Talking To Your Child About Braces

If your child’s dentist has recommended orthodontics to straighten your child’s teeth and align their bite, then it’s time to have an open conversation with your child about what having braces can mean. Braces aren’t a torture device preteens and teens wear to make their adolescent years more awkward—they’re amazing appliances that serve a purpose! If our team at Pediatric Dental Specialists–Kearney suggests that your child see an orthodontist, be ready to have a conversation with your child about the reasons why orthodontic treatment might be necessary.

Understanding the Need For Braces

Braces aren’t just used to straighten teeth, although that is what they are known for. This type of orthodontic treatment are also used to fix overbites and underbites. Known as a malocclusion, a bite that isn’t lined up correctly can cause difficulty eating and speaking, and it can even contribute to sleep apnea, which is why dentists want to make sure your child’s bite is fixed as soon as possible. A properly lined-up bite is also important to prevent the permanent teeth from chips and cracks due to excessive uneven pressure.

How do braces work?

Traditional braces use metal brackets that are attached to the front of the teeth and have wires running through them. Through regular slight adjustments of the wires, braces slowly pull and push the teeth over time until they are lined up properly. The brackets used to only be metal, but orthodontic advancements added clear brackets into the mix in the late 1980s.

Then in the late ’90s, Invisalign entered the picture. Invisalign is a system that uses sets of custom clear aligners that move teeth into place through gentle pressure. The patient wears each set of aligners for about two weeks before they switch them out for the next set.

Prepare for the conversation.

If you are ready to talk to your child about getting orthodontic treatment, make sure you approach the subject positively. Don’t make it seem like braces are going to be a huge inconvenience. Instead, explain to your child that having to wear braces might be a little awkward at first, but in the long run, orthodontic treatment will improve their overall dental health. Make sure your child understands why their dentist is recommending orthodontic treatment and the benefits of having them now versus later in life.

For example, you can tell your child the long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment like a beautiful smile they can be proud of and improved dental health. Also, braces are easier for a preteen or teen to wear because teeth shift easier thanks to a still-growing jawbone. If your child waits until they are older to get orthodontic treatment, they may have to wear them longer because as an adult, the jaw is denser, so it takes longer for braces to move the teeth.

If your child is still unsure about getting braces, have them talk to a sibling, family member, or friend who has worn this type of orthodontic treatment. Hearing another outside experience can put orthodontic treatment into proper perspective. That person can help explain what it is like to have braces, how to take care of them, and how to alter brushing and flossing habits, as well as answer any other questions your child might have. Your child can also speak to our team at Pediatric Dental Specialists–Kearney about what it is like to wear braces and why they may be necessary.

Schedule your visit today.

Our team at Pediatric Dental Specialists–Kearney loves to see your kids smile. If your child hasn’t been to our office in the last six months for a preventive evaluation and professional cleaning, make sure to schedule an appointment today. At that appointment, their dentist can let you know whether they would benefit from orthodontic treatment (if they haven’t already had an orthodontic evaluation). If your child is a good candidate, we’ll recommend an orthodontist who specializes in children’s braces. They’ll be on their way to straighter teeth and a bright, healthy smile in no time.