Undergoing orthodontic treatment is something that’s quite common in modern times. Parents worry that getting their teen or tween braces could be a socially isolating experience for them. The good news is that there are various ways for parents to shift the experience of having braces to a positive one for their child.
Ways You Can Help Your Child Enjoy Braces
Children could worry about the social and emotional impact of braces once they learn they need orthodontic treatment. They may be extremely reluctant. Parents can reassure them and ease their concerns using some of the following methods:
1. Let Your Child Know They Can Customize Their Braces
Letting your child know they can be involved in the decision-making process reduces feelings of anxiety for them. Modern orthodontic treatments are easy to customize. They can become an element of your child’s style and self-expression. Teens and tweens are finding out who they are as a person. Being allowed to express their own style can be fun and rewarding.
Some ways to customize braces include:
- Gold, ceramic, or natural tooth-colored braces
- Choosing rubber band colors
- Fashion brackets in fun shapes
Your child can let their inner artist out and make their experience with braces truly unique.
2. Use Rewards After Each Trip
If you need to get your tween braces, they might like to know there’s something to look forward to each time they go for their appointments or tightenings. You can enjoy some of their favorite activities with them. You can have a lunch date, go to a movie, go to the mall, or go to a park with them. Your child will end up loving the quality time with you and associate their appointments and braces with positive feelings and memories.
3. Show Your Child Before and After Photos
One way to ease your child’s mind and make braces fun is to show them the way braces have helped other people. You can show your child that their favorite celebrity had braces, too. They can see in full color how much improvement braces can bring to a smile and how a beautiful, healthy smile lights up a person’s face. Another way to get them excited is by allowing them to take a “before” picture. They’ll know they have something to look forward to.
4. Get Them Involved With Food Shopping
An aspect of getting braces that may make your child less than enthusiastic is all the foods they need to reduce or avoid while wearing them. You can let your child know that they still have incredible foods to choose from and let them make their own “menu”.
Some braces-safe foods include:
- Pasta
- Soft cooked rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Fruit juice
Your orthodontist can help you find options to satisfy any palate.
If you think your child is a candidate for braces, call Mountain View Dental today for questions or to book an appointment. Even the most reluctant child will feel at ease in their comfortable, professional dental office.
