Even if your child goes to the best pediatric dental office in Kearney, MO, it is likely that they might not enjoy their regular visits. Although regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings are a good thing, it is normal for a child to get a little uneasy before their visit.
Well, if regular visits to a pediatric dentist in Kearney, MO weren’t stressful enough for your child, those feelings of anxiety might go to another level if it’s determined that they need braces. However, as a parent, there are some things you can do to help keep your child calm during this time. Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry has compiled a list of the best way to handle the news that your child needs braces.
Discuss Treatment Options
Be open with your child when it comes to their upcoming visit to the orthodontist. Consider all the options, whether it’s invisible braces or traditional metal braces. Let them know that invisible braces may be more appealing, but financially, metal braces may make more sense.
Let Them Know What to Expect
As a leading pediatric dentist in Kearney, MO, Shoal Creek knows that one of the biggest concerns children have with braces is the pain that they might cause. It might be easy to say, “they don’t hurt at all,” just to keep your child calm. You don’t want to give your child false information, so let them know that there will likely be some discomfort for a few days after each adjustment.
Soft Foods
As your child is getting used to braces, they may only want to eat soft foods for the first few days. Children’s dentists in Kearney, MO recommend items like ice cream, yogurt, jello, pudding, and soup to help keep your child’s discomfort to a minimum.
Wax
It is common for braces to irritate the inside of a child’s mouth, especially in the first few days. Orthodontic wax can make a child’s braces much more comfortable. It is applied to the part of the bracket that makes your child’s mouth the most uncomfortable. Ask your Kearney, MO pediatric dentist specialist or orthodontist to provide wax if they have not offered it to you.
The Benefits
As a leading Kearney, MO children’s dentist office, Shoal Creek knows the long-term benefits of using braces. Be sure to reinforce to your child that they will be glad they had braces at a young age so that they can have straighter, healthier teeth for the rest of their life.
If you are looking for the right children’s dentist in Kearney, MO for your child, look no further than Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry. Our friendly staff will treat your child with the utmost care and understanding during their visit. We strive to make each child’s dental experience a positive one, so give us a call today at (816) 781-5437 to find out how Shoal Creek can provide your child with the best dental care available in the Kearney area.
