You love your child’s slightly crooked smile, but also know the benefits of teeth straightening, which is why you want to take them to the orthodontist. Understandably, they may be a little nervous at the thought—after all, they don’t know what to expect when it comes to braces. The following guide offers tips for easing this anxiety and making them comfortable with their new smile.

How to Get Your Child Ready for Braces

1. Keep Them Informed

The greatest challenge kids face when first visiting the orthodontist is fear of the unknown. Therefore, talk them through it. Explain how a misaligned bite can make it more difficult to clean their mouths thoroughly and possibly even lead to jaw problems and headaches. Explain the application process—from getting X-rayed to having the mold taken to getting the braces placed. You can even mention the ice cream they’ll get to have for the first few days afterward. Strive to be factual but positive and to answer any questions they may have the same way.

2. Let Them Know They Have Options

Not only do kids these days have a wide variety of braces colors to choose from, but you might also be considering Invisalign® as a more subtle alternative to metal. If you can, letting them have a say in this decision can help them feel more in control of the situation.

3. Help Them Understand They’re Not Alone

Don’t forget to let your child know that getting braces is very common—with 4.5 million Americans wearing them right now. Chances are, some of their friends or other family members already have. To convince them even further, you might mention celebrities or TV characters who have sported this same look.

If your child is beginning to show any signs of misaligned teeth or jaw problems, it may be time to see the orthodontist. When it comes to caring, comfortable, state-of-the-art treatment throughout the North Richland Hills area of Texas, turn to the team at Delgado Orthodontics. They have been helping patients achieve their most confident smiles for years. Visit their website today for treatment options and information, or call (817) 282-1821 to schedule an appointment.