A great orthodontic experience is possible.

Seeing your child feel nervous can tug at your heartstrings, especially when you want the best for their health and confidence. While orthodontic treatment is an important step in creating a beautiful, healthy smile, it is normal for kids to feel uneasy about this new experience. 

As a parent, we’re sure you want to ease your child’s fears while ensuring they get the high-quality care they deserve. There are plenty of ways to support your child through their journey with braces. Follow these tips to address their concerns and learn how to talk about braces in a way that reassures them. 

Explain the Purpose of Early Orthodontic Interventions

Many dental professionals agree that some orthodontic problems are best treated after all permanent teeth have erupted. However, early treatment can be in your child’s best interests to prevent issues from becoming more serious. 

Early orthodontic intervention aims to treat developing problems. Expanders and space maintainers eliminate the cause of any issues, guide bone growth, and create space for incoming adult teeth. Some of the problems that can be treated with early intervention and kids’ braces include: 

• Extremely crowded teeth
• Extra spaces between teeth
• Extra or missing teeth
• Under and overbite
• Crossbite

Early intervention also treats thumb-, finger-, and pacifier-sucking, which can all impact teeth and jawbone growth.   

Focus on the Benefits

One way to ease your child’s worries about braces is to discuss the long-term benefits of treatment. Instead of giving them generic information like, “You won’t regret it when you’re older,” explain why.

For example, you can tell them that getting braces when they’re younger can shorten their treatment time and prevent further discomfort. Starting treatment before the age of 12 means it could take as little as one year to complete treatment, while it could take up to two years or longer for teens and adults. Early intervention also prevents more complex treatments in the future.

Reassure Them About the Simplicity of the Process

The orthodontic process is often much simpler than your child might imagine. Appliances used for early intervention are less invasive than traditional braces for teeth straightening. These tools gently guide the growth of your child’s teeth and jaw, often requiring fewer adjustments. 

Unlike brackets and wires, which may need to be routinely tightened, early intervention devices have minimal upkeep. This makes them more convenient for busy families because they require fewer visits with an orthodontist, and spending less time in a dental chair can ease your child’s anxiety. 

Prepare for the Appointment

The best way to ease anxiety about anything is to prepare for it. Orthodontic treatment is no different. Whether your child is getting an expander, traditional braces, or clear aligners, honestly answering their questions will help them understand what to expect. 

Look for articles or videos on the internet by searching “What is an orthodontist?” Learning about the role of this dental professional can possibly help ease their fears and help them understand why they may need treatment.

You can also explain to your child what happens during the first visit and how long they can expect it to last (around one to two hours). Let them know that they might feel some discomfort for a few days, but it will fade. And if you went through orthodontic treatment before, tell them a few of your experiences to comfort them and reassure them that the process is worth it.

Create a Positive Experience

Helping your child feel good about getting braces starts with creating a positive experience at each appointment. Turn these visits into something to look forward to by adding a fun element. 

Perhaps you can take them out to eat at their favorite restaurant after their appointment or reward them with a trip to an arcade. A small gesture like this can change how they view the process and make it less intimidating. 

You can also involve your child in the process to make them feel more in control. Let them pick colors for their braces or decorate the case that holds their appliance. These small things engage them in their treatment and can give them something to look forward to.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to tell your child how proud you are of their courage to commit to their treatment and gain a healthier smile. Celebrate milestones, such as when they complete an adjustment or practice good oral hygiene with their devices. Simply saying “I’m proud of you” can go a long way in boosting their self-esteem.  

Address orthodontic issues early at We Make Kids Smile!

Some children who receive early intervention do not require traditional braces in the future, meaning they’ll get to experience a healthier, more confident smile as they enter their teenage and adult years. Knowing this can help your child feel more comfortable with the process.

Are you ready to start orthodontic treatment with your child? Contact We Make Kids Smile, a Prince Frederick/Waldorf pediatric dentistry office. Our team will help your child reach their smile goals!