Starting orthodontics treatments can mean so much to your child, especially considering the overwhelming pressure of self-doubt that typically plagues teenagers and young adults. The benefits of orthodontics extend beyond aesthetics, promoting the oral health and hygiene of your child.
Before your child starts treatment to re-align their smile, here are some things you need to consider.
What parents should do before their child starts orthodontist treatments?
1. Become familiar with the purpose of the treatment
Orthodontics is a successful and popular practice in dentistry and while it can fix a large range of dental problems, it is not suitable for everyone. The field of orthodontics mainly focuses on issues such as misaligned teeth; this could be crowding, gaps, or malocclusion whether it’s an overbite or an underbite.
Likewise, orthodontics treats alignment issues concerning the jaw and corrects bite and speech problems that arise from alignment problems.
According to the American Association of Orthodontics suggests that parents should consider an orthodontic evaluation for their child of ages 7 and older. However, it is important to note that treatment would not start for your child at such a young age, but getting an initial assessment will help prepare you for the treatments that your child may need in the future.
2. Be aware of new treatments in the field
Dental practices are constantly evolving to give patients the best results with the least amount of inconvenience possible. For instance, many people have issues with the appearance of traditional braces, due to their chunkiness and metallic look.
Now there are several options that you can consider for your child if they want a more discreet alternative to traditional braces. For instance, you have Lingual braces, which are a type of braces that go on the back of the teeth. There are also clear aligners, a removable and nearly invisible option.
Being up to date with all the new technologies in the field gives your child the opportunity to find a comfortable treatment option.
3. Prepare your child for lifestyle adjustments
There will be minor adjustments that your child will make when starting orthodontics treatments. For one, your child will find it challenging to consume chewy, hard, and sticky foods with braces on. Your child should be prepared and willing to make some dietary changes as well as invest in proper oral hygiene practices.
Braces can make it slightly more difficult for your child to clean their teeth effectively. You can overcome this by investing in tools like interdental brushes, water flossers, and toothpaste with fluoride.
The tools can help your child clean their braces and remove food stuck between the wires and brackets of the braces.
4. Letting your child know results aren’t immediate
Orthodontics can do wonders for your child’s smile, but patience is key. Whether through jaw surgery or braces, you will begin to see the difference in your child’s smile over time. Likewise, your child will likely have to wear retainers to maintain the results of the treatment for some time following treatment with surgery or braces.
Your child must be aware of these commitments to not disappoint or surprise them during treatment.
5. Address potential discomfort
Braces can change the positioning of your teeth by applying pressure to your mouth. This pressure may cause slight discomfort and pain for your child as they are starting treatment. Things that can help alleviate the pain include over-the-counter painkillers, dental relief gels, and cold compressors.
However, the soreness will dissolve on its own within days as your child adjusts to the braces.
The takeaway
It can be an exciting milestone for your child to finally start orthodontic treatment. Not only will it help boost their self-esteem, and fix their smile concerns, but also help with speech, bite, and improve their oral health.
However, educating yourself on the topic and preparing your child for treatment are necessary precautions that will help your child expect what is coming and how to adjust to the changes.
From mental readiness and lifestyle adjustments, a little planning can go a long way in setting your child up for a smooth and successful orthodontic journey.
