When Should My Child Be Evaluated for Braces?

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Braces can straighten your child’s teeth and align their jaw. Straightening your child’s teeth can improve your child’s appearance and can help them feel confident in their smile. There are lots of good reasons to get your child braces! If you’re a parent, it’s important to know when to bring your child for an orthodontic evaluation. Here is what you need to know about when to bring your child to the pedodontist in Omaha, NE for an orthodontic evaluation.

Signs Your Child May Need Braces

You may not always be able to tell if your child needs braces, but here are some signs to watch for:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Teeth don’t line up when the jaw is closed
  • Severe overbite or under bite
  • Your child bites the inside of their mouth when they’re eating
  • Your child has difficulty pronouncing certain words or sounds

Experts Recommend First Evaluation By Age 7

Whether your child shows signs of needing braces or not, experts from the American Association of Orthodontists recommend bringing your child for an orthodontic evaluation by the time they turn about 7 years old.

Waiting until your child is older could mean that you miss out on opportunities to get your child early help. Early orthodontic help can save you money and can correct your child’s orthodontic problems when they’re still in the early stages.

Not Sure? Give Us a Call!

If you’re not sure about whether to have your child evaluated for braces, try calling us to make an appointment! We provide orthodontic evaluations and early orthodontic treatment in Omaha, NE. We’ll be happy to help your child as well.

How To Choose the Right Braces for Kids

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When you have a child who needs braces, it can be hard to know what kind is right for them. Invisible braces can be a good option in some cases, as can simple retainers or traditional metal braces.

For help choosing braces in Omaha, NE, visit us at Pedodontics, P.C. We offer caring pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for both children and young adults and are here to help you with any dental care questions you have.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces are a clear solution for children and teens who need braces but who don’t like the appearance of metal or ceramic options. They’re not as obtrusive in their appearance, and they also reduce the discomfort that can be felt with metal or ceramic materials.

Metal and Ceramic Braces

Metal and ceramic braces are two other options. These braces are made more traditionally and are permanently placed in the mouth until they are removed at the end of treatment. Metal brackets are made from high-grade stainless steel, and ceramic braces have a more natural appearance to make them less obvious.

Lingual Braces

A final option includes lingual braces. These braces are placed on the backs of the teeth, so they’re not seen when smiling. They work just like traditional metal braces, but they do cost more than standard braces.

Contact Our Office for Pediatric Braces in Omaha, NE

If you’re ready to learn more about different options for braces in Omaha, NE, reach out to our pediatric orthodontist at Pedodontics, P.C. We’re here to help you schedule an appointment and choose the right style of braces to help improve the alignment and function of your child’s teeth.

Teens and Clear Aligners for Braces

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Here at Pedodontics, P.C., our dental team specializes in children’s and teen dental care. Consider using clear aligners called Invisalign as a form of dental work for your child or teen. At this age, your young one is at the ideal stage for gentle and effective long-term dental correction. Start with a better understanding of clear aligner braces for teens.

What Are Invisible Braces in Omaha, NE
Invisible braces in Omaha, NE, are a type of prosthetic appliance used for correcting or straightening the positioning of teeth. The Invisalign branded invisible braces system uses custom-printed clear aligners that look like overnight mouthguards.

These clear aligners are printed to gradually reposition teeth and gums for shifts that will improve the final alignment of the mouth. Often, Invisalign is worn for six months to two years for tooth correction.

Should My Child See an Orthodontist for Invisalign
If your child or teenager exhibits malformed or misaligned teeth and gums, they must see an orthodontist. Invisalign using clear aligners is one of the most popular and effective ways to correct teeth and gums permanently.

Start by getting a dental exam for your child so our dentist can diagnose any dental correction concerns. We will then proceed with cosmetic dentistry via an orthodontist, as required for Invisalign.

Schedule a Dentist in Omaha, NE, for Clear Aligners
Ready to get the ball rolling with orthodontic dental care for your child or teenager? Contact Pedodontics, P.C. at 402-330-5913 to schedule a consultation for clear aligners in Omaha, NE.

Our pedodontist specializes in pediatric orthodontist care and early orthodontist therapy. Choose between Dr. Buss, Dr. Strunk, and Dr. Dana for your teen’s orthodontic service. All our dentists are currently accepting new children and teen patients.

How to Relieve the Soreness Caused by My Child’s Braces

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Has your child just gotten braces in Omaha, NE? If so, the last thing you want is to see your child in pain or discomfort, right? That’s why we will give you some tips for instant relief.

How to Relieve the Soreness Caused by My Child’s Braces
These tips are perfect for helping your child through the initial pain and discomfort of getting new braces. If you have additional questions or if the pain becomes severe, please contact your orthodontist in Omaha, NE, immediately.

1. Rinse with Saltwater
Take 8 ounces of warm water and add 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass and stir. Have your child rinse their mouth with this saltwater mix. Salt will help prevent infection and eliminate gum, cheek, and lip irritations.

