Female Speaker: Look at your old high school yearbook and how many people had braces in their pictures. Not anymore. Now children as young as seven visit the orthodontist. In fact, each year four million children under seventeen receive orthodontic care in this country. The majority of them are between nine and fourteen. Dr. Douglas Wright: Nowadays you may see more younger children with braces and that's a concern to parents when they should start and it really depends on that patients individual problem. Female Speaker: Braces in young children can make corrections in the jaw that will help their adult teeth grow into proper position. The best time for braces is during the child's growth spurt, when the permanent teeth are ready to come in. Libby Wein knows she needs braces, but first she and her dad have a few questions. How long will she have to wear them? Dr. Douglas Wright: Libby's bite is fairly close to being where it should be and I think that we could move your teeth back and fix your teeth with braces and you will probably need the braces on for about two years. Female Speaker: Most children are anxious to know if there will be any pain while wearing braces, and Libby's no exception. Libby Wein: How much will my teeth hurt when I get my braces on? Dr. Douglas Wright: Usually it doesn't hurt at all to place the braces on the teeth, however, that evening or the next day your teeth may become sore. Female Speaker: These days, braces come in many different varieties. The most popular with kids are the ones that offer different colors. Dr. Douglas Wright: Often the children ask about colors that they can have on their braces, and the colors are usually small, little plastic modules that go around to hold the wire to the brace. It does make it more fun for the child while the braces are on. Female Speaker: Children love fun foods like candy and sweets, but wearing braces may limit what a child can eat. The following may cause trouble, hard foods such as hard candies, nuts and ice can bend wires, loosen bands or break brackets, sticky foods like gum, toffee and caramel can bend wires and even pull them loose. Food high in sugar should be avoided whenever possible. If children do eat sweets, they should brush their teeth immediately. Also, avoid popcorn and chips which tend to get stuck under wires. Proper hygiene is an essential part of getting that "perfect" smile. Children with braces must floss, brush and visit their dentist regularly. Dr. Douglas Wright: It's very important to brush your teeth properly when the braces are placed. Not only must you clean the tops of the teeth, but you must go around each individual brace and clean off all the residue of the food and any plaque that has accumulated. Female Speaker: No matter how much you brush, braces can sometimes lead to staining or discoloration. That's what happened to Libby's older sister Heidi. Melanie Wein: Heidi, my older daughter has had her braces off for a couple of years now, but she continues to wear her retainer. Her teeth are yellowed slightly and she's going to try using the strips to try to brighten and whiten her teeth. Female Speaker: Experts say if this occurs, most over-the-counter bleaching products may be used and are safe. Kids and sports go hand in hand, but should parents be concerned if their children wear braces and are involved in sports? How do young athletes protect their teeth? Dr. Douglas Wright: Some sports don't require that a mouth guard be worn and technically you don't have to. However, it's not a bad idea to protect yourself more. Female Speaker: Bottom line children should continue to play sports and they should always wear a mouth guard.