Getting braces is a right of passage for most kids. Depending on the child, the milestone of getting braces will either be met with excitement or dread. For kids who may be feeling anxious about braces, some extra encouragement can be helpful in calming nerves and brightening their outlook. With the holidays around the corner, we have compiled a list of gift ideas for the new brace-face in your life. Add these ideas together for the ultimate care package!
- A Waterpik: A water flosser is the perfect gift to help your child with braces maintain their oral hygiene. Pesky foods can often get caught in the brackets of braces, which can be bad for tooth health and also embarrassing. A waterpik water flosser can be a quick, easy tool to use after meals.
- The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (and Your Orthodontist) Will Love: If you have a foodie teen that likes to dabble in the kitchen, this cookbook is a great gift idea. Packed with foods that are delicious and safe for braces, this book is a fun way to introduce some new recipes to your family, while keeping your orthodontic investment in good condition.
- Ice Cream! Since many favorite treats, like gum and taffy, are banned for those wearing braces, a sweet treat may be just the thing to get a smile out of your child. A gift card to your local ice cream parlor is a great stocking stuffer and gift idea for your child wearing braces.
- Chapstick, magazines, and Advil: While your child’s orthodontist will send home some things to make the transition to braces more comfortable, chapstick will help keep chafing to a minimum as the child’s lips are adjusting to braces. Advil or some other over-the-counter pain reliever will help alleviate some of the initial discomfort associated with pressure and shifting teeth. Magazines, video games, or a good book can help take their mind off the transition or discomfort of new braces.
Getting braces is an amazing investment in your child’s future. The discomfort and inconvenience now are worth the self-confidence and healthy smile your child will experience down the road. Showing your child some additional support, encouragement, and even validation that the process is challenging will go a long way. One day, when they have a beautiful smile, they’ll be so glad they made the effort.
