Gentle Ways to Explain the Need for Orthodontics to Your Child

When your child needs orthodontic treatment in South Plainfield, NJ, they may not understand, or be fearful about the process. Here are some gentle ways to help your child to understand more easily.

Read a Book About It

It’s helpful to let a book do the talking. “Smile” is written for middle school ages 8-11, which is a common age where braces are needed. This fiction book is a funny and informative story about a young girl as she experiences life with orthodontics. Try out this Will Eisner award-winning, Scholastic book with your youngster.

Get Questions Answered

Have your child write down all the questions they have about orthodontics on a sheet of paper. Together, research answers online. Or, if possible, bring the list of questions to your child’s pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ to have them answered by your child’s orthodontist.

Affirm Their Attractiveness

Unfortunately, children can get the wrong idea about braces, thinking they are imperfect and need to be fixed. Make sure your child knows they are perfect just as they are. Reinforce that the orthodontics are a health treatment, not a beauty treatment. You don’t want them to think they are “less than” until they get their teeth fixed.

Use a Visual Model

Children learn more easily when they can see examples. Use this dental teeth model that has bendable teeth you can temporarily push out of alignment, show how the jaw works and how teeth can be lost without proper alignment. Your child will quickly see for themselves how teeth can be “awry,” and how it can be fixed with orthodontics.

Contact Pediatrics on Park today to book an appointment to discuss your child’s alignment issues. We’ll do all we can to ensure that their orthodontic experience is a positive one!