The nerves are common.

To many, braces are a coming-of-age milestone. At some point during adolescence, whether in high school or sooner, it may be time to perfect that smile. No matter the age, getting braces can seem like a burden. Your child might feel very overwhelmed, seeing all the things they can and can’t do and realizing that they’ll have to go to the dentist for adjustments more often than they probably want to. And then, they’ve likely heard about the discomfort that may come after an adjustment.

With all of these concerns, how are we, as parents, supposed to help them ease their nerves? After all, we know orthodontics are what’s best for their long-term oral health, but we also want to ensure we are understanding their fears and supporting them every step of the way. Read on for some tips on how to make this transition period a bit easier.

Why Braces Are Important

It’s important to make sure that your child understands why braces are so important. Sure, they straighten teeth and improve the overall look and health of their smile. But why is that important? Well, for one, misaligned teeth are a breeding ground for cavities, as bacteria can build up between crooked teeth and go unnoticed for a long time.

Sometimes, misaligned teeth can also affect your child’s speech, causing problems in social situations both now and well into adulthood. In these cases, straightening the teeth with braces is a great way to help improve speech patterns and adjust them to where they need to be.

While every child may need orthodontic treatment for different reasons, one thing is the same for everyone: having a straighter smile can drastically improve their self-confidence and make caring for their teeth just a little bit easier.

Tips for Talking to Your Child

Be honest but positive.

Be honest with your child when you start a conversation about braces. Explain to them exactly what they can expect going into the process, from the adjustment appointments to their food changes to their altered oral hygiene routine and the fun colors they can choose for their rubberbands. Let them know that they can ask their orthodontist any questions and that there’s no such thing as a stupid one.

Reassure them that it’s common to feel a little sore after adjustments, but don’t let them dwell on those negatives! Do your best to focus on the benefits and the positives, like how much they’re going to adore their smile once the process is complete.

Address their concerns.

Your child is likely to have plenty of concerns about getting braces. For instance, they could be worried about the pain. After all, there’s a chance that they have at least one friend who had braces and talked about their discomfort. If this is the case for your child, remind them that everybody is different and that there are plans in place to help them with any discomfort that can come as their teeth adjust to their new position.

Another common concern is the appearance of braces. Children often wonder if they’re going to be teased or downright bullied for having braces. Remind them that there’s a large chance that the majority of their classmates will need or have braces at one time or another. Let your child know who they can go to in cases of bullying and how they should respond to their classmates in the moment. Braces are temporary, but a healthy smile is for life!

Involve them in the process.

One of the most enjoyable parts about having braces is choosing what color to get. This is a good way to get your child involved in their own oral health and get them a little excited for their next appointment. Encourage them to be bold with their color choices, and see what cool combinations they can come up with.

You can also get your child involved in their overall treatment plan. Before each appointment, encourage them to talk openly with their orthodontist and ask any questions that come up for them. This way, they can feel just a little bit more in control of their own oral health.

Use encouraging examples.

One way to help your child feel more at ease about getting braces is to talk about the family members, friends, or celebrities who had braces in the past. For example, if you had braces as a child, share what colors you chose and show them photos of you as a teenager with your ornamented smile. Or you can bring up any of your child’s favorite role models who had braces as a kid. Do what you can to make braces feel as normal as possible–because they are!

Braces—A Good Adjustment

Braces can be quite an adjustment for anyone, especially those going through puberty. Reassure your child that they will adjust quickly to their smile, and it’s a step toward a smile they will be very proud of.

If you are wondering if your child needs braces, it might be time to schedule a consultation. You can set up an appointment with Must Love Kids with only a few clicks online. We look forward to helping your child’s smile be the best it can be!