Navigating the journey of getting braces can be a challenging experience for young teens. While the end result is a happy and healthier smile, there is often a long road ahead before you reach your final destination.
Thankfully, understanding what to expect can help make the process smoother. Not only will your child be more comfortable, but they will soon start to look forward to the big day.
5 Tips to Prepare Your Teen for Getting Braces
Interested in learning more? Below we are going to discuss five tips that you should follow to prepare your teen for braces.
Start with a comprehensive consultation.
A consultation with an experienced orthodontist is a critical first step. The right team of professionals, such as those at Celebrity Orthodontics (Arlington, TX) and Frisco’s Premier Orthodontics (Frisco, TX) will evaluate your teen’s individual needs and discuss potential treatment options – including Invisalign!
This process can include things like X-rays, impressions, and a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite. Braces do not come in “one size fits all” as different people can have different dental issues. From crowded teeth to overbites and underbites – each case is unique.
Educate on the basics.
In order to eliminate nerves before their appointment it’s a good idea to educate them on the basics of braces. What are they? Why are they important for our smiles? How do they work? The more they know, the more at ease they will feel.
Your orthodontist can assist with this, but there are also a variety of resources available online. You can even consider using visuals and experiments to explain the many benefits.
Plan for the practical changes.
All braces require care, so don’t forget to plan for any practical changes. During the early stages, dietary adjustments might need to be made, including avoiding any sticky, chewy, or hard foods that can cause damage.
Explore soft food options and try to establish healthy eating habits as early as possible. It’s also wise to get the entire family involved so that they don’t feel left out.
Comfort any concerns.
Alongside the minor pain that can come from the initial appointments, many teens may experience emotional and mental changes. They might be concerned about appearance and develop issues with their self-esteem.
Remind them that it’s only a temporary look and praise them for their decision to take charge of their oral health. You could even look up the many celebrities who have had braces over the years!
You can find a great list here.
Form a great connection with your orthodontist.
During the entire treatment, your teen will need guidance and support. Ensure that they feel comfortable talking to you and their orthodontist as this will lead to a more positive experience.
Additionally, seeking out community support or finding friends going through the same can be comforting. Knowing they’re not alone can make a world of difference.
Final Words
Braces are an investment in a future filled with confidence and great oral health. By making sure your teen is prepped and ready, you can help them through this both exciting and daunting process.
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Meredith says
One extra tip: Check to see what your insurance covers for post-care retainers and if your orthodontist offers a “retainer for life” program. The low end for retainers is about $150 each, which they’ll need to replace as their mouth grows into adulthood. After that, they will need to be replaced as needed, not to mention lost or forgotten retainers. The retainer-for-life program builds in a nominal upfront cost, and then you can just get a retainer when you need it. It’s been a while, but I think when I calculated it, it was about 2, maybe 3 retainers to break even. My daughter’s orthodontist said retainers are for life after braces so it’s something to consider!
Meredith says
This is really good to know! Thank you for sharing! We need to look into this.