2. Foods to Avoid
Avoid crunchy, solid, or any other foods that require forceful biting. Biting hard will usually increase pain and irritation of the gums. So, have your child stick to soft foods until your orthodontist says otherwise.

3. Over the Counter Medications
Have your child take an over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen to help decrease the pain and reduce discomfort. Talk with your doctor and orthodontist before giving your child any type of medication.

4. Enjoy Frozen Treats
After getting braces, give your child some frozen treats. They probably won’t fight you on this!

5. Wax to Cover Sharp Edges
Use orthodontic wax on the sharp ends of the metal brackets. This will help protect your child’s cheeks, gums, and lips.

6. Use a Numbing Gel
Have your child put some numbing gel on a cotton swab and rub it on any areas of their teeth and gums that are experiencing pain or discomfort due to their new braces.

What’s Next?
Getting braces is a long-term process that requires a good orthodontist. If your child needs braces or you need a new orthodontist, please Contact Pedodontics, P.C. today. Our team is great with children and young adults. We know exactly how to address the process, as well as all the fear and anxiety some children experience when it comes to getting braces. We can help!

What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

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In the past, it was common to wait until children were around 12 or 13 years old before beginning orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists at the time felt that children needed to lose all their primary teeth and have their 12-year-old molars before they could apply braces to their teeth. Today,Phase 1 orthodontic treatment in Omaha, NE, can begin as early as age six or as late as age 11.

Understanding Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment
The purpose of a child receiving braces at such a young age is to prevent severe alignment problems and potential oral health issues when they get older. The orthodontic staff at Pedodontics, P.C. may opt to treat children in two phases to ensure they have straight and healthy teeth. Many children still have some baby teeth when we start Phase 1.

Instead of extracting permanent teeth to leave room for the other teeth to shift during orthodontic treatment, we place space maintainers after your child has lost some baby teeth to prepare them for more intensive treatment later. The early phase typically involves using a palatal expander or temporarily wearing braces.

Resting period between phases
After completing Phase 1, your child will go through a resting period of several months to a few years before starting Phase 2. The resting period is necessary to allow the rest of your child’s permanent teeth to erupt. The second phase is usually shorter than the first phase, and your child may wear a retainer or headgear at night to ensure that the teeth do not drift back into their previous positions.

Visit Us to Learn More About Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Parents are often surprised to learn that their elementary-aged child is eligible forPhase 1 orthodontic treatment in Omaha, NE. We welcome you to schedule a consultation to discuss it with your child’s dentist.

4 Signs Your Child Needs Braces

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Braces are an important tool that dentists can use to help create straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Many kids eventually need braces to help correct problems like tooth misalignment and jaw problems, but is your child one of them? Knowing the signs that your child may needbraces in Omaha, NE, is important. The earlier that your child gets braces, if braces are needed, the better.

What to Watch For
There are many signs that you may notice if your child needs braces. Below are some clear indicators that could mean your child could benefit from braces.

Difficulty chewing and biting. Your child’s teeth should line up properly to facilitate chewing food. If your child needs to work harder just to chew their food or constantly biting the inside of their mouth while chewing, this could be a sign that their teeth aren’t well-aligned.
Crowded teeth. Crowded teeth happen when the jaw is too small for all the teeth that need to fit in the mouth. Crowded teeth are usually crooked and may overlap with each other in a way that makes brushing and flossing difficult. This problem needs to be corrected because it can impact your child’s overall health.
Misaligned teeth and jaw misalignment. Tooth and jaw misalignment, including conditions like overbite, can cause difficulty chewing and biting. Braces can help correct this problem.
Difficulty talking. Misalignment of the teeth and jaw can make speaking difficult. Your child may have a lisp or speech impediment if this is the case.
Think Your Child Needs Braces? Get Started
If you think your child needs braces, talk to your child’spedodontist in Omaha, NE. At Pedodontics, P.C., we can help you determine whether braces are called for and, if so, what kind of braces. Call today to make an appointment.

Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to Braces

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Children often need braces before they have the full maturity to accept the situation completely. For youngsters, braces may feel less like a way to improve their teeth and more like a problem. These tips to help your child adjust to braces may help.

Adjust Their Treats

Your child may have certain favorite treats that may not work well with braces. Your pedodontist in Omaha, NE, will give you a list of foods and snacks to avoid. But it’s too much to expect your child to give up all the treats. A good idea is to substitute old treats for new ones. Ideas for treats that won’t get stuck in braces include fruit yogurt, dried banana chips, easy-peel tangerines, applesauce, and more.

Share Books About Kids With Braces

It will be easier for your child to accept wearing braces if they know they aren’t the only one. Source books online and at the library about kids with braces and pictures of children wearing braces. You may even be able to find ones with a humorous plot line.

