The idea of having to wear braces to correct an orthodontic issue is not a fun prospect for a kid on the Upper East Side. And 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. Yes, they can be visible, uncomfortable, and limiting for the child wearing them, but Dr. Anne Kossowan and the team at Kossowan 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 in the future.
Here’s 5 Ways to Help Make Wearing Braces More Fun for Your Child
1. Braces-friendly Cooking
To provide your kids with some motivation for good brushing and flossing habits, give them some positive reinforcement. Baking some of their favorite (soft) desserts is a great way to spend time together with your child, and illustrate how good food and good times are all still available to them while they are wearing braces.
2. 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. Being allowed to choose a color scheme like the colors of their favorite sports team, their school’s colors, or holiday colors gets children involved in the process in a fun way, and it becomes something that they start looking forward to at their adjustment visits.
3. Make Orthodontic Visits Something Special
We at Kossowan Orthodontics always 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 on the Upper East Side like going to the park, or seeing a movie, or playing their favorite video game together. This can also get children excited for their orthodontic appointments.
4. 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. Kossowan says that this is also extremely helpful to her, as she can analyze copies of the pictures to see your child’s progress.
5. 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 are designed to help children understand and enjoy good oral hygiene (e.g., free interactive apps for smartphones and tablets like “Magic Timer” work in conjunction with several Oral-B toothbrushes with themes like princesses, Disney characters, or superheroes, and rewards children with “stickers” for brushing for two minutes twice a day).
If you’re looking for an orthodontist on the Upper East Side that can provide orthodontic treatment with braces for your kids and make it fun, then Dr. Kossowan and the team at Kossowan Orthodontics can help. Contact us today to put your child on the path to healthy, beautiful teeth!
Dr. Anne Kossowan and the team at Kossowan Orthodontics are experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces and clear braces in the 10021 zip code area: Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York, NY, or would like to schedule an complementary consultation with Dr. Anne Kossowan, contact Kossowan Orthodontics at: 212.517.9795