8 Tips for Helping Your Child Get Used to Braces

Helping your child get used to braces is a journey that requires understanding, patience, and practical support. While a beautiful, healthy smile is worth celebrating, the adjustment period can be challenging for both children and parents. The good news is that with proper care and the right approach, your child can adapt to their new braces more quickly and with less discomfort than you might expect.

At Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in making orthodontic treatment a positive experience for children of all ages and comfort levels. Our team, led by Dr. Derek, offers comprehensive orthodontic care, including interceptive orthodontics and regular adjustments, in a kid-friendly environment designed to put even the most anxious young patients at ease.

Managing Discomfort and Soreness During the Initial Adjustment Period

The first week with new braces is typically the most challenging. Your child's mouth needs time to get used to braces being attached to their teeth. During this time, you can expect some discomfort and perhaps a bit of emotional turbulence, too.

To manage your child's discomfort, try:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain (always follow dosage instructions for your child's age and weight).
• Cold foods and beverages naturally numb the mouth and provide relief.
• Soft, cool treats like yogurt, smoothies, or ice cream can be both comforting and satisfying.
• A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce irritation and promote healing.
• Orthodontic wax can cover brackets or wires that may be rubbing against the inside of your child's cheeks or lips.

Read Also: What Is Interceptive Orthodontics and Why Your Child Might Need It

Adapting to Dietary Changes to Get Used to Braces

One of the biggest adjustments your child will face is changing their eating habits. Certain foods can damage braces or get caught in them, making proper oral hygiene more difficult.

Foods to Avoid:

• Hard candies and nuts
• Popcorn (those kernels are notorious troublemakers!)
• Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, or chewing gum
• Hard fruits and vegetables (unless cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
• Chewy breads like bagels or pizza crust
• Ice (chewing it is a no-go)
• Corn on the cob (cut it off the cob instead)

Braces-Friendly Foods:

• Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk
• Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and peeled peaches
• Cooked vegetables
• Pasta, rice, and soft grains
• Tender meats, fish, and tofu
• Smoothies and milkshakes
• Mashed potatoes and soft casseroles
• Scrambled eggs

The first few days are the perfect time to stock up on soft foods that require minimal chewing. Think mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, smoothies, yogurt, and ice cream. Your child might actually enjoy this part of having braces!

Establishing a Solid Oral Hygiene Routine

Plaque can build up around brackets and along the gumline, potentially leading to decay or discoloration if not properly removed. Help your child get used to braces by developing a thorough brushing and flossing routine:

• Brush after every meal (not just morning and night)
• Set a timer for at least two minutes of brushing
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for braces
• Consider an electric toothbrush, which can clean more effectively around brackets
• Floss daily using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers
• Add a fluoride mouthwash to provide extra protection against cavities

Consider creating a bathroom chart to track your child's brushing and flossing habits, offering small rewards for consistency.

Handling Minor Emergencies

Occasionally, your child might experience a minor issue with their braces that requires attention. While true emergencies are rare, knowing how to handle common problems can help you and your child get used to braces.

• Loose bracket: If a bracket comes loose, leave it in place and cover with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation until you can see your dentist.
• Poking wire: If a wire is poking or irritating your child's cheek, use a pencil eraser to push it flat against the tooth, then cover it with orthodontic wax.
• Lost spacer or band: Call your dentist's office to determine if it needs to be replaced right away.
• Mouth sores: Use a warm salt water rinse and apply a small amount of a topical anesthetic like Orajel.

Keep an "orthodontic emergency kit" handy with supplies like orthodontic wax, a small mirror, tweezers, and topical anesthetic gel to help you address minor issues quickly.

See Also: How to Know if Your Kid is Having a Dental Emergency

Making Adjustments at School to Get Used to Braces

If your child gets braces during the school year, they might need some extra support as they navigate this change in the school environment.

• Pack a "braces care kit" for school with a toothbrush, toothpaste, orthodontic wax, and a small mirror
• Send braces-friendly lunches and snacks that won't cause embarrassment or difficulty
• Talk with your child about how to handle questions from classmates
• Role-play responses to comments about their braces
• Alert teachers about recent adjustments if your child might be experiencing discomfort

Staying Active with Braces

If your child is involved in sports or physical activities, they can absolutely continue these pursuits with braces. However, some precautions are recommended:

• Invest in a properly fitted mouthguard designed for use with braces
• For wind instruments, special orthodontic wax or comfort accessories can make playing more comfortable
• For contact sports, consider a full face shield or mask when appropriate
• Keep a braces emergency kit in sports bags for quick fixes if needed

Related: Athletics and Your Child's Smile: How to Protect Teeth During School Sports

Supporting Your Child Emotionally to Get Used to Braces

The emotional aspect of getting braces shouldn't be overlooked. Some children may feel self-conscious or worried about how they look with braces, whereas others might be frustrated by the limitations or discomfort. Providing emotional support will help your child get used to braces just as much as managing the physical aspects.

Make sure to:

• Listen to your child's concerns without dismissing them
• Remind them that braces are temporary, but the results will last a lifetime
• Point out celebrities, athletes, or even family members who have had braces
• Help them see that many of their peers likely have or will have braces too
• Consider letting them choose colored bands to express their personality

Celebrating Milestones and Progress

Orthodontic treatment is a journey with many small victories along the way. Celebrating milestones can help your child get used to braces faster.

Try:

• Taking "progress photos" every few months to document the changes
• Creating a calendar to track appointments and mark off completed months
• Planning a special treat (braces-friendly, of course) after adjustment appointments
• Setting up a small reward system for maintaining good oral hygiene habits
• Celebrating the halfway point of treatment with a special activity

Remember to point out positive changes as they occur: "Look how that tooth has straightened out!" or "Your smile is already looking different!" Your observations can help your child see the fruits of their labor.

Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry Makes it Easy to Get Used to Braces

At Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Derek and our dental team understand the unique challenges of helping children get used to braces. Our approach to pediatric orthodontics is designed to make the experience as positive and comfortable as possible. From our kid-friendly office environment to our gentle techniques, we prioritize your child's physical and emotional well-being at every step.

When you choose Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry for your child's braces, you're selecting a team that truly understands children's unique needs. We offer comprehensive support, including: Personalized care plans, sedation dentistry, flexible scheduling, interceptive orthodontics, emergency appointments, and thorough education for both parents and children about braces care.

Don't wait to give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile. Contact Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry today by calling our Colorado Springs office or scheduling a consultation online. We'll work with you to determine if braces are right for your child and develop a treatment plan that fits your family's needs and lifestyle.