Facts about braces

• About 5 million people in the US and Canada wear braces or other orthodontic appliances
• Up to 75 percent of people could benefit from some form of orthodontic care
• 86 percent of mothers report that braces are more acceptable today than when they were children
• 69 percent said wearing braces makes their children feel “cool”
• 81 percent reported their children´s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive

Why make the investment in your child´s smile?

Research indicates that a healthy smile improves self-confidence and can even influence future success in life.

But it´s not just a cosmetic issue. A non-corrected bite can injure the gums, bone, and joints of the jaw. Improper chewing may lead to pain and digestive difficulties. Severe malocclusions can sometimes cause speech problems.

InVu braces can alleviate your child´s fears. Reassure him that with InVu, people will focus on his smile -
not a mouth full of metal.

InVu braces help your child enjoy wearing braces and maximize his compliance with treatment. No more staring at the mirror to imagine what he´ll look like without metal braces. Instead, he´ll see the improvement to his teeth as the treatment process unfolds.

How do I know if my child needs braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7. Children´s jaw bones are still growing, making this an ideal time to correct spacing or bite problems.

The following could indicate the need to see an orthodontist:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Previous thumb sucking
• Teeth that appear crowded
• “Clicking” or pain in the jaw

This is just a brief listing and should not be considered a substitution for a qualified medical opinion. Consult a certified orthodontist to help you to determine if treatment is needed.

Why do teeth sometimes need to be pulled?

For severe crowding, an orthodontist may recommend the extraction of baby teeth or impacted teeth. Removal of permanent teeth may also be necessary to solve a bite problem.

Don´t be afraid to ask your orthodontist questions if the recommendation is made to pull teeth. Sometimes the arch can be expanded to make more room.

Keep appointments

It´s up to you to help your child get to the orthodontist as scheduled. If you miss too many appointments, it could increase the total time in braces. Your orthodontist has planned your child´s treatment carefully. If too much time passes between appointments, prolonged forces might overcorrect the teeth, making problems worse.

In the long run, missing appointments could wind up costing you more time and money.

The importance of oral hygiene

Having braces means it´s more important than ever to keep teeth clean. Braces create all sorts of places for food to hide.

If teeth aren´t cared for properly:

• Cavities will occur.
• A condition called decalcification may cause white spots and weaken teeth.
• Gum disease and gingivitis can start.
• Ligatures (the little elastics that hold the archwire on the brackets) can become discolored if teeth aren´t kept clean.
• Food can get trapped in and around brackets and wires, causing bad breath and an unsightly appearance.

Your orthodontist should be able to give you tips for keeping your child´s InVu braces clean. Very small children may need to be supervised while brushing and flossing.

Helping your child stay on track

• Periodically check to make sure that your child is wearing elastics as prescribed.
• Don´t be afraid to call your orthodontist if you or your child are confused about the proper placement of rubber bands or appliances.
• Ask about your child about his or her brushing and flossing habits.
• If children are very young, help them to keep track of retainers so they don´t get lost, damaged, or accidentally thrown away.
• Be sure to take your child to regularly scheduled orthodontist appointments.