How to Prepare Your Kid For Braces Treatment

Getting braces is a big adjustment for children and teenagers. With many new habits, rules of what you can and can’t eat, and worrying about what friends or classmates might say, it can all get overwhelming. But aren’t they the end of the world; they’re the beginning of a brighter one with a great smile waiting. Here are some tips to help prepare for braces:

Discuss The Treatment Options With Them

As a parent, you may have questions when discussing treatment options with your Jacksonville Beach orthodontist, but your child may have many more. Dental braces are orthodontic devices used to correct alignment and bite issues. A great way to get them involved is to have them write a list of questions they have for the orthodontist. Fewer unanswered questions = less worry and anxiety.

When considering treatments, there are different types of braces available, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and metal braces. Traditional metal braces are known for their durability and effectiveness, while ceramic braces and clear braces offer a more discreet appearance. Self-ligating braces use special clips to hold the wire, reducing friction and making cleaning easier. Lingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth, making them virtually invisible.

These types of braces can be compared to clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, which are removable, custom-made trays that gradually straighten teeth and offer a discreet alternative to braces. The orthodontist will help develop a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s needs and the type of braces or clear aligners chosen.

Talk Them Through The Procedures

It’s normal if your child is nervous about the big day. While applying braces takes time, it’s a straightforward procedure. Talking with your child about the steps beforehand can help them feel more at ease.

First, the brackets are glued on—these are often metal brackets made from stainless steel, but tooth-colored or clear options are also available for a less noticeable look. The wire that connects the brackets is then applied, and elastic bands—also called rubber bands—are wrapped around the brackets to help move teeth. Some braces may also include headgear tubes for attaching additional appliances if needed.

Braces work by applying constant pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into their proper positions. As the process of teeth moving occurs, your child may experience some discomfort as the teeth shift. Your child can even choose what colors they want for the bands!

Building Excitement and Positivity

Make the experience fun by involving your child in the process. Let them choose the color of their braces or bands, and show them pictures or videos of other children with braces to build excitement.

Remind your child that braces can help them achieve an improved smile and the desired results for their dental health and confidence.

Preparing For The First Few Days

For the first few days, your child’s teeth will probably feel sore. Stay away from hard or crunchy foods! Eating soft foods, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, and soup, is recommended to minimize discomfort. Colder foods like yogurt and ice cream are also a good choice since the cold sensation can help with soreness. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage soreness after getting braces.

Dental wax can be used to protect irritated areas caused by brackets or wires in the first few days. It’s also a good time to start using fluoride toothpaste to help protect teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Establishing a New Oral Hygiene Routine

Brushing and flossing are more difficult with braces, making it especially important to maintain good oral health and dental health. Food loves to find every little space it can hide in, so good cleaning habits are important. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, and other dental conditions, so diligent care is essential while wearing braces.

Switching to an electric toothbrush is a great start, and there are special brushes that get underneath the wires and brackets. Floss picks can also help for those far back teeth and keep fingers from getting pricked by wires or brackets.

Orthodontic Wax Is Your Friend: How Orthodontic Wax Helps During Treatment

Brackets commonly cause irritation or sores on the insides of lips. Another common issue is the wires poking into the cheeks or lips at the back teeth. Orthodontic wax, also known as dental wax, is a very easy solution used to soothe and protect oral tissues irritated by braces. Simply roll the wax in your fingers (it’s very soft) and apply it to anything that is rubbing or poking. Usually, you can get it for free from your orthodontist.

Focus On The Positives

Braces can be uncomfortable physically, but can also make your child feel embarrassed. Classmates might tease or make fun of them, so it’s important to remind your child that most of their classmates are wearing, have worn, or will wear braces at some point. In fact, most children and younger patients undergo orthodontic care to help with straightening teeth and achieving an improved smile. Wearing braces for a year or two can also seem like forever, and your child may grow impatient or frustrated with them.

Try to have them think of how much better their smile will look once their braces are off. Remind them that following the orthodontist’s instructions is important for future treatment success. Braces are temporary, a great smile is forever.

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups and Adjustments

Scheduling Regular Orthodontic Visits

Regular visits to the orthodontic office are essential for monitoring the progress of the braces and making necessary adjustments. These visits help ensure the treatment plan is on track and that adjustments are made for both the upper teeth and lower teeth as needed. Ensure that all appointments are scheduled and kept, as these adjustments are crucial to the success of the orthodontic treatment.

Monitoring Progress and Addressing Concerns

Keep an eye on how the treatment is progressing. Regular monitoring ensures that teeth are moving from their previous position to their new position in proper positions for optimal teeth fit. If you or your child experiences any unexpected issues, such as a broken bracket or persistent pain, contact the orthodontist promptly to correct problems early in the treatment process.

Conclusion

Preparing for braces is an important step in ensuring a successful orthodontic treatment. Modern dentistry offers a variety of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, to help children and families achieve healthy smiles. By understanding the process, making necessary preparations, and maintaining a positive attitude, both you and your child can look forward to a healthier, more confident smile. If you have multiple family members who need braces, ask about options to help your family afford braces, such as discounts or payment plans. Remember, braces are a journey, and with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding one.

With two locations in Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra, Lazzara Orthodontics makes it easy to help your child obtain a straight, beautiful smile. Our friendly staff has the knowledge and experience to help prepare your child for braces.

Call us today at (904) 270-8750 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary initial consultation. Our team promises to work hard to make your family’s experience as phenomenal as the smiles you’ll end up with!

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, dental, or healthcare advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and answers to specific medical questions.