Depending on the age, getting braces can be a source of anxiety for your child. He or she will have concerns about how they will look, how their friends will treat them, and how the braces will feel. Also, it's important to let your child know how to properly care for their braces. When your orthodontist suggests that your child needs braces, there are things you should do to prepare yourself and your child for the procedure.
Reassure Your Child
Let your child know that braces are very common and that many children and adults wear them. Tell them that getting braces is important to prevent tooth and mouth problems when they are adults. Reassure them that they will not be wearing braces forever.
Let Your Child Know What Will Happen
Tell your child how the procedure will happen so they know what to expect. If you have an older child, you may want them to sit in on your discussions with the orthodontist and let them ask their own questions.
Instruct Your Child on the Proper Care of Their Braces
Brushing and flossing with braces is different than regular tooth care, but especially important with braces. Show your child the differences and changes they will need to make once the braces are installed. You can even have them practice the new brushing and flossing angles.
Gather Items That Will Help Your Child Adjust
The new braces are likely to be very uncomfortable at first, and chances are that your child may experience some mild pain. Stock up on pain medication and their favorite soft foods to keep them comfortable. Keep a supply of orthodontic wax on hand to protect the brackets from rubbing.
Give Your Child Encouragement
Your child may feel discouraged and become frustrated at the amount of time the treatment is taking. Let them know how great their teeth will look when they're done or how they will have fewer problems with their mouth. Remind them that they must go through the entire treatment for it to become permanent.
Though it may seem like braces are only cosmetic, they actually have a practical purpose. What seems to be only crooked teeth now may turn into something serious as they grow older. Therefore, it's important that your child has this procedure while he or she is still young. Being prepared, both as a parent as well as preparing your child, for what will happen makes the process smoother. If your child appears to be struggling with crooked or misaligned teeth, talk to an orthodontist like those with Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP to see what corrective procedures are available.
Share