Helping Your Kid Feel Confident For Their First Orthodontist Visit

Helping your kid feel at ease before seeing an orthodontist can have a huge impact in how they perceive the visit. Use age-appropriate words to describe what an orthodontist does. Help them understand that the orthodontist is a special dentist who corrects crooked teeth for a better bite by fixing the way teeth line up. Steer clear of terms such as pain, drill, or pull. Opt for reassuring phrases such as help, fix, and smile.



You can make the visit feel like an adventure by reading books or 表参道 歯科矯正 watching short videos about orthodontists together. Many children’s books feature characters visiting a smile doctor, which can reduce anxiety by depicting positive experiences. Paint a picture of the setting in the office—bright lights, soft, reclining seats, and a screen showing favorite cartoons during the visit.



Invite them to share their thoughts and answer them honestly but calmly. If they’re anxious about feeling sore, let them know that most visits are completely comfortable and that the orthodontist will walk them through each action ahead of time. Try practicing together in the living room by playing dentist with a stuffed animal to make the idea easier to accept.



On the day of the appointment, offer them a light breakfast or lunch and brushed their teeth. Plan to come before the appointment time to give them time to get comfortable in the waiting room. Stay calm yourself—children pick up on your emotions. If you seem relaxed, they are more likely to be too.



Following the appointment, praise your child for being brave and offer a sweet incentive like picking out a new book or going for ice cream. It creates joyful memories and prepares them for upcoming appointments. Keep in mind that the initial consultation is mostly about getting to know the orthodontist, and exploring long-term care options. It’s not about getting braces right away, so keep the focus on health and smiles.