What if your child refuses braces?
As a parent, you want only the best for your child, even if something is going to be difficult, but the results will be worth it. Braces can be for many of us a nightmare, so how do you deal with a child that refuses to get braces?
No child wants braces, it’s only as they get older that they will wish they had, and instead will look into the procedure many years down the track. Braces just aren’t for looks; braces can be used to help realign the jaws to correct over or under bites and help prevent other major dental issues in the future.
What can you do if you have a pouty teen saying that they aren’t going to let that happen?
Here are a few suggestions on dealing with any questions that come your way.
As a parent, you know your child quite well, when it comes to something big – like braces, you should make the time to sit down with them and ask them if they have any questions or any concerns. Taking time to address the issues is an important way to understand them, and help them through.
- Will kids make fun of me? Okay, braces aren’t cool and we have all heard (and possibly said) the metal mouth taunt a few times. It’s natural your child will be concerned about how their friends will react. Does your child have any friends who have had braces? Or has a sibling, friend or relative that has had braces? If they find someone they can talk to and relate to who has been through the processes it can help them to see that braces aren’t that bad and that the long-range benefits will be worth it.
- Will I look silly? Looking in the mirror that first time will be difficult, so perhaps try and arrange braces over school holidays, so your child has time to adjust, and so their closest friends can see and have time to adjust too. Kids can now choose to use coloured bands that cover their brackets and metal braces are now smaller with lower profiles.
- But it hurts! It’s true, occasionally there will be a little soreness following adjustments, that doesn’t last long, getting braces on and off shouldn’t hurt at all.
- It’s going to take forever! The average treatment time for braces is 18 months, and for a teenager, that is a really long time! Regular visits and keeping track of the progress on a calendar is a great way to stay motivated.
Try to remind your child that having straight and healthy teeth will not only help prevent further dental issues; it can also have an impact on their successful education, career and even relationships.
If your child needs reassurance on how the whole process is going to go, you can book them in with one of our Parramatta dentists at Dental Avenue. Call us on 02 800 400 55 and talk to one of our friendly team members and book in!
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