How to Prepare Your Child for Braces

Ensure you research orthodontics with your child to help them understand why they are important. Try to learn about different types of braces and think of the option that is likely to work for your child. Of course, your orthodontist will help you select the best type of braces or appliance for your child based on their unique orthodontic needs.



During your first visit to the orthodontist, you should encourage your child to ask questions to be well-informed about their treatment plan.

You should talk to your child about what to expect during and after the procedure since they are probably nervous or scared. You can also ask your orthodontist to explain the treatment stages to help your child understand why they might spend more time on the dentist’s chair than during regular dental checkups.

Moreover, inform them of the discomfort they might experience in the first few days. It is very rare for orthodontic patients to require any form of prescription-strength painkillers, and most times simple over-the-counter remedies work exceptionally well. This will encourage cooperation and help lessen anxiety about discomfort.

You also need to discuss the results to expect. It can be stressful for a kid to think of wearing braces for a few years. Hence, you need to emphasize on how their teeth will look like after the braces are removed. Show them before and after photos of people who wore braces, especially their favorite celebrities, to raise their spirits.



Don’t forget to take photos of their teeth before and during the treatment. This way, they will enjoy the journey and can’t wait to take after photos for comparisons.

At times, the brackets or protruding wires on the braces can rub against soft tissues like the cheeks or gums, causing irritation or sores. Thus, you should buy adequate orthodontic wax or get it from your orthodontist. The wax will provide a barrier between the wires and your child’s mouth, preventing them from rubbing against each other.



Roll a small amount of wax in your fingertips and press it on the bracket or wire. You should also teach your child how to do this. Give them their own wax to solve the problem if it happens when they are at school or home when you are not around.

If your child is active in sports, you should tell them that braces won’t affect their talent. However, they will have to wear mouth guards when playing to prevent mouth injuries. Ensure you get custom-made mouth guards with adequate room to cover teeth, gums, and braces from the orthodontist.

During the first couple of days, it will be hard for your child to chew hard foods as they get accustomed to their new braces. Hence, you should stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods like rice, pasta, ice cream, bananas, mashed potatoes, smoothies, spinach, oatmeal, eggs, and soup.

You should also have chilled foods, such as yogurt, as they can soothe a sore mouth. Therefore, they will come in handy if the braces rub your child’s mouth.

Braces have helped align the teeth of many American kids and improve their oral health. At Rosen Orthodontics, we provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages, and we can help your child attain their dream smile. Contact us today for more information.