When your kids start getting braces, it can seem like nothing is more stressful. And considering that by the age of 50 a good chunk of adults already have thinning hair, it’s not worth losing any more over orthodontics! If you’re not sure what you need to know before your kids get braces, here are a few pointers to help you out.
Metal Braces Aren’t the Only Option
While metal braces are certainly the most traditional form of orthodontic treatment, they’re not the only form of orthodontic treatment available to you and your kids. In fact, they may not even be the best orthodontic treatment for your kids if there are only minor issues that need to be addressed. That’s why it’s important to do your research as a parent. Do you think your kids would struggle more with metal braces than with another form of orthodontic treatment? What does your dentist think? It just may turn out that an option like Invisalign is better for your kids’ orthodontic needs. Considering that almost 47% of Invisalign users reported a boost in self-esteem during treatment, it’s worth looking into if nothing else. Doing your research beforehand will not only help you feel more at ease with your final choice, but it will likely help your kids feel like you’re really looking after their best interests.
There Will Be Dietary Changes
Whether you choose a program like Invisalign or opt for traditional metal braces, dietary changes are a necessary part of orthodontic treatment. Crunchy foods like raw apples, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables will need to be cooked or cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces before your kids can eat them. In addition, meat needs to be served off the bone. It’s a great idea to get the whole family behind these dietary changes, too. So if you’re a fan of soups and stews, now is the time to break out the slow cooker and start prepping your favorite hearty recipes. In addition to eating softer foods in smaller pieces, your kids will need to avoid chewy candy, hard candy, and be careful with foods like popcorn that could get caught between the teeth or in metal brackets.
Dental Care Might Be a Challenge
While regular dental checkups every six months are no problem while your kids have braces, at-home dental hygiene might turn into something of a challenge, especially with metal brackets. If you make a point to know this information before your kids start their orthodontic treatment, then you’ll be able to make smart investments to help them take better care of their teeth while they have braces. Two excellent pieces of equipment to consider investing in include an electric toothbrush and a water flosser. Both of these tools will help your kids take great care of their braces and their teeth throughout the duration of their orthodontic treatment.
Getting braces is a rite of passage for most kids. And as a parent, it’s your job to help make that rite of passage one that’s as bearable as possible.
