Helping Your Child Prepare for Orthodontic Treatment

Before your child undergoes orthodontic treatment, it’s important that he or she understands why treatment is necessary and what to expect from the appointments at our office. We have found that patients who are more informed about their treatment often tend to be more cooperative and have an overall better experience with their orthodontic treatment.

In addition to helping your child physically prepare for braces, we want to make sure he or she is emotionally prepared as well. This means minimizing fears and anxieties associated with orthodontic treatment and visiting our office. Please be understanding and supportive of your child during this transition, as it can be a stressful time.

Preparing Children for Orthodontics

Below are a few things to discuss with your child before he or she receives orthodontic braces:

• Why orthodontic treatment is necessary – The most common reason for orthodontic treatment is to properly align crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth or to improve the beauty of the smile. Please be sure to include your child in his or her treatment process from start to finish!
• The importance of patience – The length of treatment will depend on individual circumstances and on the particular type of orthodontic treatment your child is undergoing. Let your child know that this time is an investment in a smile that can be healthy and beautiful for a lifetime!
• That orthodontics are very common – Lastly, if your child is having an identity crisis surrounding orthodontic treatment, make sure he or she knows how common this type of dental treatment is! Odds are good that your child has a friend, cousin, or classmate who currently has or has had orthodontic treatment in the past. Set up opportunities for your child to talk to peers who have undergone similar treatment.

It’s also important to make sure that you and your child are open with the orthodontist. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns so we can address them! We want to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in the decisions you make for your child’s orthodontic care.

To make an appointment with Dr. Rhoda Lockett, please contact Lockett Orthodontics located here in Colorado Springs, Colorado.