Getting braces for the first time, or starting Invisalign® treatment, is undeniably an adjustment for anyone — not just children!
If you’re a teen or adult starting treatment, you can easily grab your phone and google “nervous about getting braces for the first time” or “what to expect with Invisalign” and read about other people’s experiences. Most children don’t have that option, so it’s up to parents and our team to help ease children’s worries!
If your child is feeling a bit nervous about what’s to come, we’ve got 5 tips to help prepare them:
How to Prepare for Braces
1. Start with an open and honest conversation.
The best way to ease fears is by talking openly. When you and your child visit us, we’ll do our part to help resolve any fears about braces or orthodontic treatment, but it’s helpful for you to start the conversation at home too!
Explain why braces are important — not just for a beautiful smile, but for a healthy bite that makes it easier to eat their favorite foods, and long-term confidence that helps them make friends. Let them know that orthodontic treatment is incredibly common and that many of their friends, classmates, or even family members will go through it too.
Kids who feel included in the process tend to feel more at ease, because they know what to expect and why it matters. And when you visit us, our team will continue the conversation, answer all of their questions and help them feel comfortable every step of the way.
2. Explain the process of getting braces or clear aligners.
If your child is anxious about what to expect when you visit us, use our website as a resource to prepare them for the experience. Head over to our “Your First Visit” page to find out what you and your child can expect during your complimentary consultation at our orthodontic office in Panama City.
You can learn about the process in detail on that page, but here’s a quick summary to familiarize you:
- First, we’ll welcome you and your child with smiling faces! We’ll acquaint you with our team and office to ensure that you’re both comfortable.
- Once we’re ready to begin the orthodontic exam, Dr. Buttram (Panama City’s children’s orthodontist of over 30 years) will assess your little one’s smile.
- After gathering all of the necessary smile data, Dr. Buttram will present our treatment options and design a personalized treatment plan for your child! It’s that easy!
We’ll help you decide whether braces or Invisalign would be best for your child, based on the complexity of their condition and their preferences.
3. Talk about the coolness factor in orthodontic treatment!
Orthodontic treatment is cool! Let your child know that many of their favorite celebrities, influencers, and athletes have proudly worn braces or Invisalign to achieve their signature smiles.
Charlie D’amelio, Kendall Jenner, Serena Williams, Justin Bieber, Zac Efron, Aaron Jones, Zendaya and Billie Eilish all went through orthodontic treatment — and they did it publicly. Seeing that people they admire have been in the same spot can help your child feel more confident about their own journey.
And don’t forget: if you’ve had orthodontic treatment yourself, share your story. Kids love to hear that even mom, dad, or an older sibling has “been there” too.
4. Address the misconceptions.
There are a few misconceptions about getting braces for kids or starting treatment with Invisalign, and these may be hindering your child from feeling the true excitement of transforming his or her smile. Let’s address them!
“Does it hurt to get braces?” We hope your child will be relieved to know that getting braces at any age does not hurt. The process of placing braces simply involves a bit of dental glue, a tool to hold the cheeks and lips back while placing the brackets, and a wire placed through the brackets. No part of this process is painful. There will be some minor soreness as their teeth adjust over the next few days after the braces are placed, but a little Tylenol® goes a long way.
“Can I still eat snacks with braces or Invisalign?” Yes! While your child’s diet will require a few minor changes with braces, Invisalign doesn’t require any dietary changes. If your child is a foodie who doesn’t want to give up his or her favorite foods, you may want to consider Invisalign for a smoother transition!
5. Use positive rewards to build excitement.
If your child is still feeling hesitant, a simple reward system can make the process more fun and motivating. Small incentives help them associate braces or Invisalign with something positive, and give them little milestones to look forward to along the way.
- Take your child to a pre-celebratory lunch of their choice before you visit us for your consultation.
- Earn a little extra screen or gaming time after appointments.
- Pick up their favorite drink (like Starbucks or a smoothie) after a visit.
- Plan something fun after braces day, like seeing a movie or going out with friends.
Rewarding your child with small prizes can help your child feel excited about getting braces, and keep them motivated to continue to progress throughout the treatment process!
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. That doesn’t always mean they’ll get braces right away — but it gives us a chance to spot early issues, monitor growth, and create a plan if treatment will be needed.
Early visits give parents peace of mind and kids the best start toward a healthy, confident smile.
Kiddo still scared of getting braces?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’ve seen many young children who were apprehensive about starting orthodontic treatment when they arrived on their first visit.
Your highly-experienced Panama City pediatric orthodontist, Dr. Buttram, and our friendly team at Buttram Orthodontics have the experience and expertise necessary to help your child feel comfortable as they transition into treatment and work toward a beautiful new smile.
Ready to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment? Book your complimentary consultation with our orthodontist office in Panama City.
