Braces are often used by children for a variety of reasons, including social insecurity and dental overcrowding. Many teens and pre-teens visit their orthodontist to get braces or aligners to straighten their teeth before they get too old. As a parent, it’s important to encourage your child to support the betterment of their dental health. That’s why our orthodontist in Woodland Hills wants to show you some fun ways to talk about braces with your child. Below, we have 7 tips for kids getting braces that patients of all ages should know about!
7 Tips for Kids Getting Braces
Have Your Child List Out Their Needs
Listening to your child’s needs is the best way to ensure that they have the best oral health possible. Are they open about the pain in their teeth? Are they able to feel pressure on their gums or pain? Maybe they have a problem with their teeth alignment that makes it difficult to eat. Whatever the reason, it’s important to pay attention to your child’s feelings and provide the dental care that they need by suggesting that they look into dynamic braces that they will enjoy.
Talk About the Exciting Benefits of Good Oral Health
It can be difficult to get your child excited about braces. There are many ways to make it easy. Your child can be a little more creative with how they get their braces depending on the type of orthodontic support they choose. For example, they can choose which color rubber bands go on each bracket. They can customize and change their mouth every few weeks, which will give them something to look forward to.
Offer Special Rewards After Every Visit
Even if your child isn’t a fan of braces, they might be reluctant to go to the dentist. You can reward your child with a treat or a special toy after each visit to the dentist to remind them of the importance of orthodontic work. This will help them to associate the dentist as a good person, which will be a boon for their long-term health.
Prepare Lots of Soft Foods
Your child may be in a little bit of pain after their initial braces procedure due to the tightening of the teeth. Additionally, braces can sometimes limit the types of foods that your child can eat. This is a great opportunity to stock the cabinets with your child’s favorite soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, oatmeal, pasta, mashed potatoes, and more.
List Out Expectations
Appearance and social status mean a lot to a growing child. It’s important to explain to them that braces are normal and should not make them feel embarrassed. They will be less anxious and more excited once they know what to expect. To give them a preview of the results, you can show them before and after photos to help them visualize how straight their teeth will look once they finally get their braces removed.
Try Out a Mouthguard
If your child is an athletic sports player, they may need some extra protection around their delicate teeth and braces. It is important that your child has a mouthguard before they go back on the field. Especially if they engage in contact sports. It will protect their teeth against serious injury. It also prevents braces from sustaining significant damage that could be costly to repair. This is a great way for your child to avoid any dental trauma and get on track to a quick recovery.
Buy Some Orthodontic Wax
If the metal edges of the braces are causing a bit of pain, you can put some orthodontic wax over them to add a soft cushion. This material is available at the dentist’s office and your child can receive as much of it as they need to keep their mouths healthy and free of pain. Learn more about orthodontic wax at your child’s next dentist appointment!
Schedule an Exciting Braces Treatment Today!
Braces can be a fun experience for children who want to improve their smiles. You as a parent should listen to your child and determine the best course of action. Your local smile specialists provide the best kids braces in San Fernando for children. Contact us today to find out more about braces for your child and the best treatment options. We are looking forward to helping your child develop good oral hygiene habits throughout their entire lives, and it starts with a great conversation between you and them about the importance of maintaining oral health.