Sometimes, children need to have braces in order to straighten their teeth. This is a big commitment in terms of time, effort and finances. Preparing your child for brace can be one of the most important steps in the whole process if you want them to have a successful outcome in the form of straight, healthy teeth.

An orthodontist will handle all of the most important procedures, including fittings and sometimes even dental surgery such as tooth extractions. Your general dentist will refer you to an orthodontist if it necessary for your child to have braces.

Because these procedures are long and can involve many strange and perhaps frightening sounds, like that of a drill, for example, kids can be wary of going to the dentist, let alone the orthodontist. They will also likely have self-esteem issues centering around looking different, having ‘tinsel teeth’ and so on.

Their anxiety levels can have a direct impact on how well they get aong with the orthodontist and the whole process of wearing braces. You can prepare your child ahead of time with a few simple steps.

* Talk to them about what will happen – If you can answer their questions before they see the orthodontist, then they may feel more comfortable. He will be a stranger to them since they normally see their regular dentist. Talk about what braces are and what they will do for their teeth, namely straighten them.

* Let them talk to the orthodontist – He can explain, using models of teeth, what exactly will happen during each stage of the process. With braces, there is the molding process, where they take impressions of the teeth. Then there will be the time when they actually have to place the braces on the front of the teeth. Then they will have their wires placed and tightened. It is a lengthy process and he can explain again before he does each step, what will happen.

* Tell them all the benefits of the orthodontic procedures – For braces they will have a much better smile in the long run. Tell them about notable people who wear braces and how they can jazz them up with different color bands.

* Distract them – During the procedure, especially when the braces are being put on, see if you can play a DVD for them in the procedure room so that they can watch and not concentrate on what is going on in their mouth.

* Have a play by play commentary – To alleviate much of the anxiety since they can’t see what is going on, have the orthodontist talk them through it as he is working. Even holding a mirror up so they can see can help them feel better about the entire situation.

* Meet their distress with patience – It may take some time to reassure them that all will be fine. Comfort them in any way that you can until they feel better about having braces.

We concentrated on braces, but any orthodontic work can be distressing to a child. By talking about the procedure and giving them time to adjust, the outcome will be much better.