“Braces, 7 year old swollen cheeks and bruising?”
My 7 year old grandson has an upper and lower pallet expander. The orthodontist put braces on the top teeth Tuesday afternoon. The child has bruised black and yellow and swollen cheeks. He barley is talking or eating. Ortho says, give it another 7/10 days and it will go away. I had braces, with no swelling or bruising for me. The pallet expanders are still in along with braces on top.
7 years old
Complaint duration: 4 days
Medications: None
Conditions: None
6 Answers
OrthodontistOrthodontist
This can happen and can be painful and unfortable. In time the cheeks will heal and it will get better.
A 7 year old mouth is small and putting braces on requires cheek retractors to open up space to band and bond attachments brackets to teeth. It is quite possible that the retractors are the reason for bruising inside cheeks since they do stretch the lips apart. Although I have not had this happen and it is unusual, children can have unexpected difficulties that others don't, so I am not surprised. Every day should be better and children need to be reassured not fearful of their next visit. No horse likes the bridle and bit at first! Dr. Harrison
Hello there!
You should take your grandson back to the orthodontist to ensure there is no tissue irritation from the brackets.
Hope he feels better!!
You should take your grandson back to the orthodontist to ensure there is no tissue irritation from the brackets.
Hope he feels better!!
Everyone may be different in their need for treatment, and some may require the use of a Palatal Expander determined by his/her own orthodontic provider. While some ortho providers try their best not to utilize such appliances unless absolutely necessary, others prefer to use them more often because of the considerations of benefits vs. risks. If you prefer to get a second opinion from another orthodontic provider, you may be able to find some that provides free consultations. But usually most cheek and gum bruises will have a 7-11 day duration for healing, and as long as the personal oral hygiene are done well (especially for night-time brushing & cleaning before bedtime), cheeks and gums can heal up well within 2 weeks. Some minor and short-term pain relievers might also help him prior to the completion of healing. Please be sure to ask to speak to your ortho provider if you have any questions regarding his treatment!
For the hygiene routine, you can add other sources like a water pik device unit, available in major pharmacies and stores. Also, add special children's mouthwash. You should ask your doctor about it.
Dr. Richard Raymond Pence
Dentist
You can go to the pharmacy and buy a product called “Zilabrace” a put it on the inside of each cheek. It feels like your finger feels when you get superglue stuck to it. The pharmacist will have similar products if you can’t find it. The Orthodontist is correct. The cheeks toughen up after a few weeks.
