Braces can be very intimidating for children and teens. Will they hurt? What if other kids tease me about my teeth? These are all common questions that a parent might have when their child is getting braces. But don’t worry! We’re here to answer all of these common concerns, so you can have peace of mind while your child gets braces.
Braces for Developing Teeth
Concerns about crooked teeth are often the top concern when a parent is considering getting braces for their child.
There are a few factors that can affect the decision of whether or not to get braces for your child.
How Do You Determine if Braces are Right for Your Child?
Because there are so many different types of braces available, it can be difficult to know which is the best option for your child.
A good place to start is by asking them what they like and dislike about their current teeth. You can also have your child look at pictures of their teeth while they are brushing and flossing, to get a better idea of how their teeth look.
If you’re not sure which braces would suit your child best, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get braces that will give them the best chance of success.
Helping Your Child or Teen Deal with Braces Anxiety
Many children with braces experience some degree of anxiety.
If you notice that your child is overly anxious about getting braces, you can help them deal with it by conducting a few simple strategies.
If your child is overly anxious during the initial visit, try to keep the visit as short as possible. You can also try to schedule the appointment for after school or on the weekend if you can do so.
If your child is feeling anxious about their braces, it’s important to remind them that it’s normal to feel anxious about new things. You can also try to remind them that you are there for them, and will help them through this process.
Common Concerns About Getting Braces
You might wonder if your child will be teased by their peers.
While some children might tease, braces are more often brought up as a positive topic of conversation with other kids.
With this in mind, you might be wondering if your child will be bullied while they have braces.
While some children might find braces to be offensive, most are accepting of their new smile.
If your child is worried about how other kids will react to their braces, you can reassure them that they are normal and that you are there to support them. You can also try to have your child meet with other parents who have had braces to get a better idea of how the situation might play out.
Tips on How to Help Your Child or Teen With Braces
If they are anxious about getting braces, try to stay positive and reassure them that it’s going to be alright.
Try to keep the appointment as short as possible, and try to schedule it for after school or on the weekend. Be sure to follow your child’s doctor’s guidelines on diet and medications, as these are important during the treatment process. If there are concerns over the treatment plan, you can bring them up with your dentist or orthodontist. Remember that, while braces can be uncomfortable, they are a necessary step to better oral health. Be sure to follow your child’s doctor’s guidelines on exercise, as these are important to prevent bone loss that can happen while receiving braces. If your child is experiencing excessive pain during treatment, you can try to reduce their pain by applying heat or applying cold. While it might be difficult to manage your child with braces, it’s important to remember that it’s a necessary step to better oral health.
Conclusion
Braces can be a great option for your child or teen, but they can also be a bit nerve-wracking.
With a little preparation, they can deal with anxiety during treatment.
Now that you know what to expect, you can relax and know that they are in good hands.
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