If you’re reading this blog, your child or teen probably has a lot of questions in regard to their orthodontic treatment coming up. They might be nervous about the treatment being painful or being the only student in their class with braces. They might not understand why there are certain foods that they can and can’t eat or are frustrated with how to properly brush or floss their teeth with braces. Lucky for you, Dr. Schatz at Schatz Orthodontics answers these questions all the time, so we thought we would address some of our most common questions in this blog to help you ease their concerns and better prepare them for their upcoming orthodontic treatment.

Learn About It Together

From traditional braces to Invisalign, Schatz Orthodontics offers a variety of options for your child’s orthodontic treatment. We understand that this can be overwhelming for both the parent and the kid, so the first step as you begin your orthodontic journey is to learn as much as you can…together! Research what foods your child will be able to eat and how to brush and floss with braces. Once you’ve done your research and discussed all of your child’s treatment options, both you and your child will feel better prepared to live with braces.

Reassure Your Child They Are Not Alone

Many kids don’t want braces or Invisalign because they don’t want to be the only ones in their class with braces. Reassure them that chances are a few of their classmates have braces or Invisalign or have had it in the past. You can even share your own experience with having braces at their age so they don’t feel alone. Once your kids realize how common braces are, they will feel more confident when it comes time for their own orthodontic treatment.

Fill Your Kitchen with Braces-friendly Foods

Aside from getting used to their new smile with braces, your child will have to adapt their eating habits during the duration of their orthodontic treatment. There are a number of foods with braces your child will have to avoid while living with braces including sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy foods… also any foods you have to bite into such as apples or corn on the cob.
Make your child’s life with braces easier by filling your kitchen with braces-friendly foods. Options like yogurt, fruit, soup, smoothies, steamed veggies, or ice cream are perfect foods for teens with braces in Stone Oak because they are least likely to get stuck or damage your child’s braces. Of course, accidents happen, so if your child mentions one of their metal brackets coming loose, please call our office in Stone Oak.

Plan Ahead for the Discomfort that comes with Braces or Invisalign

As with any orthodontic treatment, there may be some mild discomfort as your child gets used to their new life with braces or Invisalign as their teeth begin to shift and move to their desired position. Brackets from braces can cause additional discomfort to your child’s mouth and lips by causing sores, so Dr. Schatz recommends placing orthodontic wax over the metal brackets to help reduce irritation in addition to your typical over-the-counter pain relievers. Being proactive about managing discomfort will ensure your kids have a much more positive experience with braces or Invisalign.

Orthodontic Emergency Kit

Help your kids be ready for any situation by giving them an Invisalign or braces emergency kit to help keep their teeth clean while on the go. Common dental items to add to your child’s orthodontic emergency kit include:

• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• Flossing tools
• Orthodontic Wax
• Tissues
• Hand Sanitizer
• Chapstick or Lip Balm
• Mini Mirror

Store these items in a cosmetic or toiletry bag and have your child take it to school with them or any after-school activities.

Focus on the End Goal

After a few months, your kids will start counting down the days until their braces come off or when they can put away their aligners for good. To help keep them motivated, remind them of what awaits them once their treatment is over… a beautiful, straight smile! Focus on the goal and encourage them to continue to listen to Dr. Schatz’s instructions. Before long, they will be showing off their new, straight, and healthy smiles!

Still have questions? We can help!

Whether you want more details about your child’s orthodontic treatment or additional recommendations for things like the best toothpaste or chapstick for braces, don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable orthodontic team for help.

If you are interested in our different orthodontic treatment options, schedule a free consultation at Schatz Orthodontics in Stone Oak today! We look forward to speaking with you.