A GUIDE FOR PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR BRACES OR INVISALIGN
Before your child gets braces or Invisalign, there are a few things you should know to make your job (and ours) easier. Orthodontic treatment for kids can start as early as 7 or 8 years of age, or as soon as the primary or baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent or adult teeth have grown in. Do you need help knowing how to prepare your child for orthodontic treatment? We’re here to help!
1. Make Early Visits to the Orthodontist
Early visits to the orthodontist can save your child from future oral health issues and save you money down the road. A good orthodontist can discover hidden problems with jaw growth, alignment, or emerging teeth before you can. Modern orthodontic techniques continue to evolve so your child won’t have to drastically change their lifestyle in order to get the smile they want. At Tasios Orthodontics, our priority is to make your child feel as comfortable and safe as possible – so they’ll be smiling with straight teeth in no time.
2. Have the “Investment” Talk
Getting braces or Invisalign is an investment in both time and money – so it’s important that you sit down with your child to have this talk. When you can set reasonable expectations for your child to know the time commitment and financial responsibility your family is taking on by going through orthodontic treatment, they will be better prepared to take the necessary steps to take care of their orthodontic equipment and oral health.
3. Choose the Right Treatment Plan
There are many options to straighten teeth these days, but the most beneficial are traditional braces and Invisalign. Your child can choose the treatment plan they prefer from clear braces to metal brackets with colorful bands to clear aligners like Invisalign. Each treatment plan requires unique maintenance, but our Tasios team will help you and your child find the best option for your family!
4. Discuss the Benefits of Straight Teeth vs. the Sacrifice
It’s also important to discuss that the benefits of having straight teeth come with a few sacrifices. Orthodontic treatment does require proper daily maintenance and a few adjustments to your child’s diet. Hard foods, candies, raw veggies, sticky sweets, and tough meats are a no-go during treatment time. But not to worry! There are plenty of good, soft ortho-appropriate foods they can still eat! Make this fun for your child by having them write out a list of their favorite soft foods and always have them on the grocery list. Examples of soft foods would include bread, cooked pasta, milkshakes and smoothies, ice cream or yogurt, soups, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and more!
5. Stock Up on Ortho-Friendly Dental Products
Our office will provide some tools to help your child through their orthodontic journey. Before your child gets braces, stock up on a few ortho-friendly dental products including a soft-bristle toothbrush, orthodontic wax (this will be your best friend!), orthodontic flossers, and a travel pack that includes a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, and mouthwash for brushing after meals on the go. It’s also good to prepare to-go bags with soft snacks to keep your child from eating foods on the “no-go” ortho treatment list. If you have questions about other dental hygiene items your child may need, we’ll answer all of your questions during your next appointment!
But the best tip to prepare your child for braces is by focusing on the positives of having a straight smile for a lifetime versus the small sacrifices they will need to make in the short term. If they can remember the end goal, then your child’s orthodontic treatment period will fly by! Plus, our team at Tasios has been voted the Top Orthodontic Clinic in Vaughan by our amazing community for the past 7 years (and we’re planning on continuing the trend).
At Tasios Orthodontics, we believe nothing should stop you from smiling. Book your orthodontic appointment or FREE in-office or virtual consultation today!
“We’re here to make you smile!”
-Tasios Orthodontics