It’s common for people to undergo orthodontic treatment during their teenage years before their teeth have settled more firmly in their jawbones. But if you have an adolescent at home with gapped or overcrowded teeth or a bite misalignment, they might avoid pursuing services that they worry might make them feel self-conscious.
You’re not alone if you’re concerned about how your child will react when you tell them that their provider has recommended that they get braces. Continue reading to learn about 3 tips that might help you break the news!
Tip #1: Discuss the Options
Many people already feel self-conscious enough about their appearance during their teen years and don’t want bulky metal brackets to further detract from their looks. Although braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles, they’re not the only available treatment option. Fortunately, plenty of providers offer a variety of services intended to meet the unique needs of their patients and have alternative solutions to traditional orthodontics.
For instance, your teen might prefer ceramic braces, which function like the standard service but use tooth-colored or clear materials that are more aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the severity of their dental or bite misalignment, your child might also be a good candidate for clear aligners, such as Invisalign® or SmileExpress, which rely on transparent plastic trays that fit over the arches to gently shift teeth more discreetly.
Tip #2: Focus on the Benefits
If your kid is already dreading orthodontics, it might help to focus on the benefits so they can see the silver lining. For example, once their service is complete, they’ll have a beautifully aligned smile to boost their confidence. Their treatment can also improve other concerns, such as a bite misalignment, that can affect their ability to bite, chew, or speak effectively if left unaddressed.
Not only that, but once their teeth have been straightened, it’s easier to brush and floss all their surfaces. This helps prevent common dental concerns, like cavities or gum disease, to help enhance your teen’s smile.
Tip #3: Answer Their Questions
If your child is feeling anxious about undergoing orthodontics, you might help soothe their frayed nerves by taking the time to listen to their concerns and provide as much information as they need to feel confident moving forward.
For instance, they might wonder about dietary restrictions or how to keep their teeth clean. They might also want to know how often they’ll need to attend follow-up appointments or how long they may need to wear a retainer after their treatment.
Taking the time to listen to your teen’s concerns and share all the pertinent information about the benefits of the various options can help them accept that it’s time to straighten their smile!
About the Practice
At Serenity Orthodontics, people of all ages benefit from a team of experts eager to help them enhance their lives by improving their dental condition. Dr. Podray Donovan, Dr. Lewis, and Dr. Pelt collaborate to offer a variety of orthodontic services to meet your family’s unique needs, regardless of the severity of their condition. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver customized treatment plans for more comfortable, accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling one of their conveniently located offices near you!
