Helping Your Child Adjust To Braces: Tips For You
As your child grows and their adult teeth begin to come in, you may begin to notice that their teeth seem crowded or that they do not seem to be completely straight in their alignment. When your dentist confirms your suspicions and recommends orthodontic treatment, you may find yourself faced with the task of helping your child adjust to the idea and the actuality of wearing braces. Get to know a few of the ways that you can help your child get used to wearing braces so that they are able to handle the situation and they get the beautiful smile that orthodontics can provide them.
Ask The Orthodontist To Show Them What Their Teeth Could Look Like Without Braces
Many children will be initially resistant to the idea of wearing braces on their teeth. Much of this has to do with their fears about what other children may say or think about their appearance. While this may not seem like a legitimate concern to you, this may bee all your child can think about unless they fully understand the reason for getting braces.
If your child is having trouble grasping the reason for getting braces and thinks that their smile is fine as it is, you may need to ask your child's orthodontist to show them what their teeth could look like as an adult if they do not get braces. Digital technology allows for such images as your child's orthodontist can take scans and x-rays of your child's teeth and then show how their teeth would continue to grow and shift in the future. The images of what their teeth can and likely will look like without orthodontic treatment can help them to better understand the point and to get over their fears.
Be Sure To Get Them Wax And Mouth Guards For Activities
If your child is involved in extracurricular activities such as music or sports, they may need additional accessories to make wearing their braces comfortable and safe while doing so. When your child plays an instrument such as the flute, trumpet, clarinet, or any other brass or woodwind instrument, they use their mouth to produce the sounds. This use of their mouth requires specific shapes and pressure placed on the lips and teeth.
Because the braces protrude outward from the teeth, this means that they will need to relearn how to place their mouth on their instruments. While they do so, the metal brackets of their braces will rub against the soft tissue inside their mouth — potentially causing sores and discomfort. Getting your child soft wax to place on their braces can help your child avoid the discomfort as they try to regain their previous sound.
When it comes to playing sports, there is a risk that your child will get hit in the mouth while they are playing. A hit to the mouth with braces can lead to serious injuries to the soft tissue in their mouth as well as their teeth and tongue. Because of this your child will need to wear a mouth guard while playing sports for their own safety. Get them a custom mouth guard that is perfectly fitted to their teeth and braces to protect their teeth. Getting that mouth guard in a fun, bright color your child loves can also help as they will be more likely to wear it as well.
Now that you have a few ideas for how to help your child adjust to braces, you can be sure that you take the necessary steps to help your child embrace their orthodontics and get the beautiful smile they deserve. Continue to find out more here.
Share