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Five Ways To Help Your Kids Adjust To Braces

Kid with braces smiling in a pool

Summer vacation is a good time to start your kid’s orthodontic treatment. Why? Because it can be easier to adjust to braces during the summer, when kids are on break from school.

It’s less stressful to learn to talk, eat and live with braces without the added pressure of a new school year and social demands. Plus, the cool, soft foods of summer are ideal for soothing the irritation that can occur when braces are first installed. By the time school is in session again, your child’s comfort and confidence levels will be higher.

If your kiddos have big plans for the summer – camp, travel, whatever interesting project they may be involved in – you can help them accelerate their adjustment to braces with the tips below. These tips also work in any season, and for any age group. So, if it’s you getting braces instead of your child, or you’ve decided the best time to get started with braces is winter break, that’s fine too. Read on and be prepared!

Getting used to braces

Know what to expect – find out from the orthodontist what to expect during the process and afterwards. This varies according to the type of braces, but feeling a little pressure on teeth is typical during application, followed by a sore mouth and a sensation of tooth-tightness for the first few days. Knowing exactly what to expect can help.

Stock up on soft foods and supplies – For wire braces, orthodontic wax can help. It can coat braces’ wires so that they don’t irritate the mouth. Ask your orthodontist if wax will be needed, and what other supplies to have on hand (other than soft, easy to eat foods!).

Spend more time on oral hygiene – Since food particles can easily get caught in braces, it’s important to brush very thoroughly, rinse and floss. Orthodontists may recommend using a type of floss especially for braces, and/or special kinds of electronic toothbrushes.

Plan to see the orthodontist often – As the teeth move into their desired new positions, braces will have to be adjusted frequently. Expect a little discomfort for a few days following each adjustment.

Think about the final result – When orthodontic devices are annoying your child, remind them that braces are important. Not only will they get a nicer-looking smile, but braces can also result in healthier teeth and gums. Teeth that are well-aligned can be easier to brush properly, reducing the chances of decay and disease, and can also make it easier to speak clearly and eat nutritious foods. This little bit of annoyance really will be worth it in the near future, and all throughout their lives.

Parents: adjusting to the cost of braces

The cost of braces can be a challenge for many families. On average, braces cost $5,000 -$6,000. And that price goes up for braces made of clear materials, treatment for complex oral issues, and location—residents of bigger cities can expect to pay more for orthodontics.

Dental insurance can help a bit, but typically has an annual maximum spending limit of $1,000-$1,500, and may also have a lifetime limit on coverage for orthodontics. That can leave families paying much of the cost out of pocket. Consider a dental savings plans to help lower the cost of braces. These plans do not limit how much you can save each year, or how often you can use this (if you have multiple children needing braces, this is big news!). Plan members enjoy reduced rates on dental care at a nationwide network of over 140,000 dentists. See how much you can save on braces today.

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