We may not like to admit it, but it's clear that we're typically judged based on our appearance. And if your smile is crooked, it can, unfortunately, hold you back in life. Of course, crowded teeth or a crooked bite can also cause more substantial issues -- which is why it's important to take corrective action sooner rather than later. That's why we often see pre-teens and teenagers who have teeth decked out in metal brackets.
Understandably, it can be hard for kids to get used to wearing braces. But parents can help kids see that wearing braces isn't so bad. While all orthodontists are trained as dentists, just 5% of dentists practice orthodontics. Once you've selected an orthodontist, you'll need to begin getting your child ready for braces. Here are 10 ways to help them adjust.
1. Get Your Child Excited About Braces
This method will probably work best with the under-13 crowd. Before your child has their braces placed, remind them of the fun aspects of the process. They'll be able to select the colors of the rubber bands for their braces, for instance. If the orthodontist's office features video games, your child could be entertained while the braces are being put into place. They'll also get to leave school early if their appointments are in the late morning or early afternoon. You might even give them something to look forward to after each appointment or after their braces come off. Looking on the bright side can make the process seem more enjoyable overall.
2. Manage Expectations
Your orthodontist can tell your child what to expect in terms of possible discomfort or pain, the length of treatment, and hygiene requirements. Prior to the appointment, talk to your child about their questions and concerns and write them down along with your own questions. You'll probably both want to know how to lessen discomfort and how your child can take care of their new braces. Emphasizing the fact that this period is only temporary can help ease a teenager's concern that their life is "ruined" or that their social life will suffer.
3. Assist Your Child With Hygiene
Even if your child is used to practicing good oral hygiene, they might not clean as effectively once they have braces. Cleaning braces will prove to be a much more involved process than simple brushing and flossing. Some kids balk at having to spend extra time and effort, but you can let them know that this effort will pay off in the end. You may have to supervise them or ask if they've been following their orthodontist's guidelines. If you encourage your child to take good care of their braces, they'll get used to the routine; eventually, the extra time and effort won't seem like such a big deal to them anymore.
4. Reward Office Visits With Special Treats
Every time you bring your child to see the orthodontist, add a little fun to the day. After the appointment, you could take your child out to lunch, as long as they're allowed to eat soon after the visit and that they select braces-safe options. Alternatively, you could also go out shopping for a new outfit they've been eyeing, which might help them feel better about the way they look. Even offering a distraction like a movie night after each visit can help. You might also pick up some items to alleviate discomfort (like pampering products for an at-home spa afternoon) or some foods they can safely enjoy.
5. Listen to Your Child's Feelings
Preteens and teens may feel self-conscious about how they look with braces. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling an exam as soon as parents see any evidence of orthodontic issues (or by age seven, at the latest). Although an orthodontist may see bite problems in your child, they might not receive braces until they are preteens or teens. By that point, kids are already self-conscious about their appearance. Allow your child to talk about their feelings and reassure them that their apprehension is normal. While your child might not feel instantly more confident, reaffirming their fears and doubts can go a long way.
6. Help Your Child Adhere to Dietary Guidelines
Your child's orthodontist will provide them with a list of foods they should avoid while their braces are on. This may be a major adjustment since most kids aren't used to having their diets significantly restricted. They will have to give up things like sticky candies, crunchy granola bars, and popcorn. You can help by making lunches and meals your child can safely eat while wearing braces. Go shopping together or start cooking and baking as a family to find alternatives that everyone can enjoy -- braces or not.
7. Give Them a Kit for Braces Care
Fill a small zippered bag with oral hygiene items and lip balm and place it in your child's school bag. That way, they can take care of their teeth immediately after lunch. They still won't like having to brush and floss in the school restroom, but at least they won't have an excuse for skipping midday hygiene. In time, they'll get used to the new routine and they'll feel more confident about going through the rest of the school day without worrying about food being stuck in their braces.
8. Show Your Child Before and After Photos
Find out if an actor or athlete your child admires once wore braces. If so, you can easily find the before-treatment photos online. People in the public eye usually go to great lengths to enhance their appearance -- and one thing they often have fixed early on is crooked teeth. If you had braces as a kid, you can break out the photo album and let them see what you looked like before treatment. You can also tell them how grateful you are for straight teeth now. The American Association of Orthodontists reports that currently, about 4 million Americans wear braces. It's important for your child to know they're not alone.
9. Get Your Child a Mouthguard
Kids who take physical education classes or play sports need to wear mouthguards. Being struck in the face with a football or softball could cause significant damage to their face and gums. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), sports account for between 10 and 39% of dental injuries in kids. If your child wears a mouthguard, they can enter the gym or the playing field with confidence.
10. Remind Your Child of Life After Braces
Help your child focus on the fact that they'll end up with a smile that will bring them greater confidence. You could plan something special for the end of braces treatment, such as dinner at a family restaurant meal that includes some of the foods your child has had to avoid. Another option would be to schedule a professional photo session to capture that great new smile. Do make sure to have sensitivity-reducing toothpaste on hand, since your child may experience discomfort immediately after the braces come off. If you plan ahead as a family to the time when your child's braces finally come off, it'll be easier for everyone to feel positive and anticipate these exciting changes.
It's normal for kids to be apprehensive about braces. But if you help them see the fun aspects of wearing braces, assist them with hygiene, serve foods that are safe for them to eat, and remind them that the end result is well worth the extra effort, you'll help your child adjust to this temporary lifestyle change.
