A Step by Step Guide to Braces for Teens

Curious about the process for getting braces for teens? Calm your worries and learn about the orthodontics process step by step here!

Roughly 3 million children and 1 million adults in America currently wear braces. For teens especially, it can be a difficult thing to accept that you might need them due to some preconceptions about the procedure and its results. Are you one of those people, or do you need to talk to someone who is?

This guide to braces will help you understand the orthodontics step-by-step program a teen will undergo to get them fitted. By the end, you should have a very good idea of what to expect and what your child might need to do to get the smile they deserve.

Step 1: First Consultation

After you book an appointment for orthodontics treatment in Friendswood, Texas, you can expect your child to have an initial exam. This will involve the orthodontist looking at their teeth and making detailed notes about their current state. This might even include the need to take X-rays to give them the best chance of understanding the layout of your child's jaw.

After this, the specialist will be able to talk to you and your child about what you want to happen and set some long-term goals for adjusting their teeth. At this point, if anyone has any concerns, they can raise them and get fast answers that allay any fears they might have. You can also use this opportunity to discuss your healthcare plan and how it aligns with the orthodontist's expectations. You can talk about potential costs and any payment plans they provide too.

Step 2: Developing a Treatment Plan

After an exam, the orthodontics process involves the specialist analyzing their notes on your child's teeth. They can use these to start making a personalized treatment plan and can then discuss it with you at a later time.

They can mention how long they expect adjustments to take place and how often they expect to see your child. They can also talk to you about other options they can offer, such as using clear aligners instead of conventional braces if possible.

Step 3: Fitting the Braces

The next step in the braces process may not be fitting the equipment. In many cases, the mouth is not ready and there might be some dental work that the orthodontist must complete first. By filling any cavities, and cleaning the teeth, for example, they ensure the best chances of success with your child's fitting.

When the mouth is ready, the orthodontist will use a form of adhesive to attach the braces to the teeth. This will keep them in place over a long period, and due to the strength of this bonding material, it is very unlikely they will dislodge.

Between these braces, the specialist will string wires that they will adjust to pull the teeth in the direction they want them to move. This may be very uncomfortable at first, but the orthodontist can suggest ways to reduce any pain your child might experience.

Step 4: Maintaining and Cleaning the Braces

As with any tooth-related issues, your child must continue to brush and floss their teeth. This may be more difficult with the inclusion of braces, but over time your child will be able to perfect their routine so it is not a problem anymore. Though your orthodontist will be able to recommend tools that might help, such as interdental brushes to clean behind the braces.

Your child might also need to change their diet to avoid dislodging or damaging the braces. Sticky foods such as bubble gum, or hard foods like apples, can cause harm to any fittings and will mean they need re-adjustment.

Step 5: Follow up Appointments

Your orthodontist will be able to inform you of how often your child should return to them to examine their braces. Over time, they will adjust and tighten some of the wires attached to each tooth. This will slowly move the teeth to exactly where they need to be.

At this point, they may also take more X-rays or make more notes to help keep track of how the teeth move over a long period. This will help should any unlikely complications occur further along in the process.

When they talk to you, the specialist can also discuss the treatment plan they have and how far along your child is. If adjustments need to occur, they can discuss your options and what changes work within your budget and timeline.

Step 6: Removing Braces

Once your child's teeth are where they should be, the orthodontist can remove the braces. This involves separating the brackets holding the wires from the mouth and then cleaning off the material that held them in place.

When this occurs, the journey is not over, though. At this point, your child will need to wear a retainer.

Over time, some teeth have a habit of slowly drifting back into the position they were in before they used braces, but a retainer prevents this. Your child may start by needing to wear the retainer at all times but should be able to switch to only wearing it at night as their jaw settles.

Step 7: Long-Term Care

Even after the orthodontist removes the fitting, your teen should continue to care for their teeth. There is no use in doing all this work, only for the tooth to decay, after all.

At the same time, teach your child what it means to care for their retainer, when to use it, and how to develop sensible habits related to it.

Your child may be very disappointed if they cannot engage in some activities due to retainers or braces. You should try to instill within them a sense of how important they are. Many people find the process hard at first, but over time they get a real sense of how it improves their daily life.

Fitting the Perfect Braces for Teens

With the above information in mind, fitting braces for teens might end up not being as difficult as your child expected after all. Still, if they have further questions, we would be happy to introduce them to the process to put any concerns to rest.

Our orthodontics specialists can discuss what they can do to make the fitting as simple as possible. So, book an appointment today to start a journey toward a brighter future for your child's teeth.

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First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.