Preparing A Kid For Braces
If your child is in need of braces, they may not like the idea very much. They may have a lot of concerns about wearing them, such as being worried they will hurt, that the other kids at their school will make fun of them, that they will have to eat special foods, and more. You want to do your best to help your child through this transition by explaining some of the positive things about getting braces, and giving them tips on dealing with this new addition to their daily life. Here are some of the things you can do to help your child adjust to the idea of getting braces:
Explain what the braces do
If your child doesn't really understand how braces work, then you can't expect them to be okay with having them put on. Once you explain how they will slowly pull their teeth together to close gaps, straighten their teeth, and create a proper alignment, they will have a newfound respect for braces and more than likely won't put up such a fight over getting them.
Show your child before and after pictures
You can sit down with your child and show them before and after pictures that you can easily find online that will show kids with their teeth before braces and after. This will give your child a clear picture of just how much wearing braces can help them to improve their smile. You can also show them pictures of adults who should have had braces put on, but didn't. This will show them the reality of what they can look forward to if they don't have braces. These pictures can make your child much more agreeable when it comes time for them to get their braces, and it may even make them a bit enthusiastic about the process.
Explain to your child that they have options
Let your child know that they have different options when it comes to the type of braces they have put on (if this is the case), and that they can choose the color of braces they want. They can go with fun and colorful-looking braces in just about every color of the rainbow, or they can even go with clear braces that won't be as visible to other people when they smile or talk.
Give your child some advice for dealing with people who may try to tease them – A great way for a child to deal with people picking on them about their braces is for them to remain calm about it and explain to the other child what braces do. Once children see that they can't get under your child's skin, they will usually back off.
For more information about getting your child ready for braces, contact companies like Montano & Cardall Orthodontic Specialists.