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Our Guide to Preparing Your Child for Braces

Home » Blog » Our Guide to Preparing Your Child for Braces

The modern braces we use at Craig & Streight Orthodontics are a lot smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than they used to be. That being said, there’s still an adjustment period for kids and teens when they first get their braces put on. We promise, your child will get used to their braces quickly and pretty much forget they even have them. However, as a parent, there are things you can do to speed up this process and ease the transition. Here’s our guide to preparing your child for braces:

Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Evaluation by Age Seven

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids see an orthodontist for the first time by the age of seven. Unless we spot certain red flags, Dr. Streight, Dr. Craig or Dr. Kierl will examine your child and then simply keep an eye on their growth and development over the years and let you know when the time is right to start treatment. These early visits let kids get used to the sights and sounds of the orthodontic office and develop a rapport with our team. When it’s time for them to get braces or Invisalign Teen, they’re more comfortable and less nervous because they have an idea of what to expect. However, if your child is over the age of seven, it’s never too late to come in for a consultation!

Consider the Treatment Options

When you have your complimentary consultation at our Mustang, Norman or South OKC orthodontic office, we’ll chat with you about the pros and cons of each treatment option we offer. One of the best tips for how to get kids ready for braces is to choose the treatment that works for your child and your family. When kids are comfortable with their treatment, the entire process is easier. We offer clear braces, metal braces and Invisalign Teen. If your child is extremely self-conscious about their smile and doesn’t like to draw attention to it, clear braces or Invisalign Teen might be the best choice. If they like the idea of braces and they’d love choosing colorful elastics to go with them, metal braces could be better.

Talk About the Braces Procedure

Talk with your child about the braces procedure and encourage them to write down a list of questions and concerns to bring to their consultation. Our team will explain exactly what happens when they get their braces put on and we’re always more than happy to answer questions. The procedure is completely painless and there are no needles involved. Most patients aren’t super nervous about the Invisalign Teen procedure but, of course, we’ll explain that in detail as well before we get started.

Chat About Your Expectations

It’s always a good idea to talk about your expectations for your child’s treatment upfront. Their treatment will be most effective if they practice good oral hygiene and keep up with appointments. For braces wearers, they’ll also need to avoid really hard, sticky and chewy foods and wear a mouthguard when playing sports to avoid damaging their braces. Invisalign Teen wearers can eat whatever they want but they will need to store their aligners in their case when they’re eating and drinking and remember to wear them for 22 hours per day. Making sure you and your child or teen are on the same page from the get-go is one of the first steps to take when preparing your child for braces.

Show Them They’re Not Alone

Some kids are absolutely thrilled about the idea of getting braces while others are more apprehensive. If you’re child falls into the latter camp, show them they’re not alone in wearing braces. If you had braces yourself, talk about your own experience and the positive effects treatment had on your life. Or, point out their friends and classmates in orthodontic treatment and show them pictures of their favorite celebrities with braces. Seeing other people confidently showing off their hardware can be helpful.

Stock Up on Braces Supplies

Another great tip for how to get kids ready for braces is preparing ahead of time. Go shopping together for the supplies you’ll need, including orthodontic flossers or floss threaders, orthodontic relief wax, soft foods and cold drinks. Maybe choose a few braces-friendly recipes that look good and get all of the ingredients to make them. Involving your kiddo in the process is an excellent way to get them excited.

Focus on the End Results

While it varies for each patient, braces and Invisalign Teen treatment tends to last between one and two years. That can feel like an eternity for some kids and teens. If your child is frustrated by the length of treatment or gets discouraged during the process, try to refocus them on the outcome, which is a fantastic, healthy smile. Look online together for before and after braces pictures so they can get a visual idea of just how amazing the end results will be.

In addition to these steps, Dr. Streight, Dr. Craig and Dr. Kierl are great resources for preparing your child for braces. We always fill our Oklahoma City, Mustang and Norman braces and Invisalign Teen patients in on everything they need to know, so they feel informed and confident about kicking off orthodontic treatment. To learn more or get your child started on the path to a healthy smile, book a complimentary consultation at Craig & Streight Orthodontics today!

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Chuck K.
I've had nothing but the best-ever experience at CSO; from check-in to the clinics, the staff is all one one page, professional and SO very friendly. They're living the corporate ethos, and it shows! If you need orthodontics, it's CSO for me from now on!
Tiffany R.
The greatest staff and doctors! They made a challenging situation so much easier. Huge hearts, professional and went above and beyond. I’m so appreciative.
Response from the owner:Hi Tiffany. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to make a challenging situation more manageable for you. Our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care, and it's heartwarming to know their efforts made a positive impact. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Vielje G.
Love the service, staffs are very friendly and approachable and always on point with their work.
Response from the owner:Hey Vielje. Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Providing friendly and attentive service is what we strive for, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the great work!
Kari C.
This is our second child receiving braces at Craig & Streight and we could not be happier. The staff is kind, efficient, and happy to answer all of our questions.
Response from the owner:Hi Kari. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family are so pleased with the care your children are receiving. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and informative environment, and it’s great to know that their efforts are making a positive impact. We appreciate your trust in us!
Michael T.
Everyone at the Mustang location is amazing... They are always polite and know exactly what they are supposed to do... Very professional... I have and will continue to refer people to use Craig and Streight Orthodontics...
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our Mustang team has made such a positive impression on you. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to maintaining the high standards of professionalism and care that you’ve experienced. We appreciate your support!
Lacey C.
Friendly, explained everything well, felt very comfortable there. Had great games for the kids while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Lacey. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you felt comfortable and that our team took the time to explain everything. It's great to know the kids enjoyed the games while waiting. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again!
Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Response from the owner:Hi Sherree. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your visits enjoyable and that your son is having fun earning his prizes. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide a positive environment for you and your family!
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear about your successful treatment and the positive impact our team, especially Francis, had on your journey. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new smile!
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
Response from the owner:Hi Christina. Thank you! We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience with our orthodontic practice!
JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Nicole C.
We had such a great initial visit at C&S! My kids can’t wait to go back!!
Response from the owner:Hi Nicole. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a great first visit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Melanie M.
Staff is always so kind, informative and they answer all the questions you may have. Both doctors are amazing and do not rush you out. They explain everything and take their time with each patient. They are a 10/10
Response from the owner:Hi Melanie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that our staff and doctors made such a positive impact during your visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
Teri J.
Great place! Everyone is friendly. Great experience for all 3 of my kids. They did awesome with my autistic son.
Response from the owner:Hi Teri. We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had such a positive experience with our team. Creating a welcoming environment for all families is our priority, and it’s heartening to know that your son felt supported. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to seeing you all again!
Jaidyn S.
Had a great experience! They were quick and helped me decide the best option for me!
Response from the owner:Hi Jaidyn. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to assist you efficiently and help you find the best option. :)
Jessie W.
Easy to work with and very flexible with scheduling! Orthodontists and staff are very kind and thorough as well!
Response from the owner:Hey Jessie. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your experience smooth and accommodating. Your kind words about our staff and their thoroughness mean a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
12100 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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