Tips For Preparing Your Kid For The First Orthodontics Visit

Many children are scared to visit an orthodontist. It may be due to a relative’s influence or stories they have heard from friends. Keeping your child calm during their dental treatment benefits you and the orthodontist. A squirming child creates a disturbance during their dental appointment.

However, there are ways you can ensure that your child stays calm during their orthodontic visit.

Tips For Preparing Your Kid For The First Orthodontics Visit

Some ways to prepare your child for their first orthodontics visit are:

Explain The Need For The Appointment

It is helpful if your child understands why they will meet the orthodontist. Your child might be afraid that there is something seriously wrong with them. Braces and Invisalign treat misaligned teeth and irregular jaw structures. Let them know that this treatment will help them improve their smile and make them healthier, happier, and more confident.

Explain What To Expect From The Appointment

The first appointment will consist of an oral examination, x-rays, and photos of their mouth. X-rays help them see if anything is wrong with their gums, the position of bone growth, and the location of the tooth root. The orthodontist may also discuss treatment options with you.

You can practice the dental examination in your home as games. This way, the child will know what to expect and be less nervous during the treatment. You can make them sit in a chair and brush their teeth. A small mirror can serve as a dental mirror. You can even sit on a chair and make them play ‘dentist’ with you.

Doing so will make them aware of the treatment process and give them the confidence to face the orthodontist.

Is It Going To Hurt?

The answer to this question is definitely yes. Being honest with your child is important. Pain scares children. If your child gets braces, they will experience pain in the first week after their treatment and whenever the braces need adjustment. You can tell them that pain and discomfort will be minimal and won’t last long. In these times, you can use medications prescribed by the dentist. Painkillers, anti-inflammation, and antibiotics help reduce pain and swelling. You can press an icepack on their cheeks to give comfort. Dental wax helps protect gums from irritation and poking.

Bring A Comfort Item

There are multiple ways you can comfort your child during their treatment. One of the best ways to do so is with toys. A physical item equates to comfort and safety. Let the child take their favorite soft toy or any small toy to the orthodontist. It could be a specific toy, stuffed animal, or a small blanket. A children’s orthodontist will always have small soft toys in their clinic for the children to play with.

Answer Their Questions

Children are curious by nature. They may ask you questions regarding their dental issues and treatments. Answer all their questions with patience. You might need to repeat some points more than once. Eventually, they will understand why they are going to the orthodontist. This will make them calmer during the treatment and give them a sense of awareness and understanding.

The Bottom Line

The conversation between you and your child depends on the child’s age. Some children’s orthodontists do not attend to those younger than seven. Make sure you see an orthodontist with experience in dealing with children and one your child feels comfortable with.