Braces, Self-Esteem, and Flossing Games: Boosting Confidence During Treatment

Introduction

Braces can be a big milestone in your child’s life, but they can also bring up some worries about appearance and confidence. As parents, we want to make sure our kids feel good about themselves, even when they’re adjusting to a new smile in progress. Here are some fun ways to help them embrace the journey with confidence.

1. Celebrate the Change with The Power of Before and After Pics

Instead of focusing on what’s different, highlight the positives. Braces mean they’re on their way to a healthier, straighter smile. Take before-and-after pictures, remind them of the end goal, and celebrate small wins along the way. Every month on the first day, picture time and celebrate the milestone with something special you both choose at the beginning of braces life.

2. Let Them Personalize Their Braces

If they have the option, let them choose fun band colors to match their personality or favorite season. Giving them control over the look of their braces can help them feel more confident about wearing them. Orthodontists usually have a wide variety of colors to match a certain style or theme.

3. Remind Them They’re Not Alone

Lots of kids (and even adults) wear braces. Point out celebrities or role models who rocked their braces proudly. Seeing others who have been through it can help normalize the experience. If they find 5 people they look up to with a screen shot of them in braces (phone time game they should be happy about lol) within 20 minutes (or time it)…prize!

4. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene

When their teeth feel clean and fresh, they’ll feel better overall. Help them find a flossing tool (of course, The Harp Flosser!) that makes cleaning around braces easier and less frustrating.

5. Make Flossing More Fun with Challenges

Since the Harp Flosser allows flossing with one hand and without a mirror, here are some fun and engaging challenges to keep kids motivated and sure to laugh while trying things you come up with too:

• Balance & Floss: Stand on one leg while flossing. Can they balance for the entire flossing session? Use a timer for extra fun, and a small prize for success.
• Floss & Focus: Challenge them to memorize a short poem, spelling words, or a fun fact while flossing. If they memorize it, they get a reward.
• Multitasking Master: With one hand flossing, can they practice handwriting, doodling an image that you toss out there to be drawn in 1 minute with their non dominant hand, or even solve a simple word game, crossword or other games while flossing fast with a Harp.
• Floss & Stream: Watch a family-friendly movie together, and floss at the end as part of the wind-down routine. Popcorn? Sure—they’ve got a Harp Flosser to floss fast and easy. Flossing must be finished at the end to gain another movie night but with the treat or food of their choice.

6. Shift the Focus to Their Strengths

Braces are just one small part of who they are. Encourage their passions—sports, music, art—so their self-worth isn’t tied to their appearance.

7. Keep the Conversation Open

If they feel self-conscious, listen and validate their feelings. A simple, “I know this feels tough now, but your smile is already beautiful and getting even better,” can make a world of difference. Ask them if they also can help out a friend or someone else who has braces to share in how to make braces life easier, together which focuses on serving.

Braces are temporary, but confidence lasts a lifetime. With a little encouragement and some fun along the way, your child can wear their braces with pride, knowing their best smile is just around the corner.

Have a Question for Dr. Larry Caldwell, Inventor of The Harp Flosser and Fast & Easy Flossing? Reach us at 800-495-2783 or info@harpflosser.com