Myths and conversations to have with your children
Many children (and adults) have an unwarranted fear of braces and visiting the orthodontist in general. It can be a daunting task as a parent to "convince" your teen that there's nothing to fear and that braces are an investment for their future. Below are some of the fears we hear most and some reasoning you can use to combat those negative thoughts! 😊
1. "Wearing Braces Is Embarrassing"
Many teens think they'll look funny, different, or stand out in a negative way if they get braces. Our orthodontist office does provide Invisalign as an alternative to braces in certain situations.
However, when it comes to those who wear braces, feeling vulnerable to bullying and teasing is nothing to brush off, however, a good approach to take might be discussing with your child the long-term benefits. Showing them examples of adults who wear braces could help as well. You could also point out some of their peers who have braces, or explain that they can wear braces confidently by customizing their colors and really make them personalized.
2. "But Braces Are Painful"
Another fear we hear a lot is that braces are painful. Let your child know that initially applying braces is generally a pain-free experience, but that after they go through their first appointment they may experience some soreness.
From there it's all about communication. The last thing we want to do is hurt someone or cause discomfort. You and your child should feel open and honest in telling us if something hurts or is poking them.
3. Fear Of The Unknown
We believe this is one of our bigger differentiators. No matter the age; kids or adults, there is fear in not knowing exactly what to expect. We try to be completely transparent, and open with all of our patients, both in the consultation phase and in orthodontic treatment.
Education is key to understanding and we do our very best at keeping you informed about exactly what we're performing. The relationships and open communication we maintain with our clients do wonders in alleviating the fear of the unknown.
The American Dental Association recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist by age seven. Catching issues early can ensure smooth treatment later in life. Much like anything, there is sometimes hesitancy, in the beginning, only to realize the benefits and rewards. In this case, those of a new smile!