The teenage years are for personal and physical development, and often, orthodontic treatment becomes a part of this growth process. An orthodontic journey can be exciting and daunting for teens and their parents, as it requires significant lifestyle changes and a considerable amount of patience. As a parent, your support and guidance help your teen navigate the braces phase successfully.
This guide for parents will provide information and tips on how to support your teen through their orthodontic treatment. But first, take your teen for a free orthodontic assessment to evaluate their needs and discuss potential treatment options.
Understanding the Orthodontic Journey
Before delving into how parents can support their teens, it’s important to have a basic understanding of teen orthodontic treatments.
Orthodontic treatment is a way to align teeth and correct jaw misalignments using a variety of orthodontic devices, including braces, clear aligners, and instruments, depending on the individual’s needs.
A common set of challenges faced by teenagers undergoing orthodontic treatment revolves around the adjustment to their physical appearance and the discomfort associated with the devices. These emotional and physical hurdles contribute to struggles with self-esteem during a formative period of their lives.
To address these issues, parents must understand what their teens are going through and provide the necessary support to help them cope.
Celebrate Milestones & Progress in Your Teen’s Orthodontic Journey
Recognising Small Wins
Parents should acknowledge and celebrate the small victories throughout their teen’s orthodontic treatment. It could be as simple as completing a month of treatment, getting used to a new appliance, or even maintaining good oral hygiene with teen braces.
These small acknowledgements and words of encouragement reinforce your teen’s perseverance and commitment to the treatment.
Visual Progress Tracking
Consider setting up a progress chart or a visual timeline with photos of their smile at different stages of the treatment to help your teen see how far they’ve come towards their end goal. This serves as a daily encouraging reminder that their efforts are paying off and that every stage of the treatment is bringing them closer to achieving their ideal smile.
Encourage Peer Support
Finding a Support Group
Encourage your teen to connect with a support group that they can find online or through your orthodontist in Sydney so that they have a safe space for your teen to share their feelings and concerns. This connection diminishes the feelings of isolation and builds a stronger sense of community around their shared experiences.
Open Communication
Maintaining open lines of communication with your teen about how they’re feeling about the treatment and its challenges. Encourage them to express any discomfort or anxieties they may have, and remind them that their feelings are valid and important.
Involve Your Teen in Decision-Making
Choosing the Right Treatment
You should involve your child in making the decision about her orthodontic treatment. Discuss the pros and cons of orthodontic treatment options, and consider the estimated duration of treatment, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and the level of maintenance required for each option.
Consultations with several orthodontists give you professional opinions so that your teen feels confident and comfortable with their chosen treatment plan.
Setting Goals Together
Working with your teen to set clear, achievable goals for their orthodontic treatment enhances their motivation and compliance. Start by understanding what your teen hopes to achieve with their treatment—whether it’s correcting a bite issue, improving the function of their teeth, or simply enhancing the appearance of their smile.
Prioritise Comfort & Well-Being
Managing Discomfort
Orthodontic treatment may cause discomfort or pain, especially after adjustments. Make sure your teen has access to pain relief options recommended by your teen’s orthodontist, and apply a cold pack to reduce discomfort or swelling. Encourage your teen to speak up about their pain level.
Ensuring a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet facilitates the proper progression of your teen’s treatment. Hard, sticky, and sugary foods can damage braces or other orthodontic appliances, leading to delays in the treatment plan and increased discomfort. Encouraging a diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy can help maintain the strength of your teen’s teeth and gums, supporting their orthodontic treatment.
Cultivate Positive Attitude Towards Oral Hygiene
Making Oral Hygiene Fun and Engaging
Oral hygiene takes on a whole new level of importance when your teen is undergoing orthodontic treatment. Always keep them engaged and committed to their oral health routine by making oral hygiene a family activity to model positive behaviours and create a supportive environment.
Educating on the Impact of Oral Hygiene
Educate your teen about the consequences of having poor oral hygiene. Braces can trap food particles and lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and even gum disease if proper care isn’t taken. Discuss the positive effects that good oral hygiene can have on the outcome of their treatment, such as a faster and more effective process and better overall oral health.
Closing Thoughts
Orthodontic treatment can be a challenging journey for both teens and parents, but with the right support and mindset, it can also be a rewarding experience. By understanding your teen’s needs, celebrating their progress, involving them in decision-making, prioritising comfort and well-being, and cultivating positive attitudes towards oral hygiene, you can help make their orthodontic journey a positive and empowering one.
Remember to always communicate openly and provide your teen with the love and support they need to thrive during this transformative time in their lives. Let’s work together to help your teen achieve a confident and healthy smile that they can be proud of for years to come.