Choosing Color Bands for Braces
The colorful bands on braces, known as elastic ligatures, play an essential role in aligning your teeth by holding the arch wire securely in place. These bands are replaced at each adjustment, keeping your treatment on track while offering a fun way to personalize your braces. With over 30 color options available, you can mix and match to create combinations that suit your style, celebrate holidays, or show school or team spirit. Darker colors can make teeth appear whiter, while lighter colors like white or yellow may highlight staining or discoloration. Ultimately, the colors you love will always look great on you!
Caring for Braces
Proper care is essential for braces to work effectively and keep your child’s teeth healthy during treatment. Brushing and flossing are critical but require extra attention with braces. Your child should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and ideally after every meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and angling it to clean around the brackets. Flossing is still necessary but can be tricky; a floss threader can help your child clean between teeth and under wires. Protecting braces also involves avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage wires or brackets and wearing a custom mouth guard during sports to prevent injuries.
When to Start Braces
Determining the right time to start braces depends on your child’s dental needs. Early treatment, often in two phases, can address issues like jaw problems, crowding, or habits like thumb-sucking, but it may cost more and take longer. For most children, braces are typically started once all their permanent teeth have erupted, around age 12, when results can often be achieved in a single phase. Early interventions may be necessary for conditions like crossbites, narrow jaws, or teeth that stick out too far, but your orthodontist will evaluate your child’s unique needs to recommend the best course of action.
