3 Ways to Help Your Child Stress Less Over Their Upcoming Orthodontic Appointment

Adults are not the only individuals being impacted by COVID-19. Apart from their classrooms morphing from those in a school building to time spent at the kitchen table, children are also trying to better understand the new rules and guidelines of social distancing and minimal time, if any, spent with friends. As businesses and dental offices begin to slowly reopen across the country, you may notice your child becoming more stressed about returning for a simple orthodontic treatment. How can you minimize the worry and instead help them get excited about moving forward with their new smile? An orthodontist in Cumming, GA, shares three things you can do to prepare them for what they can expect at their next appointment.

Spend Time Talking to Your Child

Children and teenagers base much of their emotions on how you react to a situation. If you are stressed and expressing fear because of COVID-19, your child will likely do the same. To avoid this, make sure you are maintaining an optimistic attitude and using positive wording.

In the weeks and days leading up to their orthodontist appointment, make sure you are talking to them about the virus and how their dental team is making sure everyone remains safe. Whether this includes visiting their orthodontist’s website together to go over new safety protocols or showing them pictures of the personal protective equipment (PPE) they’ll see when they arrive, this will minimize stress levels and prevent any potential surprises when they arrive.  

Encourage Them to Ask Questions

Not only should you encourage your child or teen to ask you about COVID-19 and the changes that are currently happening throughout the country but also make sure they know it is okay to ask questions of their orthodontist and dental team when arriving for their appointment. By allowing this type of interaction to occur, they will feel more at ease about the whole situation. You might even suggest that they write down a list of questions they want to ask during their visit. From the types of PPE worn to how dental instruments are cleaned after each patient, your child will be more focused on obtaining the answers they want than focusing on the “scary” changes within the office.

Set Up a Teledentistry Visit

Find out if you can set up a teledentistry visit with your child’s orthodontist. If so, inform the team that you wish for this time to be spent allowing them the opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with the process and changes they can expect when coming into the office. When talking with the orthodontist, see if there is a way for them to show your child different PPE as well as remind them that there is nothing to fear. The people underneath the garments are the same as those who have been providing necessary treatment the entire time.

Depending on the age of your child, you might even try turning their visit into a game by letting them count the number of masks they find during the appointment. No matter how you prepare your child, make sure they know they are entering a clean, safe, and secure place where everyone is happy to see them.

About the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan is a board-certified orthodontist who believes in the importance of a healthy smile for young patients. She and her team at Serenity Orthodontics strive to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all patients. COVID-19 has led them to implement additional precautionary measures to keep everyone protected from the potential spread. As a result, you and your child may notice significant changes. To learn more about what you can expect during you’re their next orthodontic appointment, visit our website or call (470) 589-4475.