How can I help my child manage discomfort during orthodontic treatment?

For the first week after braces or clear aligners—or following adjustments—your child may feel soreness. You can ease it by having them swish with salt water (1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water), giving them acetaminophen or another non-aspirin pain reliever, applying a warm washcloth or heating pad, or offering a soothing treat like ice cream while they relax.

What’s the first step when my child complains of unusual pain or a problem?

Start by asking specific questions—Where is the pain? How long has it lasted? Did they use their mouthguard during sports? These details help determine the type of emergency and guide the next steps.

How do I best care for my child if they have a traumatic mouth injury?

If there’s bleeding or a knocked-out permanent tooth, you may need to head to the ER. For a knocked-out tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse it gently, and place it back in the socket, using a clean cloth to hold it in place, then call us immediately. If only soft tissue is injured, once healed, Dr. Black can resume adjustment where treatment left off.

What do I do about poking wires or wire irritations?

Try nudging the wire away with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser. If needed, cover it with wax or a small piece of cotton. As a last resort, snip it with sterilized clippers. If irritation persists or you can’t resolve it, call us to schedule an appointment.

What should I do if a bracket or band becomes loose?

Contact us right away—Dr. Black may need to refit it. If it happens at night or on weekends, carefully slide the loose bracket off and keep it in a small plastic bag until your appointment.

My child lost a separator—what now?

It's common for separators to fall out during treatment. Just call our office to check if it needs replacement.

What if an elastic hook is poking and causing irritation?

Use a pencil eraser to gently push it back, or place orthodontic wax over the area to smooth it. If irritation continues, reach out to our office.

What should we do if my child’s face gets hit during a sporting event?

Schedule an appointment immediately to ensure their teeth and appliances are intact. If any appliance part broke off, bring it with you. And of course—always wear a sports mouthguard!

The Braces Glow-Up: From First Consult to Big Reveal

Getting braces is a big milestone — and at Ridgeview Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make it an exciting and smooth journey. Because we provide both pediatric dental care and orthodontics under one roof, your child can have cleanings, checkups, growth monitoring, and braces all in a single, familiar place.

Here’s what to expect as your child transforms their smile from start to finish.

1. Early Checkups & Orthodontic Observation

It all begins with a regular dental visit. During cleanings and exams, we look for signs of bite issues, crowding, or habits like thumb sucking that can affect tooth alignment.

Our Orthodontic Observation Process helps us monitor growth and development over time. If we see something that might need attention, we can schedule an Express Ortho Check during your child’s dental visit — no extra trip needed.

2. Orthodontic Consultation

When braces are recommended, we’ll review exam findings, discuss treatment goals, and go over options like traditional braces or clear aligners. You’ll also learn about treatment length, cost, and what daily care will look like. Dr. Mudd, Dr. Black and our team will be with you every step of the way to answer all of your questions.

3. Prepping for Braces

Before braces go on, we make sure teeth are healthy and ready by addressing any need for cleanings, address cavities or treat gum issues. We’ll also share tips on what to expect so your child feels prepared.

4. Braces Day

On the big day, brackets and wires are carefully placed. We’ll check comfort, give instructions on care, and schedule future adjustment visits.

5. Adjustments & Progress

Regular visits every few weeks keep treatment moving forward. At the same time, our pediatric dental team continues cleanings and checkups in-house – ensuring teeth stay clean and healthy during treatment.

6. Braces Off & Retainers On

When treatment is complete, braces come off, teeth are polished, and retainers are fitted to keep that new smile in place.

Why Families Love Ridgeview

All-in-one care: Dental cleanings, exams, and orthodontics under one roof.
Early monitoring: Ongoing growth checks to catch potential issues early.
Kid-friendly team: Specialists who make visits fun and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

The braces glow-up is about more than straight teeth – it builds confidence and lifelong oral health. Whether your child is ready to start braces or just needs a checkup, Ridgeview is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ask about an Express Ortho Check at your child’s next dental visit to see if it’s time to begin their glow-up journey! CLICK HERE OR CALL US TODAY AT 303-650-0310!