Orthodontic Treatment Care for Children | iSmile Guatemala 

Importance of Bracket Care in Children During Orthodontic Treatment
Bracket care in children is fundamental for orthodontic treatment success. Maintaining good oral hygiene and preserving appliance condition significantly impacts final results and children’s oral health.

Impact of Proper Oral Hygiene on Treatment
Proper oral hygiene is key to avoid problems during children’s orthodontic treatment. Adequate brushing and clean brackets prevent plaque buildup and cavities, favoring dental alignment correction.
Complement daily hygiene with regular professional dental cleanings during treatment.

Benefits of Keeping Brackets in Good Condition
Well-maintained brackets ensure effective orthodontic treatment and achievement of objectives. Properly cared brackets allow teeth to move correctly, reducing treatment time and guaranteeing a healthy, aesthetic smile upon completion.

Proper Brushing as Key to Bracket Care in Children
Adequate brushing is essential to maintain good oral hygiene during children’s orthodontic treatment.

Recommended Brushing Technique

• Use an electric toothbrush or soft bristles to avoid damaging brackets.
• Perform circular movements to clean both teeth and orthodontic appliances.
• Brush after every meal to prevent plaque buildup.
• Use quality orthodontic-specific toothpaste.

Use of Dental Floss and Interdental Brushes for Oral Care
In addition to brushing, using dental floss and interdental brushes is fundamental to remove food debris trapped between teeth and brackets.

• Use dental floss gently to avoid damaging appliances.
• Interdental brushes are useful to reach hard-to-access areas.
• This complete cleaning routine ensures oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Diet and Nutrition for Bracket Maintenance in Children
During orthodontic treatment, maintain a balanced, healthy diet that protects teeth, brackets, and wires while promoting general oral health.

Recommended Foods During Treatment:

• Soft foods: Like vegetable purees, yogurt, pudding, and well-cooked pasta.
• Soft fruits and vegetables: Like bananas, melons, cooked carrots, and steamed broccoli.
• Low-fat dairy products: Like cheese, yogurt, and milk.
• Tender meats and thin cuts: Like chicken, turkey, fish, and ground beef.
• Nutrient-rich foods: Like whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
• Water: To stay hydrated and protect teeth.

Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods and drinks problematic during orthodontic treatment, like sticky, hard, or crunchy foods, as well as sugary and carbonated beverages. Damage to brackets from inappropriate foods may require additional dental fillings.

Regular Orthodontist Visits as Fundamental Part of Treatment

• Children should attend orthodontist check-ups approximately every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the established treatment plan.
• These visits allow the specialist to monitor treatment progress, make necessary bracket adjustments, and resolve concerns or discomfort.

Progress Evaluation and Necessary Bracket Adjustments

• During each consultation, the orthodontist evaluates treatment progress to ensure teeth are moving correctly and in the desired direction.
• If necessary, bracket adjustments maintain proper pressure and ensure treatment effectiveness over time.

Specific Care for Different Types of Dental Appliances
Specific care for different dental appliances during children’s orthodontic treatment is essential for effectiveness.

Maintenance of Fixed Brackets

• Carefully brush teeth and brackets with soft bristle brush and special fixed bracket toothpaste.
• Use orthodontist-recommended mouthwash for proper hygiene.
• Avoid hard and sticky foods that may damage brackets.

Special Care for Removable Brackets
For those opting for orthodontics with brackets, care differs:

• Wash the dental appliance daily with a soft brush and effervescent tablets to remove bacteria and food residue.
• Follow orthodontist instructions for proper appliance use and cleaning.
• Avoid exposing the appliance to high temperatures that may deform it.

Important Considerations During Orthodontic Treatment

Sports Activities and Protection

• Avoid high-risk activities: Some extreme sports can be particularly dangerous for brackets, so avoid them during orthodontic treatment.
• Periodic review: Regular orthodontist consultations evaluate possible bracket damage from sports and make necessary adjustments.

Common Problems and Solutions
If your child has bruxism or grinds teeth, treat it during orthodontics to avoid bracket damage and improve treatment results.

In some cases, complementary procedures like root canal treatment may be needed for compromised teeth before or during orthodontic treatment.

Importance of Consistency and Discipline in Oral Care
Consistency and discipline in oral care are fundamental for orthodontic treatment success in children:

Recommended Daily Routine:

• Maintain daily proper brushing routine, paying special attention to brackets and using dental floss and interdental brushes for complete cleaning.
• Avoid hard and sticky foods that may damage brackets, opting for balanced diet rich in soft, easy-to-chew foods.
• Schedule regular orthodontist visits to evaluate treatment progress and make necessary bracket adjustments.

Complementary Treatments and Results
Once orthodontic treatment is completed, many parents opt to complement results with:

• Dental whitening to improve tooth color.
• Dental veneers to perfect shape and appearance.
• Comprehensive smile design.

Choose the Best Orthodontic Care at iSmile
Finding the best specialist dentist for your child’s orthodontic treatment is essential. At iSmile Guatemala, we have orthodontists specialized in children and adolescents.
Our comprehensive approach includes education for parents and children on orthodontic treatment care in children, ensuring the best possible results for your family’s smile.