Orthodontics: Helping Your Child Deal with Braces

As a parent, you want to do what is best for your child in the long run and you know they need braces, but you also want to try and make this a little easier for them to deal with.

Be At Each Appointment

Even if you have a pre-teen or teenager, you still want to go back with them at each orthodontics appointment. Here you will find out how they are progressing, what they need to have done next, and even get an idea of whether or not they are in any pain or discomfort. In addition to information, you may gain insight into how you child is feeling. Listen to the questions he or she is asking. Pay attention to their facial expressions. You can learn a lot by just being there for your child.

Seek Out All Options

Today, Invisalign braces are a popular choice from many orthodontics patients. While the teeth are still being adjusted and put in the right place, the braces themselves are clear, less noticeable, and can even be removed for special occasions. It is important to talk to your dentist as well as your dental insurance company to find out the overall cost for Invisalign. You don’t want to offer this as a solution until you know it is something that will be worth the expense.

Be Available to Talk

If you have a teenager you may have noticed your family’s communication taking a downturn as of late. Many teenagers just don’t like to talk and use talking to their parents as a last resort for problems they can’t solve on their own. Even if they don’t want to talk to you, be available.

This means asking them (occasionally) if they want to talk about anything. When they do talk to you, listen for hints that they aren’t happy with how things are going and maybe are concerned about their image.

Help Them Out

If you notice that they are struggling with personal image after orthodontics appointments, see if you can help them in another area of their appearance. If you can, take them out to the store for a new shirt or even a new pair of shoes. Sometimes teenagers see this as a way to detract the attention they are receiving. You can also complement them on the things that you know they feel confident about to balance things out.

As a parent, there are some things that you just can’t fix. While you are doing all that you can you can’t always help with every little thing. Be available, be a good listener, and make sure that you are working hard to help your child through this difficult time. The best thing that you can do is be interested in your child’s life and support him or her.