How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Braces Appointment
Fear of the unknown is prevalent in kids. If your kids have never been to the orthodontist before, children’s dental braces may be a scary idea. The trick is to destigmatize the process so your son or daughter is comfortable. That first braces appointment is a milestone. If your child is in for braces, there are many more to come and you don’t want them met with fear and trepidation.
Explaining Braces in Kid-Friendly Terms
Child braces are more common today than ever before and that first braces appointment is inevitable. The New York Times states orthodontic problems should be addressed at just the right age for each child.
When you are met with appointment number one, it’s important to explain braces in a kid-friendly manner so they understand what’s going to happen. Here are a few phrases you could use:
- Helpers
Tell your child that braces are tiny helpers that guide their teeth into a healthy, straight, smile-friendly position.
- LEGO Bricks
If your child is into LEGOs, use that lingo to talk about their teeth. LEGOs won’t go together if they aren’t lined up well, right? Teeth are like LEGOs. If they don’t line up, things like chewing or speaking can be difficult. Braces help the “LEGO” teeth line up and work well together!
- Train Tracks
The wires on the braces are like train tracks, helping the teeth to move where they need to be and stay on track.
What to Expect During the First Appointment
The American Association of Orthodontists provides a step-by-step list that can take your child through the first appointment from start to finish. Here are a few steps to expect:
Step 1: Paperwork
There’s always paperwork with any initial appointment. Tell your child you’ll have items to fill out and after that, you will both be introduced to the orthodontist before the exam begins.
Step 2: Exam
The orthodontist will do an exam, which includes X-rays, photos, and possibly teeth impressions.
Step 3: Options
The professional will go over the results of the X-rays and exam and discuss with you and your child what options are available to you. They will make recommendations and allow both of you to ask questions.
Step 4: Treatment Plan
Once you know the options, you can discuss a plan, the length, the costs, and everything else that goes into it. Your child will not get braces on this visit.
Step 5: Scheduling
Once a treatment plan is chosen, you can schedule the application of the braces and other follow-up visits.
Practical Tips to Build Confidence Before the Visit
Anxiety is often linked with dental procedures, so it’s normal for a child to feel nervous about that first braces appointment. Build confidence by having them speak to other kids who have been there before. Talk to them about what will happen. Allow them to take a special stuffed animal to their kids orthodontic visit. Open up a question-and-answer session with them whenever they seem nervous. All of these little things will help you to waylay their fear as the day of the appointment nears.
Preparing as a Parent: Questions and Logistics
As a parent, it’s hard to see your child distressed. It’s important to be as prepared as possible so you are ready for the first braces appointment as well. Here are tips to help you with the orthodontist.
- Write a List of Questions
You may not think of everything you want to know off the top of your head. Keep a notepad handy and as you think of questions, write them down so you are prepared for the appointment.
- Examine Costs Online
You have heard braces are expensive, but you don’t want to be hit with overwhelming sticker shock. You won’t know the exact costs until you speak to your child’s orthodontist and understand what their needs are, but knowing the costs ahead helps.
- Talk to Other Parents
You likely know someone whose child has had braces. Talk to them about how things go so you feel more at ease with the entire process.
- Get Childcare for Other Kids
If you have other children, it’s a good idea to have someone else watch over them so you can concentrate on the appointment and the child in question.
After the Appointment: Keeping the Momentum Going
Once that first appointment is behind you, follow-up with the next steps. Make new appointments before you leave so you can keep the momentum behind the process. Your child’s smile and oral health are important to you.
In Conclusion
Children are naturally timid when it comes to dentists, orthodontists, and oral health. Smiles+Grins will help them feel as comfortable as possible during that first kids orthodontic visit for child braces.
