Key Takeaways
-
Fun WildSmiles brackets use the same wire-and-elastic method as regular braces, so the shape does not change the treatment plan; diagnosis and goals should drive your decision.
-
Get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, as the AAO recommends, since readiness depends on teeth, bite, and development rather than bracket style.
-
Because WildSmiles are fixed, your child cannot remove them; plan for brushing after meals, flossing daily, and gentle parental reminders from the start.
-
Ask for the total treatment fee, whether your office adds a WildSmiles surcharge, insurance limits, payment plans, and repair costs before committing.
-
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods and never fix a broken bracket at home; call the office instead to prevent delays and extra visits.
-
Keep professional dental cleanings about every six months with your family dentist, and choose a board-certified orthodontist who explains things clearly.
Picture this: your child spots a bracket shaped like a star or a soccer ball and instantly lights up. Suddenly, braces feel less scary and a lot more fun. That excitement is a gift. But before you say yes, it helps to know the facts. So, what should parents know before WildSmiles braces? Plenty, and a few common mistakes can cost you time, money, and healthy teeth.
WildSmiles are fixed braces with fun, shaped brackets. They work with wires and elastic ties, just like regular braces. The shape is the fun part, but it does not change the treatment plan. Your child’s teeth, bite, and growth do that.
In this friendly guide, we walk through 14 mistakes parents often make, plus simple ways to avoid each one. Whether your child is 8 or 16, you will feel more ready by the end. Think of it as a chat over coffee with someone who has seen it all.
Mistake 1: Thinking the Bracket Shape Changes the Treatment
Many parents hear “fun shapes” and wonder if the braces work differently. They do not. WildSmiles use the same bracket-and-wire method as conventional braces. The decorative design is simply a different outer shape.
Your orthodontist builds the plan around your child’s teeth and bite. The shape of the bracket comes second. So when you compare options, focus first on the diagnosis and treatment goals.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Early Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. That does not mean treatment starts at 7. It simply means an expert takes a look.
Many children are just monitored until the timing is right. Others benefit from early care. Learning more about early orthodontic treatment can help you decide what fits your family. You can also read about what happens at a first orthodontic visit so there are no surprises.
Mistake 3: Assuming Every Child Is Ready for Braces
Readiness depends on the child’s teeth, bite, and dental development. It does not depend on how cute the brackets are. Some kids are ready at 10, and others need to wait a bit longer.
A good orthodontist will explain timing, expected length of treatment, and other choices. If braces are not the right step yet, that is perfectly fine. Waiting can sometimes lead to better results.
Mistake 4: Forgetting Braces Are Fixed in Place
Here is a big one. WildSmiles are fixed appliances. Your child cannot pop them out to eat, brush, or clean. They stay on, day and night, for the whole treatment.
That means home habits matter a lot. Parents often need to help at the start. Plan on gentle reminders, a calm routine, and plenty of encouragement.
Mistake 5: Believing the Fun Shape Prevents Cavities
The maker describes the bracket pad as designed to help direct plaque away from the tooth surface. It also gives a handy visual check during brushing. If your child can clearly see the bracket shape after brushing, that is a nice hint the area is clean.
But this is a manufacturer claim, not a guarantee. Braces still make cleaning harder. Good hygiene and regular checkups are what protect enamel.
Mistake 6: Letting Brushing Habits Slide
Plaque loves to hide around brackets and under wires. Without careful cleaning, it can leave white spots or cavities behind. Nobody wants to see those when the braces come off.
Here is a simple daily routine to share with your child:
- Brush after meals and before bed with fluoride toothpaste.
- Angle the brush toward the gumline, then above and below the brackets.
- Brush slowly, about two minutes each time.
- Floss once a day with a floss threader or special braces floss.
- Rinse well and check for the bracket shapes in the mirror.
For more ideas, see these tips on how to brush teeth with braces and how to floss with braces.
Mistake 7: Skipping Regular Dental Cleanings
Some families think the orthodontist handles everything. In truth, your child still needs the family dentist. Johns Hopkins Medicine advises professional cleanings about every six months, or as often as the dentist recommends, during braces care.
Think of it as a team effort. The orthodontist moves teeth. The dentist keeps them healthy. Both matter.
Mistake 8: Ignoring the Food Rules
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can bend wires or pop brackets loose. A broken bracket can slow treatment and add extra visits. It is easier to prevent than to repair.
Here are common foods to skip or change:
- Hard candy, ice, and popcorn kernels
- Caramel, taffy, and chewy gummies
- Whole apples or raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)
- Chewing on pens, nails, or water bottle tops
Your orthodontist will share a full list. You can also peek at these foods to avoid with braces.
Mistake 9: Trying to Fix a Broken Bracket at Home
A poking wire or loose bracket can feel urgent. Still, home repairs usually make things worse. Please do not bend, cut, or glue anything.
Call the office instead. Many issues can be handled quickly, and some only need a small adjustment. If you are unsure what counts as urgent, read about orthodontic emergencies and common emergency situations with braces.
