kids dentist in Austin

First Week with Braces
 by Dr. Adriana Da Silveira

7 Essential Tips for Surviving Your Child’s First Week with Braces

Wondering what to expect during your child’s first week with braces? Discover 7 expert tips to reduce discomfort and support a smoother transition to a healthy smile. – Bee Cave Orthodontics – Austin, Texas

Getting braces is a big milestone in a child’s life—and for parents too! The first week is often the most challenging, filled with questions, discomfort, and a brand-new routine. But don’t worry: with the right mindset and preparation, your child’s first week with braces can be smooth, positive, and even exciting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during your child’s first week with braces and offer 7 essential tips to help make the transition easier for the whole family.

🦷 1. Some Discomfort Is Normal

The first thing to know is: discomfort is expected—but it’s temporary. Your child may experience sore teeth and gums as their mouth adjusts to the pressure of the braces. This discomfort usually peaks on day two or three and begins to fade by the end of the week.

Tip: Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can make a big difference. Avoid aspirin unless directed by your orthodontist.

🍲 2. Soft Foods Will Be Your Best Friend

During the first few days, your child should stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods. Hard or crunchy items can cause additional pain or damage brackets.

Best options for week 1:

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Smoothies

  • Yogurt

  • Scrambled eggs

  • Pasta and soft-cooked veggies

  • Soup (not too hot!)

Avoid popcorn, nuts, chips, or sticky candies—they can dislodge wires or brackets.

🪥 3. Oral Hygiene Becomes More Important Than Ever

Brushing and flossing take on new importance once braces are installed. Food can get stuck in wires and brackets easily, so cleaning thoroughly is essential to avoid plaque buildup and cavities.

Pro tip: A soft-bristled toothbrush, interdental brushes, and a water flosser can help your child keep their teeth clean and healthy with less frustration.

💬 4. Speech Might Be A Little Different

Some children experience temporary changes in speech, like a lisp or slight difficulty pronouncing certain words. This is completely normal and usually goes away as the mouth adjusts to the new hardware.

Encourage your child to read aloud or talk more to help speed up the adaptation process.

😬 5. Braces Might Cause Mouth Sores at First

The brackets and wires may irritate the inner cheeks or lips. This can lead to small sores or raw spots in the first week. Orthodontic wax is a simple solution: just roll a small piece and place it on the brackets causing discomfort.

Your orthodontist may also provide special rinses or recommend saltwater gargles to promote healing.

🎯 6. A Positive Mindset Helps More Than You Think

This is a big change for your child, and they may feel a little self-conscious or overwhelmed. Your support, encouragement, and a touch of humor can go a long way.

You might say: “Every superhero needs a little training gear!” or remind them that many celebrities have gone through the same process—and came out with amazing smiles.

📅 7. Know When to Call the Orthodontist

While mild discomfort is normal, certain issues require immediate attention:

  • A bracket or wire has come loose

  • Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication

  • Sores that worsen or get infected

  • Something is poking or cutting the gums or cheeks

At Bee Cave Orthodontics, Dr. D and our team are always here to support you through the journey—especially in those first few days when everything is new.

💡 Schedule a Free Consultation

The first week with braces is all about adjusting, adapting, and staying positive. With these 7 essential tips, you’ll be better prepared to support your child during this exciting phase of their smile transformation.

Need help or have questions during your child’s first week with braces?
👉Schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. D now and get personalized guidance from Austin’s trusted pediatric orthodontist.

Want to get to know us a little better? Check out our YouTube Videos!

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Thumb Sucking Is Harming
 by Dr. Adriana Da Silveira

7 Signs Thumb Sucking Is Harming Your Child’s Smile

Do you think thumb sucking is harming your child’s teeth? Learn the signs, risks, and how to break the habit with expert tips from Bee Cave Orthodontics. – Bee Cave Orthodontics – Austin, Texas

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for many babies and young children. It provides comfort, helps them self-soothe, and can even help them fall asleep. But while it’s perfectly normal in infancy, prolonged thumb sucking—especially past the age of four—can lead to serious orthodontic issues that may require professional intervention.

In this post, we’ll explore how thumb sucking affects your child’s teeth, when to worry, and how Bee Cave Orthodontics can help you support your child’s healthy smile.

🍼 Why Do Kids Suck Their Thumbs?

Thumb sucking is a soothing habit that typically starts in infancy. For many children, it begins as a way to feel secure and cope with stress or boredom. Most children naturally grow out of it between ages 2 and 4. But when the habit continues beyond that, it can begin to interfere with normal oral development.

🦷 How Thumb Sucking Affects Teeth and Jaws

The intensity and frequency of thumb sucking play a big role in determining whether it causes dental problems. Gentle sucking may not be as damaging, but vigorous or frequent thumb sucking can lead to:

  • Open bite: The upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a noticeable gap.

  • Overjet (protruding front teeth): The upper front teeth push forward, often giving a “buck teeth” appearance.

  • Speech issues: Misaligned teeth and improper jaw development can contribute to speech delays or difficulties.

  • Narrow palate: Prolonged thumb sucking can affect the roof of the mouth, leading to crowding or crossbite.

  • Changes in facial growth: In severe cases, it can even impact facial symmetry and jaw position.

📆 When Should You Be Concerned?

If your child is still sucking their thumb after age 4 or 5—or if you’re starting to see signs like a misaligned bite or speech issues—it’s time to talk to an orthodontist.

At Bee Cave Orthodontics, we often recommend an initial consultation by age 7, as advised by the American Association of Orthodontists. This doesn’t always mean your child needs braces right away, but early monitoring can make a big difference.

💡 Tips to Help Your Child Break the Habit

Breaking a thumb sucking habit isn’t always easy, especially if it’s tied to emotional comfort. But with patience and the right strategies, you can help your child stop before it leads to long-term issues:

  1. Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for not sucking their thumb, rather than scolding when they do.

  2. Identify triggers: Is it boredom, anxiety, or tiredness? Understanding the cause helps you redirect the behavior.

  3. Offer substitutes: A comfort toy, blanket, or even chewing gum (for older kids) can replace the thumb.

  4. Gentle reminders: Try using a bandage on the thumb or a sock over the hand at night to help break the pattern.

  5. Get professional support: If the habit persists, your orthodontist can suggest oral appliances that gently discourage thumb sucking.

👩‍⚕️ What Can an Orthodontist Do?

At Bee Cave Orthodontics, Dr. D specializes in early orthodontic intervention, especially for children with habits like thumb sucking. She understands the unique needs of kids—including those with special sensory or emotional considerations—and works closely with parents to create a comfortable, supportive experience.

We offer early monitoring, habit-breaking appliances, and customized treatment plans that focus on proper jaw development and long-term oral health. If your child is still sucking their thumb or showing early signs of bite problems, we’re here to help you take the next step.

✅ When to Schedule a Consultation

  • Your child is older than 4 and still sucking their thumb

  • You notice changes in bite, teeth alignment, or speech

  • You want reassurance or expert guidance on your child’s oral development

A simple consultation can make all the difference in setting your child on the path to a healthy, confident smile.

🗓️ Book a Free Consultation Today

If you’re worried about how thumb sucking might affect your child’s smile, don’t wait. Dr. D and the Bee Cave Orthodontics team are here to help with expert, compassionate care.

👉 Schedule your free consultation now and give your child the gift of a healthy smile—for life:

  1. Click here to Schedule a Free Consultation now!
  2. Want to get to know us a little better? Check out our YouTube Videos!
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