Most kids don\u2019t exactly get excited when it comes time for them to get braces. Getting braces is a big change in a young adult\u2019s appearance and habits and can certainly cause some anxiety. As a parent, it\u2019s tough to see your child struggle with this change. Here at Dr. Andy\u2019s office, we\u2019ve gathered some of the top tips from parents of kids getting braces on how to help your son or daughter adjust to braces and their orthodontic treatment.<\/p>\n
Many parents naturally exude positivity, but it\u2019s important to remember that attitudes are contagious! If your son or daughter picks up on the fact that you\u2019re excited that they\u2019re getting braces, then they\u2019ll feel more positive about the entire experience.<\/p>\n
Re-iterate to your child that the end outcome will be totally worth it! Even if you\u2019re not looking forward to the process, be sure to keep a smile on your face. It really will make a difference and help to reduce your child\u2019s anxiety!<\/p>\n
The experience of adjusting to braces is something that\u2019s completely unknown to them \u2013 and maybe you as well! That means they\u2019ll experience things that surprise them, from minor discomforts to situations arising from the new appliance in their mouth. While you know the end of the road is one that\u2019s beneficial for their health, you should make sure they feel heard if they have concerns.<\/p>\n
If your child is adjusting to braces and mentions an unusual pain, a potential issue, or some other concern, don\u2019t brush it off! It\u2019s often nothing serious, but they could need an adjustment at our office or for someone to look at their braces to ensure a bracket hasn\u2019t come loose.<\/p>\n
When your child gets braces, they\u2019ll have to limit the types of foods they eat to make sure they don\u2019t damage their braces or cause other issues. Fortunately, there aren\u2019t that many foods that need restricted during orthodontic treatment, but it\u2019s probably a good idea to ditch the sticky, tough-to-eat foods from your home. Even the strongest wills can sometimes fall to temptation, and if your child is home alone and hungry they may reach for a snack that they shouldn\u2019t be eating.<\/p>\n
Additionally, by removing these foods from the home, you won\u2019t accidentally end up eating them in front of your child. This can give them an urge to eat foods that could be problematic for their braces!<\/p>\n
Common problem foods for braces include popcorn, sticky candies, and whole fruits and veggies. On the flipside, be sure to keep an inventory of softer foods available, especially after your child gets their braces tightened.<\/p>\n
Braces have a tendency to trap foods which makes it more difficult to floss correctly, so the risk for cavities increases in children with braces. Poor dental care during orthodontic treatment can lead to other issues during treatment or after their braces come off. Because of this, it\u2019s critically important your child continues to brush and floss thoroughly!<\/p>\n
Be sure that\u00a0you\u00a0brush and floss regularly and exhibit good dental hygiene. Children really do mimic our behaviors, not our words. If you\u2019re doing the best you can to take care of your teeth, your child will too. It\u2019s also helpful to stock up on special dental hygiene products specifically for kids with braces. Great products include threader floss and mouthwash for braces.<\/p>\n
One of the best ways you can provide support to a child adjusting to braces is to make sure they\u2019re visiting the orthodontist and dentist as recommended. Staying on track with orthodontist treatment means letting your child\u2019s orthodontist have a chance to track their progress over the months. As the parent, your child relies on you to be diligent about scheduling and bringing them to these appointments.<\/p>\n
The same is true for their regular dentist \u2013 they still need hygiene visits and exams to look for other issues that aren\u2019t related to their orthodontic treatment. It\u2019s best to prevent cavities and other general dental health concerns than wait until after braces to try and treat them when they\u2019ve become more severe.<\/p>\n
If your son or daughter is really struggling with their transition to braces, there\u2019s certainly no harm in talking to Dr. Andy about it. Parents often have a hard time communicating with their kids about the importance and benefits of kids getting braces. If your child isn\u2019t taking good care of his or her braces and won\u2019t listen to your advice, sometimes Dr. Andy has better luck \u201cgetting through\u201d to them.<\/p>\n
Schedule your\u00a0complimentary consultation<\/a>\u00a0with Doctor Andy Today! Give us a call at\u00a0(800) 842-8015\u00a0or send us an email at\u00a0info@skororthodontics.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stay connected with Doctor Andy on Social Media!<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Google+<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n