Children are hardly ever excited about the prospect of getting braces. If you are considering getting your child braces for your child, then it is wise to do some thorough research to explain their importance to your child. For accurate information that is unique to your case, you can contact professionals like Meschke Orthodontics – Wichita Bright Smiles, who will walk you through the entire process and what to expect.
Braces are an orthodontic solution that dentists often recommend for various reasons. While they are most famous for their aesthetic value in bestowing a beautiful smile, braces are crucial for proper dental functioning and oral hygiene. This article will cover some of the essential considerations you should be aware of when booking an appointment to get your child braces.
Braces Can Be Expensive
Any research you may have conducted has probably already revealed that braces are not cheap. If you go for the traditional metal braces (which are increasingly falling out of popularity), then you can expect them to cost at least five thousand dollars. The total cost of getting braces goes beyond actual purchasing and installation expenses. Usually, your child will require additional dental treatment before and after the installation of braces.
Orthodontists are aware that the high cost of braces can overwhelm even parents who have a comprehensive insurance policy. Consequently, most reputable orthodontists offer flexible payment options that you can take advantage of to get excellent care and pay for it in manageable installments. Be sure to visit various dentists to get the most attractive payment offers and options.
Braces Require an Adjustment Period
Braces take some getting used to, and the first few weeks are particularly tough. The process of installing a set of braces takes about two hours, and the orthodontist will take steps to desensitize the mouth and reduce the pain. However, your child will still suffer some pain or discomfort during and after the procedure.
When you take your child home, you will need to adjust their diet to food that does not require much chewing. After getting their braces put in, soft, mushy, or drinkable foods are the recommended types to serve your child. Avoid offering any excessively sugary foods because you will have to keep a close eye on their oral hygiene in the period after the procedure.
Braces Call For Excellent Oral Hygiene and Follow-Up Orthodontists Visits
Braces inevitably get pieces of food stuck in them, making maintaining proper oral hygiene much more complicated than usual. It is crucial to explain the importance of brushing regularly. Your orthodontist will instruct you and your child on the best way to care for the braces. Pay close attention because you will need to enforce the doctor’s rules on your child with a gentle reminder now and then.
Even with the best oral hygiene, you will still need to take your child to schedule follow-up appointments with the orthodontist. The follow-up appointments are inevitable because the orthodontist requires to monitor the progress of the braces and check for any complications. As the braces continue to do their job and rectify the misalignment of the teeth, the orthodontist will require to readjust them periodically.
Braces Require Patience
When speaking to your child about the possibility of getting braces, be sure to inform them that they do not work overnight. Braces take tons of proper care, time, and patience before your child can take them off. If you see your child having trouble maintaining the level of oral hygiene required to care for the braces properly, remind them that neglecting the braces only increases the period of time they will have to wear them.
Braces are a big commitment and an excellent chance for you to support your child through a challenging process that will bear great results. If your child is still on the fence about getting braces, listen to all their concerns and find a way to reassure them with creative solutions or emotional support. Children often have the endurance to face the teasing or social impact they fear braces will cause. Take advantage of this opportunity to instill grit in your child.
Getting braces for your child is a personal decision based on the health and aesthetic consequences of not getting them. If your dentist has recommended getting braces for your child, then you should seriously consider it even if there is nothing outwardly wrong with your child’s teeth. Dentists and orthodontists are trained to see potential problems before they develop, and it is wise to listen to them.