Braces: Helping Your Kid Get Used to Their New Look
Many people often dread the thought of getting braces, especially kids. The thought of having metal wires and brackets attached to their teeth can be scary, uncomfortable, and downright painful at times. Fortunately, there are ways to help your child get used to their braces and make the whole experience a lot less daunting. As a parent, there are several things you can do to support your child through this process.
Educate Your Child About Braces
One of the first things you should do is educate your child about braces. Explain what they are, why they are important, and how they work. This will help your child understand that they are not something to be afraid of, but rather an important tool that will help them achieve a healthier smile. You can also show them before-and-after pictures of others to help them visualize the benefits.
Encourage Proper Dental Hygiene
Braces require extra attention to dental hygiene. Make sure your child is brushing and flossing their teeth regularly, especially after meals. Teach them how to properly use a floss threader to get between the wires and brackets. You can also provide them with a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste, so they can brush their teeth at school or when they’re away from home.
Listen to Their Worries About Braces
Having an open line of communication with your child is critical during this phase. Pay attention to their concerns and validate their feelings – it’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about getting braces. If they’re particularly anxious, consider scheduling a casual, non-procedural visit to the dentist’s office. A familiarization tour can help alleviate some fears by providing a comfortable environment where your child can ask questions and get to know the dentist and staff who will be part of their orthodontia journey. This will not only reduce their anxieties but also help them to see the dentist’s office as a place where they can seek help and feel safe.
Offer Soft Foods When Braces are New
In the first few days after getting braces, your child may experience discomfort or pain. To make their transition easier, offer them soft foods like Jell-O, pudding, smoothies, or mashed potatoes and yogurt. Soft foods can be gentle on the teeth and gums, which will alleviate their discomfort.
Provide Support and Encouragement
Going through the process of getting and wearing braces can be difficult for some kids. They may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their new appearance. This is where you come in as a parent and provide support and encouragement. Talk to them about how they’re feeling and reassure them that this is temporary and that it’s normal to feel a little self-conscious about them. Remind them that this is an important investment in their oral health and that the end results will be worth it.
Celebrate Milestones Throughout the Journey
As your child progresses through this journey, make sure to celebrate milestones. Celebrate when they get braces off, when they no longer need rubber bands, or when they hit a certain milestone in their progress. Celebrating these milestones can help your child see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can also boost their self-confidence and remind them that they’re making progress towards a better smile and healthier teeth.
Final Thoughts on Braces for Your Child
Getting used to braces can be a challenging experience for kids. As a parent, you can help make the process easier on your child by providing support, encouragement, and education. Be available to listen to them, offer soft foods, celebrate milestones, and provide reminders that this is just a phase. Help your kid establish proper dental hygiene habits, and explain that this is essential in achieving healthier teeth that last a lifetime. By working with professionals at your dentist, like those at Kids Choice Dental, Vision, and , Braces and following these tips, you and the dentist staff can help your child embrace this journey and adjust to their new braces with confidence.
