For many kids, braces are simply a part of growing up, and there's nothing wrong with that. As the person footing the bill for that coming of age experience, you should have a vested interest in making sure that the orthodontia you're paying for is as positive a process as possible. There are a number of road bumps along the way, and by preparing for them now, you stand a better chance at avoiding them, thereby reducing the chance of lasting negative effects.

Building Hygiene Habits

Most teens and pre-teens who are in need of braces haven't yet had the importance of personal oral hygiene driven home for them. As a result, building these habits in the months leading up to getting those braces can be crucial to reducing the chance of staining, or cavities developing while their braces are in place. Keeping your teen on task and making sure they're thoroughly caring for their teeth isn't always easy, but it will help to ensure that they get the most out of their time wearing braces.

It might seem that clear bite tray appliances, which take the place of braces, wouldn't require a wearer to be as diligent about dental hygiene, but the reverse is actually true. These appliances actually will hold food particles and bacteria close to the gums and teeth, concentrating it there between brushing. With this in mind, it's actually even more important to keep your teen on schedule and brushing regularly to keep their teeth in good shape.

Supplies to Stock Up On

As the day rolls closer, look into stocking up on bulk supplies of disposable dental picks, toothbrushes designed to work around the metal brackets, and dental floss made for people with braces. This will help cut down on the number of shopping trips you'll need to make to restock, and keep crucial supplies in the house. As a result, your teen won't have an excuse for not keeping up with this critical part of wearing braces.

For advice on brands or products, talk to your orthodontist and ask for samples prior to your teen's braces being set. This will give you and your child a chance to try them out, get familiar with how they work, and get comfortable with building habits around them.

If you're going to invest up to $7,000 in your child's teeth, it's a good idea to make sure those teeth are protected and cared for. Building those habits and keeping necessary supplies on hand will give your teen the best chance to keep the teeth you're paying to straighten.

For more information, contact Braces Inc. or a similar company.