Children Don’t Like Braces: What You Should Do To Instead Of Imposing?

Who does not like the idea of a perfect smile? However, you will never find too many people, who also like the idea of wearing braces to straighten their crooked teeth into a perfect smile. It is quite the conundrum that both children and adults face. It is easier for adults to cope with the idea of wearing braces and retainers for the coming few months to get a beautiful smile. However, it is quite difficult for children to adapt to the concept of wearing cumbersome-looking braces for a significant period.

One of the leading reasons children don’t want to wear braces is bullying and taunting by other kids. Young children are usually pretty honest, and if they find someone’s braces unsightly, they might not think twice before sharing their opinion. It can be hard for children with braces to feel confident all the time due to these facts. Not a lot of children have to wear braces, and they might be oblivious to the pain or discomfort your child might go through during their dental correction phase. Warming your kid up to the idea of wearing braces might take some time. You need to be sensitive as well as patient to find the real reason behind your child’s reluctance.

What are some facts every brace wearer should know?

However, you should convey the positive effects of wearing braces on your children. Research says that early childhood is the ideal time for wearing braces if you want your child to have straight teeth. It can prevent further misalignment of teeth as in the later years. While braces might not be the only option for your child, it can be the most cost-effective method or one that your family health plan covers. You should listen to their side of things and try to reason with them with some quick facts.

1. Close to 4 million children in the US have braces. It is not as uncommon as it used to be. Some of the new braces come in cool colors and invisible wiring. Speak to the orthodontist about less conspicuous designs.
2. Braces not only straighten teeth, but they can also help with proper jaw and airway maturity in children. If your family tends to sleep apnea, wearing braces early can keep your child in the clear.
3. Traditional metal braces can be OTT, but they aren’t the only budget-friendly solutions anymore. Your child can have a go at the different types of braces within your budget at the dentist’s office.
4. Checking out different styles and exploring the options is not commitment. Encourage your child to explore his or her brace options, but don’t pressurize them to hop on board right away.

How should you broach the topic of braces with your child?

Getting your child to agree with you can be difficult, especially, if they are pre-adolescent or adolescents. It is true that orthodontics is a little uncomfortable for everyone and it is normal for children to be scared of the dentist’s office. However, dismissing their fear and telling them “it doesn’t hurt” might not do you any favors. Children are smart, and they will browse the internet to find out all about the experience. So, instead of telling them a fairytale, guide them in the right direction. Help them see the long-term benefits of wearing braces. If they are particularly difficult, you can find out all about Hollywood celebs or their favorite NBA stars, who wore braces in their childhood — making them believe that braces are only temporary and they can rock it while in school or extracurricular activities will go a long way. Consult Doctor Jennifer Braces to get more ideas.

How can you ease them into the idea of wearing braces?

Here are a few more facts you can share with kids to make them comfortable about the idea of getting braces –

1. The entire process requires no shots and needles.

2. It is a gradual process that does not require any uprooting, twisting or tugging.

3. Most young kids can have their parents present for the process. However, since the treatment is painful, children often opt to spend time with their orthodontists alone.

4. It is possible to opt for almost invisible braces instead of opting for traditional variants. These clear plastic braces cost a little more than the typical ones, but they are practically invisible.

5. It is a temporary period of adjusting the teeth alignment and gaps. Once the dentist removes the braces after the stipulated period, the children don’t have to worry about regular visits with the dentist anymore.

What are the alternatives to traditional braces you should mention?

If your child is worried about appearance, you should tell them about the other options too. Clean braces like Invisalign are always there, and these are clear plastic braces that are next to invisible. Clear aligners are the most popular style right now, and even kids are opting for these to keep unwanted attention off their teeth. Clear aligners are suitable for minor alignments.

One of the most significant advantages of using clear aligners is the ease of eating food comfortably. Braces can make eating hard fruits, nuts and vegetables considerably challenging, but clear aligners make it easy. The children can take them off a couple of times per day to eat their meals. They can eat their meals with the aligners on. These clear braces are easier to clean than the metal ones. However, they must keep their aligners on for at least 20 hours per day.

What should you know before you think about getting clear braces?

However, all parents must remember that the clear aligners cost significantly more than the regular braces. Sometimes, family health plans and children’s health plans do not cover the cost of Invisalign. It is the responsibility of the parent to find out all about the cost and its management. Your dentist’s office might have easy finance opportunities that allow the patients to pay in installments. You should speak with your dental care provider before you talk to your child about the possibility of getting clear aligners. Some insurances cover the traditional metal braces and brackets. It is smart to explore all options before discussing them with your kid.