Is your child dealing with poorly aligned teeth? This is something incredibly common that most parents face. Having healthy-looking teeth is very important and it’s one of the first things someone notices during an interaction. As we all know, first impressions truly do matter. Teeth that are crooked really can get to one’s self-esteem, but it’s far worse for children.
We can all agree that children can be ruthless when it comes to bullying and teasing, and unfortunately, children with poorly aligned teeth tend to be the victims of bullying. Thankfully there are plenty of affordable options thanks to modern technology that helps patients, especially kids with getting a better smile and straighter teeth. Here are some important things to know about getting your child’s teeth to straighten.
Start early
The earlier, the better. Seeking earlier treatments to align teeth is going to be one of the best solutions. Many dentists will recommend visiting an orthodontist before your child reaches the age of seven. Even getting started while your children have baby teeth is vastly going to help.
Know that there are discreet options
Many children detest the idea of having traditional braces in their mouths. Braces are known for being a bit painful, caring for them can be a little confusing, not to mention the constant upkeep and avoiding certain foods. Thankfully there are teeth straightening options. Clear braces are very popular and they work just as well as traditional braces. Plus one of the main benefits is the fact that it’s far easier to eat meals with these. Traditional braces are known for being difficult to clean after eating. Your child will still be able to work towards getting straight teeth while also having the discreteness of it.
There may be a bit of pain
Whether you allow your child to go the traditional route with braces or in getting the more discreet option, just know that both may be a bit painful. There is going to be constant pressure being applied to the teeth. This of course is going to lead to pain. Your dentist or any other oral health professional will be the one to advise you on the best way for your child to deal with the pain. Most parents will choose the discreet route as the traditional braces have a bit more of a reputation for being painful. But retainers can also do this too. Retainers tend to be necessary for patients to wear after the treatment of getting their teeth straight. Sometimes, the retainers can be painful as well.
Try to make it fun
When it comes to children, it’s great knowing that almost anything can become a fun adventure for them. You can even make your yard more fun for kids, and they’ll have a blast with it. Just try and get creative with how you’re going to talk to your child about getting their teeth straightened. You can make it into a fun game or an adventure for them. Since this is a big and scary task for them, you should also let them know that you’re going to be there for them throughout this journey.
