How to Help Your Teen Adjust to Their New Braces
Getting braces for the first time is tough. If you had braces as a child or teen, you know! But now it’s time for your first child to start their orthodontic treatment and you’re not sure how to help them out. If you want to help your teen adjust to their new braces, here are a few tips to help you out.
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Consider All Your Options
If you’re still in the pre-treatment phase and working with a teen who’s nervous about wearing metal braces, it’s a good idea to explore every option available to them. The average length of time a person will wear braces is about two years, after all. And now, invisible aligner options are offering a self-esteem boosting alternative to metal braces. That being said, it might not be possible to go with this option if there are more serious orthodontic issues that your teen needs resolved. Regardless, it can make your teen feel like they’re being supported and heard when you advocate for exploring all of their options before committing to one form of orthodontic treatment.
Manage Expectations Effectively
Prior to their appointment to have their braces put on, make sure you let your teen know that they have every right to ask questions about their treatment. Your teen’s orthodontist will give them a rough idea of what to expect while wearing braces in terms of general discomfort, pain, and even some potential complications. It’s up to you to give your teen the opportunity to ask more in-depth questions. If they play a sport, they may want to know how braces will affect their performance or their safety gear. Set up a time shortly before the appointment for you and your teen to sit together while they write down a few important questions they want to ask.
Make Life Easier For Your Teen
When almost 75% of people wearing braces are under the age of 18, diet changes can come as a bit of a challenge. If you want to help your teen adjust to their new braces, it’s your job to make life a little bit easier for them, especially when it comes to meals. Traditional metal braces don’t allow foods like corn, hard candies, whole apples, and even some chips to be in the wearer’s diet. So when you’re prepping meals or packing lunches, make sure food is soft and cut into bite-sized pieces for them. And get the whole family in on it, too! Serve soups and hearty stews for dinner and consider softening vegetables instead of serving them fresh.
Reward Your Teen for Every Orthodontic Victory
This support strategy works particularly well with younger teens. When they successfully get their braces tightened or move to a new stage of their orthodontic treatment, treat them a little! And make sure you cater to their interests while you’re at it. For instance, if your teen loves baseball, take them out to throw a few pitches at the local park or practice batting. Of course, a treat like this would only work in the warmer seasons, as shaved bats typically don’t do very well in temps below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A trip to get some ice cream or new crafting supplies is always a good idea, too.
Having braces for the first time isn’t always a pleasant experience. Fortunately, your teen has you there to help them get through it and thrive while they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Good luck!
