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As a mom, the month of August means returning to school schedules and, if you are like me, meal planning. So, what happens when your dear son or daughter got their braces this summer, and ice cream for breakfast is no longer an option?! I have compiled a list of dos and don’ts for your kids with braces, that are orthodontist (and mom) approved!

• Soft foods at first: In the week following getting braces, your kid’s mouth may be sore, so opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.
• Cut food into smaller pieces: Cut harder foods like apples, carrots, or crusty bread into tiny bite-sized pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on the braces. Braces glue is made to be strong, but not too strong! We want to easily remove the braces at the end of treatment, so it’s not made to be permanent.
• Don’t bite directly into foods: Cut foods like corn on the cob and sandwiches into smaller, manageable pieces. 
• Avoid hard and crunchy Foods: Don’t choose hard foods such as nuts, popcorn, and ice, which can break the braces or wires. (Yes, this includes Takis!) Avoid crunchy snacks like popcorn, chips or pretzels that can get lodged in the braces or worse, under the gum tissue and cause inflammation. And for all the teenage boys out there…sunflower seeds aren’t allowed! 
• Avoid Sticky and Chewy Foods: Stay away from foods like caramel, gum, and sticky candy, which can stick to the braces and cause damage. 
• Eat Slowly and Chew Carefully: Take your time when eating and chew with on the back teeth to avoid putting too much pressure on the braces. This helps with digestion too!
• Choose Smoothies: Smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, yogurt and/or protein are a nutritious and braces-friendly meal or snack option.
• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce the intake of sugary foods and beverages to prevent plaque build-up around the braces, which can lead to white stains and cavities.
• Prioritize Water: Drink plenty of water to help rinse food particles from the braces.
• Brush After Meals: Always rinse with water and brush the teeth after eating to remove any stuck food particles.

If your child is at least seven years old and you are curious whether they need (or will need) braces, remember that we offer free consultations! Early detection of orthodontic issues is crucial for prevention of lengthy orthodontic treatments, extractions, and even surgical intervention. For more information, check out my website orthodonticstudio.com or call my office at 337-981-4350. I can’t wait to meet you and your kiddos!

It’s that time of year! The start of school also means the start of sports for many children and back-to-school shopping includes back-to-sports shopping! As you check your lists, don’t forget to add a sports mouthguard. Mouthguards are an important part of your sports gear, especially for contact sports like football. 

Factors that affect your choice of mouthguard are the amount of contact, the age of your child and the development of their teeth, and whether they have braces or not. 

For football, lacrosse, and other high contact sports, you want to be sure that the guard covers both the upper and lower teeth well. For low contact sports, you may choose a guard that only covers the upper teeth. 

For younger children, i.e. those with a mix of permanent and baby teeth, mouthguards will likely not fit as tightly, due to the shape of the baby teeth and spaces where baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth haven’t grown in yet. In this age group, you may have to try a variety of guards before you find one that feels comfortable and stays in well.

Wearing braces does not exempt an athlete from wearing a mouthguard! The most important consideration is to purchase a guard that does not require boiling. If you use a boil and fit guard with braces you will likely get the guard stuck in the braces! Look for options that say “will work with braces.” Most mouthguards can be purchased over-the-counter, but your orthodontist may also offer custom mouthguards. 

A final feature to look for is the manufacturer’s dental insurance coverage. This is basically a guarantee that the guard will work, or they will pay for the dental work required. Be sure to read the fine print!

With just a little effort and not much money, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent emergencies like broken or knocked out teeth! But, in case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your child’s mouth for damage. If you notice any loose or broken teeth, contact your dentist right away. If a tooth has been knocked out, gently rinse any dirt off the tooth (don’t scrub it!), and put it back in place. If you aren’t sure where it goes, place it in “Save-A-Tooth” solution or milk and call your dentist ASAP! A tooth can usually be saved if it goes back in place within 30 minutes. If the child has braces, be sure to contact your orthodontist as well.

Over the years, braces have become a middle and high school Rite of Passage. After which, the ugly duckling teenager has a “glow-up”- the braces and glasses are shed, contacts go in, and the sparkling straight teeth are revealed. Not to mention the invention of hair straighteners and concealer make-up! It’s the ultimate coming of age transformation!
Recently, however, some pre-teens and teenagers are asking to skip the traditional metal braces, and minimize the dramatic makeover experience. More and more, I see kids asking for Invisalign®, which has traditionally been marketed to adults as the easier, more esthetic alternative to traditional orthodontic braces.
Before you and your teen decide which orthodontic treatment is the right one, take the time to ask these 5 important questions:

1. Does my orthodontist recommend Invisalign® for my child?
   Not all orthodontic problems are suited to Invisalign® treatment. Growth issues of the jaws, extreme crowding or spacing, and other severe problems are typically treated best with traditional braces. Your orthodontist will be able to guide you to what modality is best.
2. Does your teen want to minimize the look of braces?
   If your teenager wants people to know they have braces, or use colors to decorate the braces, Invisalign® is not for them. Some kids love the idea of flashing their silvery grin, with colors to match their mood. Invisalign® is clear and does not show.
3. What is your teen’s responsibility level? Invisalign® works by slow and steady pressure of the clear trays on the teeth. In order for them to work in the prescribed amount of time, the trays must be worn 22-24 hours per day! Removal of the trays are allowed only for eating and brushing. If your teen easily keeps up with their books and phone, and doesn’t have a habit of leaving things behind or losing things, they will likely be able to manage Invisalign® treatment, which takes a great deal of personal commitment.

4. Does my teenager have good oral hygiene?
   One of the major advantages of Invisalign® is the ability to take out the trays in order to brush and floss. Kids who struggle with brushing properly, as well as those with weaker enamel and those who are more cavity prone, may benefit from have a removable appliance versus fixed (glued-on) braces.
5. What about wearing Invisalign® while playing sports?
   Teens who play sports can use Invisalign® since it will act as a type of mouth guard. However, for contact sports like football, that require a special heavy-duty mouthguard, Invisalign® may not be the ideal treatment, since the trays would have to be left out during practice and games, which would prevent efficient movement and lengthen treatment times.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about orthodontics and the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.
Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctor and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!