Navigating the process of teeth straightening for your child can be overwhelming for any parent. The idea of braces understandably comes with mixed emotions, particularly regarding discomfort, duration, and appearance. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can make this process smoother for your child.
In this comprehensive guide, we share helpful advice on preparing your child for braces, including tips for easing anxiety, managing discomfort, and encouraging good oral hygiene.
Understanding the Need for Braces
Braces are designed to address teeth issues such as crowding, gaps, misalignment, and more. They may be recommended for your child by dentists after a thorough assessment of their oral health and dental structure, and should ultimately result in straighter, more even teeth post-treatment.
Addressing these teeth issues at a young age can help improve a child’s oral health and self-esteem. For instance, properly aligned teeth can enhance their ability to chew and speak effectively, significantly impacting their health and social interactions.
While children tend to get braces between 9 and 14 years old, the Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children between 8 to 10 years old get an orthodontics assessment to see if early treatment is needed.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Like any dental treatment, an initial consultation with a dentist is necessary to determine what size and type of braces are needed, as well as the duration they should be worn for. During the consultation, the dentist will take X-rays, photos, and impressions of your child’s teeth to design a customised treatment plan.
This session can seem overwhelming for a child who is already anxious about the prospect of getting braces fitted. As a parent, you can help them prepare for this visit by:
Explaining What to Expect
Help your child reduce their fear of the unknown by giving them a summary of what to expect during the consultation. For instance, you can explain that X-rays are painless and necessary for creating a detailed plan for their braces, and that they will need to make teeth moulds to design the braces for a better fit.
Gathering Questions
Write down any questions or concerns you or your child might have about the braces and the teeth straightening process. This ensures all queries are addressed during the consultation. Common questions include the levels of discomfort, duration of the treatment, and what foods to avoid.
Easing Braces Anxiety
It is not unusual for children to experience more, rather than less, anxiety after that initial visit to the dentist. The consultation would have driven home the long-term commitment and lifestyle changes required once braces are fitted, as well as how their appearance will be affected. At this stage, some things you can do to help ease their fear include:
Be Supportive
Emphasise the benefits of braces, such as having straighter teeth and improved dental function. Let your child talk through their concerns and worries around braces. Suggest things you can do to support them during the process.
For instance, one of the biggest changes will be dietary adjustments to prevent damage to the braces. To reassure your child, you can list down dishes that you can make which they enjoy but that will not affect the braces. You can also get them involved in planning braces-friendly snacks and meals so that they feel like they have more control.
Seek Out Peer Support
At that age, personal image can be very important to children and they may feel insecure over the effect that braces will have on how they look. However, they are also unlikely to be the only ones undergoing this treatment, so this is a good time to show them that they are not alone.
Arrange for your child to meet with peers who currently have or have had braces. If no close friends or family fit the bill, community groups, school programmes, or local dental practices often have peer support networks that can facilitate these interactions. Seeing and talking to other children who have successfully navigated the braces journey can significantly alleviate your child’s concerns.
Provide Educational Resources
Provide age-appropriate educational resources – such as books or videos from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) – about braces. These materials can help demystify the process and make it more approachable for your child.
Support Familiarisation
Help your child get used to the feeling of having braces in their mouth. Start with smaller steps, such as wearing a dental mouthguard or a retainer for short periods. This gradual familiarisation can reduce the initial shock and discomfort once the braces are applied, making the transition smoother and less stressful for your child.
Managing Braces Discomfort
Once children begin their braces treatment, the primary hurdle to navigate will be managing the discomfort.
The teeth will be especially sensitive to pressure in the first few days after the braces are affixed and every time the wires are tightened. Additionally, they may also experience mouth sores from the brackets and wires rubbing against the inner cheeks and gums, as well as dry lips from the slight stretching of the lips over the braces.
While this is a normal part of the orthodontic process, it can be distressing for children. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies parents can employ to help them manage and mitigate this discomfort:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
After getting braces fitted or adjusted, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage your child’s initial discomfort. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your child’s healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.
Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces to prevent irritation of the gums and cheeks. The wax creates a smooth barrier, reducing friction and discomfort. Show your child how to apply the wax properly for maximum comfort. It is also a good idea to keep some wax on hand for quick relief if irritation occurs during the day.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing relief from soreness. Use the cold compress for short intervals, such as 10-15 minutes, to effectively manage swelling and discomfort. This simple method can be particularly soothing after a teeth straightening treatment.
Soft Foods
Stock up on soft foods such as yoghurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies for the first few days after the braces are applied or adjusted. These foods are easier to chew and can help minimise discomfort, and you can even make your child’s favourites to lift their spirits.
In general, try to help them avoid sticky or hard foods as they can break brackets and wires, leading to discomfort and extended treatment times.
Encouraging Good Oral Hygiene
It can be difficult for children to effectively maintain good oral hygiene when they are wearing braces. However, it is critical that they do so to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues that could complicate the teeth straightening process, as well as helping any sores to heal more quickly. Here are some tips to support your child:
Brushing Technique
Dentists will usually recommend the use of toothbrushes with orthodontic-friendly designs, such as a V-shaped pattern, or an electric toothbrush to make it easier for patients to effectively clean their teeth around their braces. If possible, ensure your child has one on hand.
You can ask the dentist to demonstrate the correct brushing technique for cleaning around the brackets and wires to your child, then reinforce that technique at home. Emphasise the importance of doing so to remove food particles and plaque. You can also use a timer or a favourite song to encourage them to brush for longer, which helps with better oral hygiene.
Flossing
Flossing with braces can be challenging, but it is essential to prevent plaque buildup between teeth and around the braces. Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to help your child clean between their teeth and around the braces.
Many pharmacies offer special flossing tools designed for braces, such as interdental brushes or water flossers, which can make the process easier and more effective. Demonstrate the technique and supervise initially to ensure they develop a proper flossing routine.
Mouth Rinsing
Encourage the use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce plaque buildup and maintain oral health. Choose products recommended by the ADA which are designed to be gentle yet effective. A fluoride rinse can also help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, providing an extra layer of protection for your child’s teeth.
Regular Dental Visits
Schedule regular check-ups with both the orthodontist and general dentist. These visits are crucial for monitoring the progress of the teeth straightening treatment and addressing any emerging issues promptly.
Orthodontic adjustments typically occur every 4-8 weeks, while general dental cleanings should be maintained every six months or as recommended by your dentist. Consistent professional care ensures any potential problems are caught early and managed effectively.
Empower Your Child with the Best Braces Experience
Preparing your child for braces involves a lot of time, patience, and hard work. However, these tips should help parents ensure a positive and effective experience for their child during their teeth straightening journey.
Always follow the guidance of your child’s dentist to achieve the best results from the treatment. Through proper preparation and ongoing support, your child can enjoy the benefits of cosmetic teeth straightening and achieve a healthier smile.