If you are considering Invisalign for your child, you likely have a lot of questions. How will they adjust to wearing braces? What do they need to do to prepare for their treatment? In this blog post, we will provide you with a guide to preparing your child for Invisalign. We will discuss how to help them get ready for their Invisalign treatment.
Visit the Orthodontist Early
Parents often ask when the best time is to bring their child in for an orthodontic evaluation. Our advice is always the same: the earlier, the better. Early treatment provides a number of benefits that can save time, money, and hassle down the road. By intercepting problems early, we can often avoid the need for more invasive treatments later on.
In addition, early treatment gives us the opportunity to take advantage of your child’s natural growth process, which can make correction easier and more efficient. As your child’s orthodontist, we are committed to providing the best possible care at every stage of development. For these reasons, we always recommend that parents bring their child in for an evaluation as early as possible.
Learn All About Braces and Invisalign Together
It’s important that you and your child are on the same page when it comes to treatment. This means that you should take the time to learn about Invisalign and braces together. For example, you can read articles on this subject with your child, watch videos together so your child will better have a visualization, or even schedule a consultation with your dentist to ensure they understand the process and trust their orthodontic team. This way, you can also ask any questions that you may have and get all of the information that you need to make an informed decision about treatment.
In addition, it’s important to discuss the commitment that is required for successful Invisalign treatment. Invisalign requires good compliance in order to work effectively. This means that your child will need really cooperate fully in order to see the best results.
Let Them Know They’re Not Alone
For many children, the thought of going through treatment can be a bit daunting. It’s important to let them know that they are not alone in this process.
There are millions of children and adults who have gone through treatment and come out the other side with a beautiful, healthy smile. Helping your child to understand that they are part of a large community can make treatment seem less intimidating. You can do this by sharing stories of friends or family members who have gone through treatment, showing them before and after photos, or even connecting them with other children who are currently in treatment.
Set Expectations
It’s important to set expectations for treatment early on. This means that you and your child should sit down and discuss what treatment will involve. What are the expected timeline and cost of treatment? What is the expected level of compliance?
By setting these expectations early, you can help to avoid surprises or disappointment later on. This also gives you and your child the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions that they may have. You can also use this time to discuss the importance of treatment and the benefits that it will provide.
Focus on the End Results
Instead of focusing on the treatment process, it’s important to focus on the end results. Help your child to understand that Invisalign is an investment in their future.
A healthy, beautiful smile will last a lifetime and provide them with confidence and self-esteem. Treatment is just a means to an end, and the end result is always worth it.
Stock Up on Braces-Friendly Food Ahead of Time
To make the transition to braces or Invisalign easier, we recommend stocking up on braces-friendly food ahead of time. This way, your child will have plenty of options to choose from when their treatment starts.
There are many delicious and nutritious braces-friendly recipes out there, so take the time to find some that your child will love. For example, soft fruits and vegetables, soups, yogurts, and ice cream are all great options. You can also find recipes for braces-friendly snacks like granola bars and muffins.
Get Those Orthodontic Supplies Ready
There are a few orthodontic supplies that you will need to have on hand when your child starts treatment. This includes things like toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. You will also need to purchase some wax to help with any discomfort that your child may experience.
It’s a good idea to have these things ready ahead of time so that you’re not scrambling to find them when treatment starts.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few things that you can do to prepare your child for Invisalign. By taking the time to learn about treatment, setting expectations, and stocking up on braces-friendly food, you can help to make the transition to Invisalign easier for your child. With a little preparation, your child will be well on their way to a beautiful, healthy smile. Let them know they’re not alone in this process and focus on the end results.