Talk to Them About Why the Braces are Necessary

Don’t assume that your child knows that their teeth alignment problems need correction. Take the time to explain why the braces are necessary and answer all their questions truthfully. Remember that your child may think up new questions after your “chat,” so be prepared to discuss it each time the topic comes up.

If braces for kids in Omaha, NE, is something that your family is facing, talk to your pedodontist for help and inspiration for getting your child on board with the idea. In the meantime, contact us to book your child’s next appointment for dental treatment. We look forward to helping your child get a big, beautiful smile!

How Can I Help My Child Prep for Braces at Home?

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It’s not always easy to convince kids to do things that they’ll actually enjoy, let alone an activity that could lead to some pain and discomfort. If you’re wondering how you can help your child prepare for orthodontic appointments in Omaha, NE, we’ll look at what you can control.

Give Your Child the Gist

You don’t have to take your child through every last part of the procedures, but you can tell them what they can expect. From scents to immobilization, you can give them an idea of what everyone expects of them and how they can best get through it.

There’s no need to sugarcoat anything — your child may feel some degree of nervousness or physical pain during or after their appointments. However, you can let them know that everything they’re going through is entirely routine. Once they know that plenty of other kids have gotten through it, they might feel like they have the upper hand.

You can also get their meals ready now, so they know what they’re going to eat. If your kid loves mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, now is the perfect time to emphasize that they’ll get to eat what they want (including ice cream) as they recover from more intensive procedures. Also, let them know that whatever they’re going through, even if it’s braces on their teeth for the next two years, does have a time limit.

Find an Orthodontist in Omaha, NE

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Omaha that specializes in making children feel comfortable, the staff at Pedodontics, P.C. understands what the stakes are. The more agreeable your child is to dental procedures today, the more likely they’ll have excellent oral health for the rest of their lives.

The Difference Between Invisible Braces and Clear Aligners

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Invisible braces and clear aligners may sound as though they’re the same treatment. However, they’re vastly different. While both serve to straighten and reposition your child’s teeth, the processes aren’t the same. The two treatments have different appearances, as well. Talk to your pediatric dentist in Omaha, NE, to find out when one might be preferable to the other.

What Are Invisible Braces?

Just like traditional metal braces, invisible braces use sets of brackets, connected by wires, to straighten your child’s teeth. However, the brackets used in invisible braces are the same color as natural teeth. They’re made of ceramic, and while they attach to the front of the teeth, they’re much harder to see. When attached with clear wire, they blend much more seamlessly into your child’s smile.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners, conversely, use sets of hard plastic trays to straighten teeth in small increments. The trays slide into place over the teeth and can be removed for eating and cleaning. This type of aligner must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day in order to shift teeth as intended.

While clear aligners are more discreet, they also require more self-discipline and repeat visits to your dentist to switch out the trays every few weeks.

Which One Is Best for Your Child?

Your child’s dentist can help you choose the best teeth-straightening method. However, at Pedodontics P.C., we’ve found invisible braces to be a tried-and-true solution, especially for younger patients. They don’t require the same level of discipline at home that clear aligners require. This means you won’t have to worry whether your child is wearing them long enough each day to allow them to do the job for which they’re intended.

Call Pedodontics, P.C. today, for help with invisible braces in Omaha, NE.

Traditional Versus Clear Invisalign Braces for Children

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Set your child up for success with their dental work and oral health. Choose Pedodontics PC for your child’s braces in Omaha, NE. We recommend an orthodontal consultation for braces by the time your child is seven years old. Before your visit, discover traditional versus clear Invisalign braces for children.

Why Choose Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are made using metal wires and brackets and have been used successfully for oral treatments for decades. Over approximately two years, braces gradually shift teeth and gums using approved techniques. The orthodontist will tighten wires and add spacers and bands.

Issues with metal braces involve wires coming loose or breaking, which have to be fixed by the orthodontist. There is also the discomfort of brackets rubbing against the inside of the mouth and gum tissue. Wax and mouthwashes help minimize these concerns about wearing braces in Omaha, NE.

Some Prefer Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, notably Invisalign, are plastic mouthguards molded to your specific dental work. The medical-grade plastic is periodically adjusted to correct the bite and shift teeth. This more modern style of braces pops in and out of the mouth and is removed at night.

Choosing Metal Versus Plastic Braces for Kids

Compared to metal braces, clear aligners are less likely to be irritating. However, since the braces must be removed from the mouth and cleaned daily, there is a more likely chance of not wearing them correctly.

In choosing traditional versus clear aligner braces, if your child requires more extensive dental work, the clear aligners are only useful for short-term treatment. The average treatment with clear braces is 12 months, compared to 24 to 48 months with metal braces.

Get a Consultation for Children’s Braces in Omaha, NE

Now is the time to find out if your child needs braces. Contact our office at 1-402-330-5913 to schedule a consultation for children’s braces in Omaha, NE. We look forward to meeting you and your child.