Tips for Parents with Kids in Braces - Braces Las Vegas

Even though braces for adults have become a growing trend, a large majority of orthodontic patients are teenagers aged 12-16 years of age. Teenagers are notoriously known for being rebellious and ignorant of their parent’s advice. Orthodontic treatment is an investment you make for your children because you want the best for them. They may not realize or understand this, so it’s important to advise them on how to deal with the matter. Here are the tips for parents who have kids with braces:

Your children will enjoy a nice smile soon enough!

Braces Are Temporary

Many teenager kids become self-conscious about their new look with braces, especially girls. As a parent, it’s important to support them emotionally in case they begin to feel down for various reasons related to their braces. On top of this support, you should constantly remind them that it’s a temporary situation that yields great results.

Braces allows teenagers the chance to learn what patience is all about – an aspect of life everyone is forced to learn at some point or another. Remind your child to keep their eye on the prize as the braces gradually work towards producing a lasting, straightened, beautiful smile.

Be Strict on Dental Hygiene

Braces or not, you should always be strict on your children’s dental hygiene (and your own as well!). However, those with orthodontics command greater attention to oral hygiene in order to keep the process flowing. Food can become trapped far more easily with braces – something that leads to rapid tooth decay. Nag your children to brush and floss while reminding them of what can/will happen if they do not.

Plan Appropriate Meals

Those with braces often demand meals that will not cause them unnecessary pain or work. If you cook, then make sure to use ingredients that will not have the possibility of damaging your child’s orthodontics. Soft foods such as soups and pastas are great. Hard foods or anything chewy should be avoided.

Take Advantage of Our Resources

In case you ever feel lost on what to do during situations that your child will experience, then visit our patient care section where we offer many articles on everything to do with braces, including an FAQ section for quick, easy answers.

Quick Tips on Going Back to School with Braces – Braces Las Vegas

Braces are for all ages, children and teens alike!

School has just begun and if you’re new to braces, then you’re going to want to pay attention to some of the back to school braces tips we’re about to offer. If you already have braces, then you can use our handy, little guide as a nice refresher. The main goal is to make the transition from wearing braces at home to wearing braces in school as smooth as possible.

Extra Elastics

You’re going to want to bring some extra elastics in case one of them snaps or falls out for any reason. If you have a locker then consider placing a few inside of it so that you always have a few handy while you’re at school. Elastics are the driving force behind straightening your teeth. If you do not have your elastics on, then you are slowing the process down.

Orthodontic Mouth Guards

Many children sign up for sporting programs at their school – not a problem. Playing sports with braces is a concern for many parents, but there’s no harm done as long as you have a special custom-fit orthodontic mouth guard that is specifically made to protect your braces and of course, your gums and teeth as well. Check with your orthodontist for more information.

Cases

You will only need a case if you have a removable pair of orthodontics such as Invisalign braces or a retainer. By having a case handy, you are able to better track where your expensive appliances are. Believe it or not we have heard stories of patients whose children lost their retainer because they accidentally tossed it without realizing. A case helps prevent this.

Pack Appropriate Lunches

Either bring your own lunch that is great for those braces or if your school offers lunches then make an effort to select the foods that won’t require extensive maintenance later on. We recommend soft foods and vegetables. Hard, crunchy foods may damage your brackets and/or wiring.

Bring one of your special flossing tools to school just in case something get caught between your braces.

Chapstick

Those with braces have a tendency to get chapped lips so keeping chapstick handy (either on you or in a locker) is a great, easy way to take care of this problem.

Remember to brush and floss your teeth every day (and night!) for at least 2 minutes a time for an effective cleaning. If anything happens at school to your braces then be sure to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as you can.

Braces Las Vegas wishes you the best of luck during the school year!