Parents of kids who have/had braces.....

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

DS12 has braces. He should get them off this summer. He got them in Sept. 2006.

He actually stayed home from school the day after he got them because his mouth was so sore. His mouth is sore the day after he has them tightened but he just takes Motrin for that.

He has a Waterpik, and he also has some little brush things that look like mascara brushes that really help to reach in between - they are in the same aisle as the toothbrushes and floss at Target.

If he drinks soda or lemonade or anything like that make sure he brushes immediately because he can get white spots under the brackets that will be permanent. That happened to my friend in high school. I am always threatening DS that if he has white spots I won't pay to have them fixed so he better BRUSH!

Our orthodontist specifically told us NOT to use any whitening toothpastes or rinses.

DS still had one baby tooth when they put his braces on. When it fell out they just bracketed the permanent tooth in - it was not a big deal. I will say we had our first ortho consult when he was 8 and the guy wanted to put him in braces IMMEDIATELY. I thought that was ridiculous, so we waited.

 

[mommaU4]

I had to jump in this thread; I wanted to make sure that I subscribed because we are just entering this too. DD, age 12 (will be 13 in July), just had her ortho consult two weeks ago. The office told me that they are waiting on two teeth before they put her in anything. They expect to put her in something next year. However, our dentist/orthodontist office is recommending invisalign. I totally love our dentist/orthodontist office!!! They have been good to us through the years. I trust them. I did question and ask why they recommend invisalign over wire braces. The doctor answered me and gave specific reasons. These are the reasons that he gave me: (1)invisalign works faster. The typical time is about a year which is must faster than wire braces, (2) instead of going for an ortho appointment once a month, invisalign is an appointment about once every 6 weeks. That saves on gas/time, (3) invisalign can be removed to brush and floss and for special occasions, (4) invisalign does not require wires, wax, and is less painful, and last (5) most people prefer the looks of invisalign over wire braces. I asked about cost. The doctor said that they are " the same cost." We have not gotten into cost detail yet since we are about a year away. If it is indeed the same, we are probably going to try invisalign.
Do any of you have any experience with invisalign?
In case you are wondering what it is, here is a page from my dentist/orthodontist site. Down on the bottom right of the page is a link to learn more about invisalign. http://www.realpagessites.com/armstrongthomasw/page4.html

ETA: I wore wire braces for 6 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You know what, I wonder if that's what they suggested for her? Two things he said are similiar to what your saying.
1. The time is much shorter
2. Coming in every 6 weeks.

Hmmm, I'm going to ask my DH if that's what it was.

 

[mommaU4]

yeah it is unusual. I had orthodontia (sp?) work done from the time I was in first grade until 8th grade. First I had a pallete expander, then this rolly bar thingy on the roof of my mouth, then braces...it was AWFUL. the worst part was that my beautfiul teeth shifted in less than one week when my wisdom teeth came in. I thought my mom and dad were going to cry...its not that bad though. We're not going through any more orthodontia work!

You may want to ask about some sort of treatment before the braces are put on. I cannot remember the name of it, but I know that people have had white spots on their teeth from where the braces were. I have no idea if this is common or not. My mom made me brush constantly, and I had no spots.

Also, after every appointment I got a fribble from Friendly s. They were the BEST to help with the pain. That and I always got taken out of school early for my appointments. Man, im starting to miss being younger! I have to buy myself the fribbles now!

Ah, I see. Wow, sounds like you went through a lot but as you said it's done now and I'm sure it was worth it.


Ummm, one more thing..... what the heck's a fribble??

