The Care and Feeding of a Teen with Braces

On Tuesdays, I share my thoughts on Family Life. 

We entered a new phase of life next week when our thirteen year old son Adam had braces put on his teeth.  You may wonder what the topic of orthodontia has to do with time management. 

I contend that it can have quite a lot to do with the personal productivity of the entire family.  When we plunked down the $100o down payment for Adam's new smile and signed a commitment to pay another sizable sum over the next two years, this went from a hygiene issue to an investment of not only money, but also time.  Adam's sixteen year old brother saw his hopes of a used car fund go toward the braces.  Adam was in pain and cranky about a new list of taboo food and drink items.

The whole family was grouchy.

Here are a few things to consider prior to choosing an orthodontist for your child:

• Shop Around - We visited a few different professionals to get a feel for potential treatment.  Not only will you receive different opinions about your child's (or your own) treatment, you may also receive different cost estimates.  Additionally, observe how the office functions - you will be spending a great deal of time there during the next few years.  Does the schedule run smoothly?  Are you kept waiting for exorbitant amounts of time?  Is the office staff professional, friendly and compassionate toward the patient?
• Know your child - Prior to making a large investment for orthodontia, discuss with your child his level of commitment to the process.  Will he commit to wearing the proper gear and complying with doctor's directions?  Will she agree to stay away from items that can and will do damage to the braces and thus cost you time and money?  This is an excellent opportunity to teach your child responsibility and commitment to a long term process that will eventually yield very happy results.
• Establish a schedule - Be certain that the office hours of your selected professional will meet with your own work/school schedules.  Do not select an orthodontist whose schedule will require that you miss a half day of work once per month to seek treatment.  Look for flexibility and realize the impact this will have on your schedule.  Plan ahead when attending appointments to make the best use of waiting time so that you're not left reading back issues of "Highlights" magazine for forty five minutes.
• Have compassion for your kid - Braces hurt physically and sometimes emotionally too. Realize that a teenager who is sent off to school with a new mouth full of metal will face some potential teasing from peers.  Think carefully about school lunches and new oral hygiene rituals.  Banish risky foods from the home if your child will not be able to resist eating them.  Give lots of extra hugs and keep pain reliever on hand for at least the first few days.  You may both need it!

Comments

[Timothy Mclaney]

It's a pretty big investment. Indeed, aside from the costs, you have to prepare for an issue or two regarding physical, and perhaps, emotional discomfort. Parents have to be there and show support for their kid undergoing the braces. It takes a ton of patience from both sides, but in the end, the results can be very satisfactory.

[Shirley]

Depending on your orthodontist, it can also be a learning experience. I had braces as an adult, and we had lots of discussions about the physics behind everything they do!

Don't skimp on the calcium intake!

Also ~ when the time comes, WEAR THE BANDS! Each day you "skip" wearing them can turn into extra WEEKS or MONTHS with the braces on! Have fun with them, wear colors and mix or match or whatever!

It is work for everyone but it is WORTH it!

[Lisa Hendey]

Chris, you're absolutely right! I enjoyed my visit to your site too!
Lisa

[Melissa]

Braces take time to get used to. It will be a while before my kids might need braces, but I remember mine very well. I do recall the pain, especially after they got tightened! As far as food, just make sure your son knows his limits. He'll figure it out.
Before long the braces won't seem so new and they'll be like old friends.
After all these years I am extremely grateful my parents made the investment for me to have beautiful teeth. Your son will be grateful one day too.

[Chris Austria]

The most important one on your list is giving lots of hugs. We often forget that while our children grow up to be bigger than us (physically) they still need our TLC.