How To Relieve Your Child’s Anxiety About Kyle Braces
When you’re at the dentist’s office and your child’s doctor mentions the word, “braces” for the first time, it’s definitely possible that your kid might freak out! Thinking about metal braces on your teeth can be scary and even anxiety-producing for a lot of kids and teens.
What causes these fears? A lot of times patients are worried about the pain they’ll experience, the length of time the braces will be on, what their friends will think about them, and/or how they’ll cope with normal activities like eating and drinking, to name just a few. At Oldham Family Orthodontics in Kyle, we do everything we can to prepare our patients for Kyle braces or Kyle Invisalign. We know it’s a big lifestyle change and it affects everybody differently. Here are a few things you and your child can do to relieve some of the typical fear and anxieties associated with orthodontic treatment in Kyle.
Have An Open Conversation with Your Kyle Orthodontist
Once a dentist refers your child to an orthodontist for treatment, you should expect a thorough, FREE consultation before any treatment begins. At the consultation, talk to your orthodontist about any concerns you have as a parent, and ask your child to come ready with any questions they have as well. Don’t know what questions to ask? Read our blog post on the 10 Questions Your Should Ask Your Kyle Orthodontist for a good place to start. Your orthodontist should take the time to provide reassurance, address your concerns, and answer any questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment. You should leave your orthodontist’s office feeling confident in his/her ability to treat your case and give them braces in Kyle that will deliver fantastic results.
Talk To Family and Friends About Their Experiences
Once a dentist refers your child to an orthodontist for treatment, you should expect a thorough, FREE consultation before any treatment begins. At the consultation, talk to your orthodontist about any concerns you have as a parent, and ask your child to come ready with any questions they have as well. Don’t know what questions to ask? Read our blog post on the 10 Questions Your Should Ask Your Kyle Orthodontist for a good place to start. Your orthodontist should take the time to provide reassurance, address your concerns, and answer any questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment. You should leave your orthodontist’s office feeling confident in his/her ability to treat your case and give them braces in Kyle that will deliver fantastic results.
Teach Your Child Relaxation Techniques
There are so many YouTube channels out there right now that provide relaxation, deep breathing, or meditation to those who are experiencing high anxiety or stress. If your child is worried they will have trouble keeping calm while they are getting their Kyle braces on, seek out a channel that your child likes and can listen to during the initial appointment and any appointments after that. Using headphones that repeat relaxation techniques can help your child concentrate on something else if they are feeling anxious or worried. Sometimes even a good audio book is enough of a distraction and can help your child feel less stressed.
Visualizing The End Result
Most orthodontists now have 3D scanning technology that can show your child what their smile could potentially look like after Kyle braces treatment is complete. At our office, we have access to the latest and greatest technology, with the Invisalign iTero Element® scanner. This scanner creates a 3D digital model of your teeth that Dr. Oldham uses to customize treatment for your braces that will get you on the fast track to a beautiful smile. Encourage your child to focus on the end result-a gorgeous, straight smile! Every appointment your Kyle orthodontist can point out progress and show your child how the teeth are coming together, motivating him/her to keep up good dental hygiene and continue to take care of their teeth.
Build Your Child’s Confidence
It’s very likely when your child is ready for braces in Kyle they’ve already been through difficult things before. Remind your child that they dominated that sports team tryout! They aced that tough exam! They got an A on their class presentation! Before these things were accomplished, it’s likely your child was anxious. Assure them that even though things can seem scary ahead of time, they can do it! Build up their confidence by telling them how awesome they already are. Explain to your child that you’re proud of them for doing hard things and that they can get through braces too!
Select Oldham Family Orthodontics in Kyle
Going through Kyle braces treatment can be daunting for a child, but it’s important to remind them that the benefits of treatment far outweigh the short-term discomfort. Also remind them that having braces is a super common thing!
“Having braces as a child has become so common in the Western world that it can seem a rite of passage—today, an estimated 50 to 70 percent of U.S. children will wear braces before adulthood”
When you address your child’s fears and anxieties about braces in Kyle, they can feel more confident and prepared for orthodontic treatment. At our office we see kids from ages 7 and up! Board-certified Kyle orthodontist Dr. Maxwell Oldham is passionate about creating smiles for kids and adults of all ages! If you or your child are ready for Kyle/Buda braces or Invisalign in Kyle, set up a FREE consultation with us! At our office, you’re not just another patient. You’re part of our family!
“The staff here is incredibly skilled and caring. Often times I feel that companies no longer put value on customer service, or going the extra mile. Oldham orthodontics ABSOLUTELY does!! I cannot recommend them highly enough. They have been a godsend for us, thank you Oldham team!!” – Google review from Valera B.
If you live in Kyle, San Marcos, or Buda, orthodontics has never been easier.
We provide Kyle/Buda braces and Invisalign in Kyle to kids, teens, and adults.
Call us today at 512-256-7886 to schedule your FREE orthodontic consultation!