I know that, as a parent, you want to do what is best for your child, but you may not realize the importance of straight teeth and a healthy bite to their overall health and well-being. Did you know your child’s teeth can affect their breathing, posture, and sleep habits? Read on to learn some reasons that properly aligned teeth are important.
Some Problems Caused by Misaligned Teeth
You already know that one purpose of braces is to straighten teeth. In order to do that, orthodontic treatment deals with issues such as crooked, overcrowded, and overlapping teeth; underbites and overbites; misaligned teeth caused by trauma; jaw pain; breathing impairments; and more.
Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean, and a poor bite (called malocclusion) can make chewing food difficult. Sometimes a child’s speech is affected by poorly aligned teeth. Orthodontic braces help to alleviate these problems and put your child back on the road to good oral health.
Prepare Your Child for Braces
The key to preparing your child for getting braces is communication. Much of the hesitation about wearing braces results from the unknown. Will braces hurt? How long will they have to be worn? Will certain foods and drinks have to be avoided forever? The caring team here at our office is happy to work with you to develop answers to any questions your child may have.
Focus on the benefits of having braces. Discussing what to expect and what the braces will accomplish goes a long way toward alleviating the anxiety your child may be feeling. The time the braces are to be worn may feel like an eternity to a kid, but stress that wearing them is only temporary. Let them know that the fix isn’t designed to be quick — it’s designed to be permanent — and that the healthy, beautiful, confident smile and improved oral health will be worth it in the long run.
Little Things Can Help A Lot
Little things can make a difference in how well your child adapts to wearing braces. Stock up on soft foods so it will be easier for your child to handle the discomfort they may feel at first from the pressure of the braces. Keep orthodontic wax handy. Even though braces and wires are smaller and thinner and less intrusive than ever, the protective layer provided from the wax can make the braces even more comfortable.
Whether your child is one of those who finds the thought of braces exciting or one who tries to talk you out of the need for them, it helps to have the information you need to make the process as worry-free and comfortable as possible. If you have any questions or are ready to get started on braces, we can help. We are happy to serve Uvalde, Texas, and the surrounding area. Contact my office for an appointment today!
