Choosing orthodontic treatment is completely voluntary but missing out on this kind of care because of orthodontic anxiety is a disservice to oral health. If you or your child have avoided braces, discover helpful, easy ways to make your treatment and visits easier to manage so you can get a healthy, straight smile.
Be Open About Your Fears
When you finally get up the nerve to go to the orthodontist, talk openly about your fears. If your child is the patient, encourage them to voice their worries too, especially the youngest kids who begin orthodontic treatment at a young age with a palatal expander.
- Every concern is valid no matter your age or treatment, but those fears usually have a simple solution or explanation.
- Express whether you have orthodontic anxiety about potential pain, tools used, or feeling held captive by braces.
- Request details from your orthodontist or orthodontic assistant about what’s ahead for every visit so you know what to expect. Knowledge can minimize anxiety tenfold.
Bring a Comfort Item
Most orthodontic visits are brief. The work is done quickly – changing archwires, switching elastics, collecting new Invisalign trays. Time passes even more quickly if you bring along a distraction from the appointment at hand, like a fidget toy, stuffed animal, or headphones playing your favorite music, book, or podcast. Whatever delivers calm in an environment that feels chaotic is welcomed by orthodontists too, so they can adjust braces without interruption and patients can find needed comfort.
People are comfort items too, and for many patients it can help to have a parent, sibling, partner, or friend hold their hand or sit nearby as they’re going through each appointment. The simple presence of a loved one can be enough to help an anxious patient breathe easier and trust that they’ll have a hug and a smile when their visit is complete.
Zone Out
If meditation or deep breathing are helpful for you in times of stress, rely on tried-and-true methods while at the orthodontist. If your efforts don’t interfere with the work being done on your teeth, it may be possible to zone out through your entire visit and ignore the tweaks and changes being made. You can begin the meditation while in the waiting room and get your mind and body ready for a state of relaxation during your appointment.
It Is Possible to Ease Orthodontic Anxiety
Before you know it, orthodontic visits will become easier to manage. Most appointments are similar, with some alterations in activity depending on what’s happening with your teeth, whether brackets need to be replaced, it’s time for x-rays, or you’re getting rubber bands. Some patients opt for Invisalign because it feels like the least invasive method of alignment and allows the wearer more control over their treatment – you or your teen could be a good candidate too.
Allow your Lawrenceville Orthodontist to guide you in deciding about the right type of orthodontics. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in finding a happy place during every visit. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.