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How to Ease Dental Anxiety Around Braces

Posted on February 25, 2022

braces

Do you have anxiety about dental procedures like getting braces? If you experience some level of uneasiness each time you have a dental appointment, you must find ways to relax and calm down. While dental anxiety might not stop you from keeping your appointments, it can make them less pleasant. Here are some ways to ease dental anxiety.

Talk to Your Orthodontist

Anxiety can come as a result of not being sure of what you are about to go through. For instance, if you are an adult and you want to get braces, you might have come across misconceptions that braces are for kids only. The best way to clear your concerns would be to communicate them to your orthodontist.

Your orthodontist can explain things and take steps to make the process more comfortable for you. For instance, they can inform you that one out of every three orthodontic patients are adults. They will also describe each step from start to finish so you understand what happens during your braces appointment. You must never be afraid to ask questions. That’s the only way you can understand the braces procedure to feel less anxious.

Distract Yourself

One of the most effective ways of dealing with anxiety is distracting yourself. If you have a mobile phone, you can use apps like Netflix to watch some movies before your appointment. Just make sure you use earphones so you don’t disturb others. You can also take some headphones with you and listen to music. This will take your mind off things and help you to be less anxious.

Ask a Friend to Accompany You

Having someone you can talk to can help to calm your mind and relieve anxiety. If it’s ok with your orthodontist, you can get a friend or family member to accompany you to the exam room. You might not be able to talk to this person during the exam or treatment, but having them around can help you feel safer and more relaxed.