Even though millions of Americans wear braces to straighten their smile, many people are still on the fence about them. This is particularly true for children and teens, who tend to be a little more image-conscious and concerned about appearances. If you have to break the news to your child that they need braces, you may be feeling a little anxious about how they’ll handle the news. That’s where we come in!
Here at Ollins Orthodontics, we know how scary the unknown can be, and we also know what a big change orthodontic treatment is. While it’s normal to feel nervous about something like braces, we want this journey to be as positive and stress-free as possible for your family. One way we can achieve that is to walk you through whatever fears your child has about treatment. When we’re able to tackle the source of their apprehension directly, it can often help them stop dreading braces and look forward to them with excitement instead.
Let’s take a look below at some of the worries that can be associated with orthodontic treatment, and how we can help your child feel more confident in working towards a healthy, beautiful smile!
Will getting braces hurt?
This is one of the most common fears for kids facing orthodontic treatment, but there’s good news! Today’s braces are sleek, comfortable, and more customizable than ever before. They use gentle, continuous pressure to gradually straighten the teeth over time, so there are no painful forces to contend with.
Braces treatment isn’t entirely without discomfort, though. Although the pressure we use is gentle, your child may still experience tender gums or a sore mouth from time to time. This is usually most pronounced right after their braces are put on, or following an adjustment appointment. However, any soreness should only be minor and temporary. In most cases, it can be easily treated with nothing more than an over-the-counter pain reliever or numbing ointments.
What can be expected from the treatment process?
While we’ve worked hard to make our office friendly, warm, and welcoming, it can still be intimidating for patients who have never received treatment before. Being in a new situation can be scary, and we understand that! That’s why we take your trust in our team seriously, and work hard to help you and your child both feel confident in every aspect of the treatment process.
We will talk you through each step of your child’s treatment so you’ll know exactly what to expect. We’ll also make sure you always have plenty of time to discuss any questions or concerns you have with our doctors. It’s important to us that you and your child feel completely at ease before we ever even put the first bracket on!
Do braces make a patient stand out?
As mentioned above, children and teens can be particularly sensitive about anything they feel might set them apart from their peers. But with orthodontic treatment gaining popularity in recent years, it’s unlikely that your child will be the only one in their classroom wearing braces!
If your child is feeling some anxiety about how braces may change their appearance, take time to reassure them that their treatment won’t last forever, even if it feels like it sometimes. Talk about any family friends who have worn braces, or if you ever had them yourself, pull out all those old photos or yearbooks and show them! Many kids are also influenced by culture, so pull up some information on celebrities who wore braces once upon a time. Your child may feel a little more confident about wearing braces if they know that someone they admire needed some help straightening their smile, too.
Another way to get your child on board with braces treatment is to encourage their creativity with colored bands! These come in many different colors, so they can be coordinated with outfits, holidays, favorite color combinations, team or school colors, even best friends! This is the perfect way for patients to show off their personality and have a little fun with their braces.
How long will orthodontic treatment take?
There’s no getting around the fact that successful orthodontic treatment takes some time. Because every patient responds to treatment in their own unique way, the total treatment time will always vary from case to case. Even though there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long your child will need to be in braces, the average treatment time tends to be around 18 to 24 months for most patients. your child’s specific needs will determine how long they’ll be in treatment, but we’ll always give you an estimate before we put their braces on.
Although we know that pretty much any amount of time in braces can seem like an eternity to a kid, it really will fly by once they get used to their appliance. Before you know it, braces will just be another part of your child’s daily routine. Just keep reminding them that however long they’re in braces, the end result will be worth it…a beautiful, long-lasting smile they’ll love!
Get the best in braces treatment with Ollins Orthodontics
Here at Ollins Orthodontics, we’re proud to work alongside parents to give our younger patients a positive orthodontic experience. Our expert team matches a passion for beautiful smiles with the latest in orthodontic technology to create smiles that stand out!
If you’re in Nutley or the surrounding area and have a child in need of orthodontic treatment, we’d love to meet you both and discuss their options. Get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation, and take the first step towards a straighter, healthier smile for your child!
