth. Then the archwires will be placed over the brackets. After that, small elastic bands will be used to keep the wires in place.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional metal braces. The difference is that they don’t use elastic bands. They use a built-in sliding door system to hold the archwires in place. Self-ligating braces use simultaneous movements to reposition your teeth and jaws.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces, except that they are placed on the backs of your teeth instead of the fronts. These are ideal for people who want their braces to be less visible.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces (sometimes called clear braces) work just like traditional metal braces. The only difference is that the braces are made with tooth-colored ceramic material (instead of metal). So, they are less visible.

What Is the Best Age for Getting Braces?

Braces can help straighten your teeth regardless of your age. However, the best time to get braces is between the ages of 9 and 14. During this time, your jaws and facial bones are more flexible. Making it easier to straighten your teeth.

Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Lakeville, MN (or the surrounding areas)?

Please Contact Orthodontic Specialists, P.A. today to schedule a braces exam and consultation. Having a beautiful smile will provide you with an improved appearance, better oral health, and potentially even more career opportunities. So don’t wait! Reach out now!