5 Ways To Get Your Child Ready For Braces
Starting orthodontic treatment can sometimes be daunting to kids, since the process is new and foreign to them. The good news is that with a little help on your part, getting braces will seem like no big deal!
Here are 5 ideas of how you can prepare your child for their braces or (Invisalign!) treatment.
1-Start Early!
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) advises children first see an orthodontist for screening around 7 years old. While this is really effective for catching growth and development issues early, the additional perk is that they'll get to know Dr. Crossley and our staff before they start treatment. Once they see how fun our office is, getting braces or Invisalign won't seem like a huge deal.
2-What To Expect
Crossley Orthodontics is committed to making the treatment plan for your child's specific case clear and simple- We will answer any questions you have until you are completely comfortable. When your child has questions at home about their treatment, be prepared to ease their fears-- For example, point out that getting braces on is not a painful process (apart from some soreness that might happen after getting them on) and there won't be injections of any kind. Make a list of any extra questions they have and bring them to your next appointment so we can answer them.
3-Choose What's Right For Them
You know your child best, so use that knowledge to set them up for success when choosing their optimal treatment plan. If you feel that they might have trouble with keeping up with their Invisalign retainers, maybe fixed braces would be a better option. Or if you know your child would prefer having clear retainers that come off sometimes, perhaps Invisalign would be best. You will do your child a huge favor by making the right judgement call on the method used to straighten their teeth.
4-Set Your Expectations
The truth is, orthodontic treatment requires some commitment. Before starting treatment let your child know what you expect from them and how they'll need to contribute, such as regularly brushing and flossing, attending appointments, avoiding certain foods or wearing their Invisalign aligners for 22 hours per day and not losing them. Be upfront about the financial investment you're making and any consequences for not keeping up their end of the bargain.
5-Keep Them Motivated
To boost their motivation, encourage their long-term thinking and remind them of the end result, which is a gorgeous, healthy smile and improved self-confidence. We also have a fun rewards program here at Crossley Orthodontics where our patients earn prizes for their positive behaviors. (Head over to the Patient Forms section of our website, and you’ll find a link to the Rewards Hub!)