 

[lilyv]

I had to jump in this thread; I wanted to make sure that I subscribed because we are just entering this too. DD, age 12 (will be 13 in July), just had her ortho consult two weeks ago. The office told me that they are waiting on two teeth before they put her in anything. They expect to put her in something next year. However, our dentist/orthodontist office is recommending invisalign. I totally love our dentist/orthodontist office!!! They have been good to us through the years. I trust them. I did question and ask why they recommend invisalign over wire braces. The doctor answered me and gave specific reasons. These are the reasons that he gave me: (1)invisalign works faster. The typical time is about a year which is must faster than wire braces, (2) instead of going for an ortho appointment once a month, invisalign is an appointment about once every 6 weeks. That saves on gas/time, (3) invisalign can be removed to brush and floss and for special occasions, (4) invisalign does not require wires, wax, and is less painful, and last (5) most people prefer the looks of invisalign over wire braces. I asked about cost. The doctor said that they are " the same cost." We have not gotten into cost detail yet since we are about a year away. If it is indeed the same, we are probably going to try invisalign.
Do any of you have any experience with invisalign?
In case you are wondering what it is, here is a page from my dentist/orthodontist site. Down on the bottom right of the page is a link to learn more about invisalign. http://www.realpagessites.com/armstrongthomasw/page4.html

I'm almost finished with Invisalign. Adult here.
Pluses-you can take them in and out. Minuses-you can take them in and out. You can't eat anything with them in, and you can only drink water when wearing them. I think it would hard for a teen to keep up with them, but that's just my opinion. They would need to be really responsible. It's easy to "forget" to pop them back in. I've never lost one of my trays, but other patients at my ortho's practice have.
My correction has been slow. That isn't unusual with invisalign. Ask your ortho about "buttons". I have 5 on the top, and 2 on the bottom. They are attached to the teeth, and then the invisalign trays "hook" onto them. Most folks are surprised to find that usually you do have buttons, and you can see them. They are teeth colored, but they stand out...sort of like a snap.

I have had one mid-course correction, and I will need a second one. I am on my LAST tray now, and will need, probably about 4-5 more. I'm OK with this, it's just important that your young person realize that they may need more trays/different trays that what comes in the box.

If you do go with invisalign, you don't need expensive cleaning methods. Grab a plastic cup, put in about 2 Tbsp of baking soda. Add about 1/2 of water and trays, stir, and let soak. Then, remove from the solution, and brush them with toothpaste, rinse. Voila! Clean, fresh smelling trays.

Hope this helps!

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Also, I have the porcelain braces on top and the n-Ovation-R braces on the bottom. If I had to do it over again, I would TOTALLY get the R brackets on the top --- the porcelain ones have given me fits. They cut and are not as easy to change the wire. I was ineligible for Invisalign.

 

[TLHB70]

I'm almost finished with Invisalign. Adult here.
Pluses-you can take them in and out. Minuses-you can take them in and out. You can't eat anything with them in, and you can only drink water when wearing them. I think it would hard for a teen to keep up with them, but that's just my opinion. They would need to be really responsible. It's easy to "forget" to pop them back in. I've never lost one of my trays, but other patients at my ortho's practice have.
My correction has been slow. That isn't unusual with invisalign. Ask your ortho about "buttons". I have 5 on the top, and 2 on the bottom. They are attached to the teeth, and then the invisalign trays "hook" onto them. Most folks are surprised to find that usually you do have buttons, and you can see them. They are teeth colored, but they stand out...sort of like a snap.

I have had one mid-course correction, and I will need a second one. I am on my LAST tray now, and will need, probably about 4-5 more. I'm OK with this, it's just important that your young person realize that they may need more trays/different trays that what comes in the box.

If you do go with invisalign, you don't need expensive cleaning methods. Grab a plastic cup, put in about 2 Tbsp of baking soda. Add about 1/2 of water and trays, stir, and let soak. Then, remove from the solution, and brush them with toothpaste, rinse. Voila! Clean, fresh smelling trays.

Hope this helps!

Thank you!
I agree with what I highlighted above. The DD that will be getting braces/invisalign is very responsible. I do believe that she would keep up with them, use them correctly, etc. I am not sure if my younger daughter would be quite the same. She is already saying that she wants the invisalign instead of wire braces if/when her time comes. She is my carefree child. I don't know if she would be the perfect candidate for them.
I did not know about the buttons. As we get closer to the time, I will be asking more questions and learning more.
Thank you so much for your help!!!!!

 

[PlutosFriend]

My kids will both need braces eventually. I am curious how the total price differs in areas? I am going to shop around, but I hear arounk 6k is average around here

 

[TLHB70]

I was ineligible for Invisalign.

