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From starting high school to learning how to drive, being a teenager is full of exciting milestones. But for many adolescents, getting older also means having to wear braces. The teen years are ideal for orthodontic care, as all their baby teeth have fallen out and their adult teeth are in prime position for straightening. It’s also a time when kids can rely on their parents to get through the process. If you have a teen who is getting braces, here are a few ways you can help them comfortably complete the process with confidence.  

How To Ensure Your Child is Comfortable With Their Braces

1. Stay Supportive

To help your child feel more assured about orthodontic care, use encouraging words and provide a compassionate ear. If they’re feeling self-conscious, remind your child about how wearing braces will pay off in the long run. Also, let them know they can come to you if their braces hurt or feel unusual, as this may be a sign that you need to speak with the orthodontist for adjustments.

2. Simplify Oral Hygiene

Since plaque and food debris tend to get stuck within braces, proper dental hygiene is critical to avoiding cavities and periodontal disease. In addition to reminding your child to brush and floss at least twice a day, invest in oral hygiene tools that can help with the cleaning process, such as water flossers and interdental brushes.

3. Follow Food Recommendations

orthdonticsCertain foods—such as sticky candy, bagels, popcorn, and hard nuts—can get stuck in braces or damage the equipment. Since skipping these foods can be tough for a teen, avoid eating harmful items when you’re in their presence. Also, make an effort to serve orthodontic-friendly foods during meals, including pancakes, yogurt, steamed veggies, eggs, and mashed potatoes.  

4. Customize Treatment

If your child is feeling insecure about the way braces will affect their smile, talk to the orthodontist about customization options. Many providers will allow patients to choose colors that speak to their personality or look less visible.

5. Set Bedtime Reminders

After a busy day, tired teens may be eager to go to bed without completing their orthodontic care routine—which sometimes involves putting on rubber bands or wearing a mouth guard. To make sure they don’t forget these beneficial steps, set reminders so your child doesn’t go to sleep without performing these tasks.

 

 

If your teenager is ready to start the teeth straightening process, BridgeView Dental Care is a top orthodontics provider in the Kodiak, AK, region. As a kid-friendly dentist, this specialist understands how to walk young patients through the treatment process so that they feel confident at every step. This team also offers in-depth cleaning, adjustment, and customization services to help adolescents enjoy a more comfortable experience. Visit this dental clinic online to learn more about these services or call (907) 486-3257 to schedule a consultation.  

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