How to Get your Child Excited about Braces
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If you’re concerned about how your child will react to getting braces, you’re not alone. Children have different responses when it comes to getting braces. Some feel excited and think of braces as a step towards becoming a grownup. Others are frightened by the idea of having wires and metal installed in their mouth.
Being open, informative and encouraging will help your child get used to life with braces. Fortunately, the vast majority of kids adapt quickly and their treatment time flies by. At Plymouth Orthodontics, we have some tips on how to make the transition even easier for you and you child! |
What you can Do to Help your child with braces
Stock up on snacks
Go to the grocery store to pick out some braces friendly snacks. You’ll also want to get soft foods for the first few days after getting braces installed. Letting your child pick out a favorite frozen treat could be a nice way to reward their bravery on appointment days!
Focus on the end result
If your child is struggling with the idea of having braces, they may be having trouble seeing the big picture and visualizing their new smile. Discuss the benefits that having braces for a short time will accomplish for your child. Help them see that the perfect smile and boost in confidence will be worth the wait!
Talk about personalization
Kids love to express their individuality with the colored bands on their brackets. Talking about what colors they will choose can help them get excited about braces and look forward to their orthodontic appointments! With a wide selection of rubber bands, your child can choose their favorite colors, celebrate an upcoming holiday, cheer on their favorite sports team, or make a fashion statement.
Make fun plans
It helps to have something to look forward to! Either right after their braces appointment or in the next few days after, take your child on a fun outing to a local attraction, a movie, or a favorite activity. By creating good memories associated with braces, your child will be more likely to look forward to appointments and take good care of their braces.
Celebrate their progress
Take “before” pictures, then keep track of your child’s smile journey with photos or selfies. Having a record of their progress will remind your child that their hard work is worth it, especially if they have a tough day!
Be creative and supportive
Come up with ways to make having braces easier and more fun for your child. You could buy him or her a new toothbrush, or make a game out of using the waterpik every night. You could brush your teeth together every morning or evening. Your support and compliments will go a long way towards keeping your child’s attitude up and helping them take great care of their braces!
Call Plymouth Orthodontics with ANY questions or concerns!
We’re here for you anytime! If you or your child have any questions or concerns about their upcoming treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We will be happy to answer your questions or address your concern in detail and set your mind at ease.
As a parent, you already know there are many challenges and rewards that come with raising your child to be a healthy adult. Utilizing these tips from Plymouth Orthodontics will help you guide your child through their braces treatment, teach them them the value of regular visits to the orthodontist and help them develop great dental hygiene habits.
Ready to begin your child’s braces journey?
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