So that means that Invisalign cannot help all people/teeth? I guess I never thought about that or questioned that. Since the orthodontist recommended it for DD I guess we are ok.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

So that means that Invisalign cannot help all people/teeth? I guess I never thought about that or questioned that. Since the orthodontist recommended it for DD I guess we are ok.

Yep. I have a 100% overbite, but it's not noticable -- my top teeth just completely fit over my bottom ones, plus I have TINY teeth. The result is that the pressure from my bottom teeth pushing on my top teeth are making my upper gums recede. THAT is what I initially went in for. So essentially, they're correcting my bite rather than straightening.

I better look like Catherine Zeta-Jones when I get theses things off.

 

[lilyv]

TLHB70-Forgot one other thing. Compare cost of invisalign with other treatment methods. At my ortho, invisalign was about $800 more than regular braces.
Whatever you decide, it's always good to know the bottom line. (And the additional corrections, as long as you're been wearing your liners properly) are generally free.

 

[sassyat30]

This thread has been really helpful.

My DS will be getting braces probably next summer (when he'll be 12 and a half), as his ped dentist wants to wait until his face/jaw has grown a bit and he loses all his baby teeth.

He got his Dad's side of the family's teeth.

Everyone has great suggestions and I'll try to remember them when the time comes.

I never had braces/retainers, so I don't have any experienc with them.

Thanks!

 

[fraggle551]

Ah, I see. Wow, sounds like you went through a lot but as you said it's done now and I'm sure it was worth it.


Ummm, one more thing..... what the heck's a fribble??

Yes, I did, but thats cause I have a very small mouth. Apparently its not too common. However, my mother will tell you otherwise about my 'small mouth'


Oh and a fribble!!!! Its a thick milkshake from the Friendly's restaurant!!! I grew up on them, I forget people don't always know what they are! If you have a Friendly's near you, go get one! Man are they good. My ortho was right across the street from Friendly's. Trust me, just go get one!

 

[mommaU4]

My kids will both need braces eventually. I am curious how the total price differs in areas? I am going to shop around, but I hear arounk 6k is average around here

We were told around $4800. I sure hope it doesn't end up being more then that!!

I better look like Catherine Zeta-Jones when I get theses things off.

LOL If I thought braces would make me look like Catherine Zeta-Jones I'd run to my nearest Ortho!
I'm sure you'll look very nice.

Yes, I did, but thats cause I have a very small mouth. Apparently its not too common. However, my mother will tell you otherwise about my 'small mouth'


Oh and a fribble!!!! Its a thick milkshake from the Friendly's restaurant!!! I grew up on them, I forget people don't always know what they are! If you have a Friendly's near you, go get one! Man are they good. My ortho was right across the street from Friendly's. Trust me, just go get one!

LOL about your mom and the "small mouth".

I did a check on Friendly's and there's not one around here. Seems to be an East coast thing. I did see a pic of those fribbles though and they do look yummy!! I can see how one of those would make a nice treat.

 

[Darcy03231]

The only thing I have to add here is to think twice if they start talking about pulling permanent teeth until your child is older (16-17). I know two people who started their children in braces early (11-12) and permanent teeth were pulled. Well the children's jaws grew bigger than they anticipated and now as young adults they have spacing problems with too much space. Both still have to wear retainers to keep the teeth from gapping.

 

[Doe]

http://www.suresmile.com/suresmile/suresmileFaq.jsp

They probably mentioned this at the orthodontist. We did this with our oldest daughter. It's more expensive and you're supposed to be out of braces a lot sooner (and less office visits) than going the traditional way. However, that is not what happened in our case and she ended up in braces just as long as she would have if we had gone the traditional route.
If your ortho offers this I would just be sure you don't mind spending the extra money with the chance she won't be out of them any earlier.

 

[jmkms]

The only thing I have to add here is to think twice if they start talking about pulling permanent teeth until your child is older (16-17). I know two people who started their children in braces early (11-12) and permanent teeth were pulled. Well the children's jaws grew bigger than they anticipated and now as young adults they have spacing problems with too much space. Both still have to wear retainers to keep the teeth from gapping.

