These days, braces seem like a right of passage for many children, but that doesn’t necessarily help to stave off your child’s butterflies as the big day approaches. If your child is showing hesitation or nervousness about his or her upcoming appointment for braces or Invisalign, there are a number of things that you can do to transform the entire experience into a positive one.
This isn’t as tricky or time consuming as it may sound at first glance. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), every child should see an orthodontist by age 7 to receive an early evaluation of the jaw and teeth. For most children, nothing further will need to be done at that time, while some children may end up benefiting from early orthodontic treatment.
If your child is like the many others who leave their early evaluation without needing preventative treatment, then you won’t just gain peace of mind from that early evaluation. Your child will also benefit by having had a positive experience with their orthodontist. If your child ends up needing braces later on, then the memory of this prior, comfortable, and safe visit will help to ease any potential nervousness.
Now, this isn’t an actual club, but the idea is still there. So many people have experienced braces – maybe you, the parent, are one of them! Show your child photographs of you or other family and friends who have worn braces in the past. Find pictures of celebrities in braces. Point out any of your child’s friends who may already be in braces. All this will demonstrate one key thing to your child: they aren’t alone! In fact, with so many people past and present wearing braces, the overall sense of community and shared experience can indeed feel like a Braces Club.
Some children may feel as though braces are being forced upon them. With no say in the matter, they have little motivation to put in the extra effort to keep their new braces or aligners clean or cared for. Help your child to feel more in control of his or her braces treatment by pointing out the places that they do have choices. For example, if finances and treatment options allow it, ask your child’s opinion on the style and material of braces. If that’s not an option, then encourage your child to choose their favorite colors for their rubber bands. Take them to the store and let them pick out a new toothbrush with a fun design or color. These types of choices may seem minor to you, but they will make a big difference to your child’s sense of autonomy.
Since some styles of braces require certain foods to be avoided, you can let your child indulge himself or herself just before the braces appointment. Invite a few of your child’s close friends to your home or take them out to a restaurant. Let your child enjoy any food he or she wants. From crunchy foods like peanuts and popcorn to chewy foods like gummy bears and bubble gum, your child will be thrilled to celebrate their upcoming braces with a proper bon voyage to their favorite foods.
Children love to show off their smiles once they’ve completed their braces or aligner treatment. With the suggestions provided here, you can help your child to keep smiling during treatment, too!
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for educational purposes by Excellence in Orthodontics. To learn more about braces or aligners for teeth straightening, speak with your family’s orthodontist or with one of the highly skilled orthodontic specialists in our national database.
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