Kids Braces in Auburn, ME – Building Healthy, Confident Smiles Early
Early orthodontic treatment can play an important role in your child’s long-term oral health. At Taylor Brook Dental Associates, braces for kids help guide the growth of the jaw and ensure permanent teeth come in properly aligned. When orthodontic issues are addressed early, treatment is often simpler, shorter, and more effective. Our gentle, family-friendly team creates a customized treatment plan for every child, helping them achieve a healthy, confident smile that will last a lifetime.
Book OnlineHow Braces Help Your Child’s Smile
Children’s braces are designed to gently move teeth into the correct position over time. Straightening teeth improves the appearance of your child’s smile while also supporting a healthy bite, making it easier to chew, speak clearly, and keep teeth clean. Properly aligned teeth are less likely to trap food and plaque, lowering the risk of cavities and gum problems as your child grows.
When your child visits our office, we’ll carefully evaluate their teeth, jaw development, and bite alignment. If braces are recommended, we’ll explain the treatment plan to you in detail and answer every question so you can make a confident, informed decision.
When Should Children Get Braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At this stage, permanent teeth are beginning to emerge, making it possible to identify potential issues early.
Early evaluations help determine whether your child may benefit from braces now or whether treatment should begin later. Monitoring dental development during routine pediatric dental visits allows us to step in at the right time and prevent more serious alignment problems in the future.
What Orthodontic Problems Can Braces Correct?
Braces for kids can address a variety of orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Crossbites
- Spacing issues between teeth
- Jaw alignment problems
- Teeth that grow in the wrong position
Correcting these issues early can improve both oral health and facial development. In some cases, a baby tooth that won’t fall out on its own or severe crowding may require a gentle tooth extraction to make room for proper alignment.
How Long Do Kids Usually Wear Braces?
The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue and your child’s individual needs. On average, children wear braces for about 18 to 24 months. During this time, regular visits are scheduled so we can make adjustments and monitor progress. Following care instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene help ensure the best results. Once braces come off, a retainer helps keep teeth in their new positions.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners for Kids
Traditional braces are often the best choice for younger children and more complex cases because they work continuously and don’t rely on a child remembering to wear them. For older, responsible teens with mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners may be an option. We’ll recommend the treatment that best fits your child’s needs.
How Should Kids Care for Their Braces?
Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Children with braces should:
- Brush carefully after every meal
- Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to clean between teeth
- Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could damage braces
- Attend regular orthodontic and dental checkups
- Wear rubber bands or other appliances as directed
Proper care keeps teeth healthy throughout treatment and helps braces work effectively. Ask us about sealants for extra cavity protection on back teeth, and if a bracket or wire breaks, call our office or visit our emergency dentistry page.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. We offer flexible payment plans to fit your family’s budget. Call Taylor Brook Dental Associates at (207) 784-1577 to schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation.
Kids Braces FAQs
At what age should my child be evaluated for braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, when permanent teeth begin to come in and potential issues can be spotted early.
How long will my child need to wear braces?
Most children wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the issue and how well care instructions are followed.
Do braces hurt?
Your child may feel some soreness for a few days after braces are placed and after adjustments. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers usually help.
What foods should kids avoid with braces?
Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods such as caramel, gum, popcorn, hard candy, nuts, and ice, which can break brackets or bend wires.
Can my child play sports with braces?
Yes. We recommend wearing a protective mouthguard during sports to protect both the braces and your child’s teeth and lips.
Will my child need a retainer after braces?
Yes. A retainer helps keep teeth from shifting back after braces come off. We’ll explain how and when to wear it.
Are clear aligners an option for kids?
Clear aligners can work for older, responsible teens with mild to moderate issues. Younger children and more complex cases usually do best with traditional braces.