Good Dental Care: It Doesn't Have to Break Your Budget

How To Prepare Your Child For New Braces

If your child has been informed by their dentist that they are in need of braces to straighten their teeth, they will most likely have quite a few questions about the process and what they can expect afterwards. Braces are a great tool in fixing teeth with spacing or alignment problems as long as the proper steps are taken to maintain them throughout the duration of their usage. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your child for new braces.

Explain The Long-Term Goals

Let your child know that after their braces are placed, they will need to follow several maintenance procedures to make sure the braces work as well as they can. They will need to commit to many trips to their orthodontist to have tightening procedures or fittings depending on the type of braces they select. Explain to them that they will have dietary restrictions and cleaning procedures to follow. Let them know the importance in the care of their braces. It will reassure them that braces are a great way to get the smile they desire.

Start With Change Of Diet

As soon as your child finds out braces are in their future, start with dietary changes. There are several foods that will not be allowed to be eaten, as they can bend or become lodged in between wires. Ask the orthodontist for a list of foods to avoid when braces are being worn. Eliminate these foods from the diet before the braces are placed. This will help with the transitional phase in learning to wear the braces without the added annoyance of suddenly not having favorite foods around. Have all family members on board in stopping these foods from the diet so the child does not feel singled out. Make sure family members do not complain, as this will make the child feel guilty for something they were not able to help.

Encourage Selection To Satisfy

Make the prospect in getting braces a bit more exciting by giving your child the option in selecting the style of braces they prefer. If they wish to use invisible braces to hide the fact they are wearing them, allow them to take this route. Some children would rather have colored wires and rubber bands. They can also switch out colors during tightening procedures. Allow your child to represent their personal style with their braces to help make the idea of wearing them a bit more tolerable. To learn more, speak to someone like Comfort Dental.