Mistake 10: Not Asking About the Total Cost
Cost surprises are no fun. Before you commit, ask for the full picture. A manufacturer information kit says practices may price WildSmiles similarly to other aesthetic brackets. Some offices may add a fee, and the kit cites $150 as one example. Actual fees vary by practice and location, so always confirm locally.
Use this table as a quick checklist of questions for your orthodontist:
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What is the total treatment fee? | Shows the full cost, not just the monthly payment |
| Is there an extra charge for WildSmiles? | Some offices add a small fee for shaped brackets |
| What does insurance cover? | Orthodontic benefits often have lifetime limits |
| Are payment plans available? | Helps spread costs over time |
| What are repair or replacement fees? | Broken brackets can mean extra costs |
| What is included in the price? | Visits, retainers, and checkups may differ |
To explore more, see our pages on orthodontic financing and how orthodontic payment plans work.
Mistake 11: Expecting WildSmiles to Be Faster or Slower
Parents often ask if shaped brackets take longer. The bracket design does not set the timeline. Treatment length depends on how crowded the teeth are, the bite, growth, and how well your child follows instructions.
Wearing elastics as directed, keeping appointments, and avoiding broken brackets all help treatment stay on track. Your orthodontist can give you a realistic estimate after an exam.
Mistake 12: Choosing Only on Looks
Stars and hearts are exciting. But the best choice also depends on your child’s goals, age, and comfort. Some older teens prefer a quieter look, while younger kids often love the fun.
Compare your options before deciding. Our guides on types of braces and choosing braces for teens can help. Here is a quick comparison to get you thinking:
| Option | Best For | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| WildSmiles | Kids and teens who want a fun, personal look | Fixed braces with decorative shapes |
| Traditional metal braces | Wide range of cases | Classic, proven method |
| Clear aligners | Older teens and adults | Removable, needs strong daily discipline |
Mistake 13: Forgetting the Fun Side of Motivation
Here is the good news. When kids enjoy their braces, they tend to care for them better. A child who loves the star-shaped brackets may be happier to brush, floss, and show up for visits.
Offices also offer fun extras. Some patients enjoy themed elastics, and Disney-inspired choices are available through WildSmiles. Turn it into a family game, like a brushing chart with small rewards. A little cheer goes a long way.
Mistake 14: Not Choosing the Right Orthodontist
The person guiding your child’s care matters more than any bracket. Look for a trained specialist who listens, explains clearly, and makes your child feel at ease. You can also check that your orthodontist is board certified, and learn about the American Board of Orthodontics to understand what that credential means.
At Segovia Orthodontics in Lakewood Ranch, Dr. Flor Segovia offers WildSmiles as one of several options in a warm, family-focused office. You can read more about WildSmiles braces at our practice or meet Dr. Flor Segovia. We also offer bilingual care in English and Spanish, which many families love.
Quick Checklist: What Parents Should Know Before WildSmiles Braces
Let us bring it all together. Before you book, make sure you can say yes to these:
- Your child has had an orthodontic evaluation.
- You understand the treatment plan, timing, and goals.
- You know the total cost, insurance details, and payment options.
- Your child is ready for a daily brushing and flossing routine.
- You have a plan for food changes and mouthguards during sports.
- You know who to call if a bracket breaks.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Now you know what parents should know before WildSmiles braces. The fun shapes are a wonderful bonus, but the real success comes from a clear plan, good habits, and a caring team. You do not have to figure it all out alone.
See what other local families say about us. You can visit us on Google — Segovia Orthodontics to read reviews, or follow our Instagram page and our Facebook page for smile stories and tips.
Ready to chat about your child’s smile? Request an appointment today, or call us at 941-557-1333. We would love to meet your family and help your child smile with confidence in 2026 and beyond.
FAQs
Q: What are WildSmiles braces, and how are they different from regular braces?
A: WildSmiles are fixed braces with fun, decorative bracket shapes like stars, hearts, and sports designs. They use the same wires and elastic ties as regular braces, so the way they move teeth is the same. The shape is the main difference.
Q: Are WildSmiles braces as effective as traditional braces?
A: Yes, they use the same basic mechanics, so effectiveness comes from your orthodontist’s plan and your child’s care at home. The bracket shape does not decide the result. A proper exam is the best way to know what fits your child.
Q: How much do WildSmiles braces cost, and does insurance cover them?
A: Costs vary by office. Some practices price them like other aesthetic brackets, while others add a small fee. Ask your orthodontist for the total cost, what insurance covers, and whether payment plans are available.
Q: What foods should children avoid with WildSmiles braces?
A: Skip hard, sticky, and chewy foods like hard candy, ice, caramel, and taffy. These can bend wires or loosen brackets. Cut firm foods like apples and carrots into small pieces, and follow your orthodontist’s food guide.
Q: What age can a child get WildSmiles braces?
A: There is no single age. It depends on your child’s teeth, bite, and dental development. The AAO suggests a first evaluation by age 7, and your orthodontist will tell you when treatment makes sense.
Our Service Area
