The idea of having to wear braces to correct an orthodontic issue is not a fun prospect for a kid near Yorktown Heights NY. For parents, getting your child to look forward to their treatment may be a tough sell. But braces are often a necessary step in helping a child’s teeth to grow in strong, straight, and functional. They can be, however, visible, uncomfortable, and limiting for the child wearing them. Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics know that the time, effort, and expense put into orthodontic treatment now will bring lifelong benefits to the child in terms of a healthy mouth, straight teeth, and a secure self-image. They have ways that can help your child come to terms with the idea of wearing braces and maybe even make wearing braces more fun.
- Braces-friendly Cooking
To provide your kids with some motivation for good brushing and flossing habits, give them some positive reinforcement. Baking some favorite (soft) desserts is a great way to spend time together with your child and to illustrate how good food and good times are all still available to them while they are wearing braces.
- Colored Bands
Some orthodontic treatment plans require the patient to wear rubber bands around their braces. Colored bands are now quite common and come in an array of colors to choose from. Have your child consider a color scheme like the colors of their favorite sports team, their school’s colors, or holiday colors. It’s also fun to have them pick just one of their favorite colors, with the possibility of changing them during adjustment visits.
- Make Orthodontic Visits Something Special
The folks at Glaser Orthodontics say that it’s great to plan a special activity after a successful visit to the orthodontist. There are lots of fun things to do near Yorktown Heights! Going to the park, seeing a movie, or playing their favorite video game together will get children excited for their orthodontic appointments. It can be anything really, just consider what your child enjoys and try to turn that into something that both of you can enjoy together.
- Make a Photo Album of Their Progress
A photographic timeline of your child’s orthodontic development will show them that their braces are working and that dedication to their treatment will leave them with great looking straight teeth. Dr. Glaser says that this is also extremely helpful to him, as he can analyze copies of the pictures to see your child’s progress.
- Make a Game of Brushing
Keeping good oral hygiene is a major part of orthodontic treatment, and can speed up the treatment process. Several products on the market today that are designed to help children understand and enjoy good oral hygiene. There are interactive apps for smartphones and tablets that are free. One called “Magic Timer” was recently rated “Best New App for Kids.” The app works in conjunction with several Oral-B toothbrushes with themes like princesses, Disney characters like Goofy and Donald, or superheroes that will reward a child with “stickers” for brushing for two minutes and for brushing twice a day.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist near Yorktown Heights that can provide orthodontic treatment with braces for your kids and make it fun, then Dr. Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics can help. Call 914-739-6400 to speak with a Glaser Orthodontics associate and put your child on the path to healthy, beautiful teeth!
Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen in Yorktown Heights, NY, Cortlandt Manor, NY, Cold Spring, NY, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Westchester County, NY or the 10598 area, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Barry Glaser, contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914-739-6400.
