Orthodontics can fix a range of issues with your child’s pearly whites. Whether it’s overcrowding or bite misalignment, your little one’s orthodontist can get your child’s smile on a straighter path! You are doing everything to make the journey for them as smooth as possible. While very uncommon, you want to be sure any unexpected mishaps with your child’s new treatment. Read on to learn five essential tips to avoid an orthodontic emergency.
Tip #1: Stick with the Treatment Plan
Once your child begins treatment, your pediatric will provide you with a detailed set of instructions that will explain how to care for their orthodontics on a daily basis. Following these directions increases their chances of a successful process, as well as mitigate any chances of urgent situations. By consistently sticking to the prescribed orthodontic treatment plan, your little one will be able to achieve an aligned smile without any major hiccups!
Tip #2: Be Watchful of Their Diet
While wearing traditional metal braces, it will be essential to watch out for certain foods that can be detrimental to treatment. If you child continued to indulge in hard or crunchy treats, such as candy apples and popcorn, they can potentially damage the wires or metal brackets. In addition, the small pieces of these snacks can get stuck in their braces, making it hard to clean and putting their oral health at risk. By minimizing the foods that could be harmful to their braces, their future straightened smile can stay on track.
Tip #3: Help Them Implement a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen
Between busy school days and after-school activities, it can be easy to begin to slip in keeping up with their oral hygiene regimen. However, it is so important to keep their pearly whites in good condition while undergoing orthodontics. To keep their smile happy and healthy, they should be brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. In addition, be sure they attend their biyearly dental checkups and cleanings to keep their oral health in tip-top shape!
Tip #4: Reinforce Good Habits
Many people have little habits that they do without thinking that can harm their smile. This includes children! If your child bites or chews on things to deal with anxiety or just for “something to do”, it’s important to gently re-direct their behavior. Whether it’s their nails or objects like pencils or straws, be sure to reiterate that this can damage their orthodontics. Give them alternatives to alleviate stress or boredom, like fun stress balls or magnetic balls. Teach them calming practices, like deep breathing and stretching.
Tip #5: Inform Your Pediatric Dentist of Any Concerns
Your pediatric dentist wants your child’s treatment to be successful and achieved with ease. If you notice anything wrong during their orthodontic process, don’t hesitate to call them. Whether a bracket seems to be loose or your child seems to be uncomfortable, you will want to nip any issues in the bud before they become a bigger problem. Your dentist can give over-the-phone advice or have you schedule an appointment to quickly solve the concern.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne Paulson and his team at Casper Children’s Dental Clinic are eager to help your child straighten their smile comfortably and successfully. He earned his doctorate of dental surgery from Creighton University and served a two-year residency throughout the islands of Hawaii. As a parent of four children, he provides a full range of dental services (including orthodontics) with a sense of humor and family. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (307) 266-1997.