Thank you for posting this. I took my DD10 in for her first consult last summer. Went for a follow-up in December and was told then that they will probably have to pull a few permanent teeth because her mouth is so small. Needless to say, I'm not too wild about this man right now.

We'll be taking her for a second opinion for sure now. How does that work though? I've never paid a penny to the first ortho guy for the 2 appts.

Missy

 

[Darcy03231]

We never paid for another ortho's second opinion (and 3rd & 4th in DS #4 case).

 

[fraggle551]

LOL about your mom and the "small mouth".

I did a check on Friendly's and there's not one around here. Seems to be an East coast thing. I did see a pic of those fribbles though and they do look yummy!! I can see how one of those would make a nice treat.

oh man I had no idea Friendly's was only on the east coast! Too bad, they make killer grilled cheese too. Do you have the restaurant Johnny Rockets? They make awesome milkshakes too. If not, i would suggest investing in a good blender!

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask! I like to prevent as much pain and discomfort as I can for kids getting braces. Good luck to your daughter!

 

[DemonLlama]

My son wore braces for 2 years, just got them off less than a year ago. His were pretty straightforward.

My daughter, on the other hand, just went into braces this fall but has been having work done since she was 5 in anticipation of the difficulties involved.

Her original ortho before we moved did the getting ready work, including a "permanent" retainer/space saver because in his 30 years of practice, he said she had the smallest mouth he'd ever worked on. Her teeth, however, are normal size. This makes for some major crowding issues. Add to that teeth that were growing under the gums SIDEWAYS (see in xrays at age 5) and we knew we were in for a long haul.

13 teeth removals later and they're still crowded but workable.

However, all the pre-braces work has been worth it now that she's up and running with braces.

I guess I'm including all of that because if we had waited until she was older, she would be facing much more painful, expensive work. As it was, her crowding issues kept her from smiling in pictures and got her teased at school. She was so excited to finally get to the braces stage.

Yes, when they first go on, the pain is pretty intense a few hours later. We got some numbing gel for her gums along with the Tylenol.

Wax ON -- don't forget to get a good supply. The little irritating spots always seem to pop up on a Friday night. And no, needing more wax does not count as an emergency.

When you sit down to sign all the papers, most orthos have their own business manager that walks you through everything, including total time and cost. They will work out a payment plan, deducting how much they can bill the insurance for each month out of your payment.

In Texas, DS' braces cost us $1500 and insurance picked up the other 50%.

In Colorado, DDs braces are costing us $3000 and insurance is covering $1000. (Darn move...)

Both orthos have a philosophy about retainers that includes wearing them at night for a long time, not just the standard one year, because of growth issues and keeping the teeth aligned. Be sure your ortho discusses the after-braces/retainer issues, too.

 

[CindyCan]

Wax for the wires, huh? OKay, that's like a foriegn language to me, lol, but I'm sure it will make more sense once things get going.

I haven't read all of the replies, but my DD14 got braces 2 weeks ago & they gave us wax with a kit of stuff (including a battery-powered toothbrush). They explained what to do with it.

By later that evening (she'd had them about 7-8 hours?), she had 2 sore spots on the inside of her lips/mouth right above her eyeteeth (you know, where you might get a canker sore?). She's finicky, so didn't want to use the wax. In the morning it was better, but as the day went on that got worse. I finally convinced her at dinner time to try the wax. She instantly felt better, and the next morning the sore spots were healed, and she didn't even need to do the wax again.

So now she knows: any sore spots, immediately cover that part of the braces with a bit of wax. It makes all the difference!! When she showed me where her mouth hurt, I could instantly see the part of the braces that need to be covered with wax. It was much easier to do than I thought.

Good luck: it's been pretty smooth for us so far. She only has tops for now, they'll put the bottoms on in about 6 weeks.

(Oh, and I waited 3 years after being "pushed" by our dentist to take her to an ortho. That first ortho wanted $1,000 more than this current one, and he said if we didn't do it within 6 months it would be too late. WHAT? We got a second opinion, then waited until she had all her teeth.)