Helping Kids Stay Motivated Mid-Treatment with Invisalign Aligners
My child is receiving complimentary Invisalign® treatment, but all opinions expressed are my (and her) own.
Keeping your teens motivated for anything can be a challenge. When we started Invisalign treatment, it was easy to be excited- but as we work through treatment the excitement has warned off and motivation to keep dealing with cleaning them and adjusting eating habits for a hungry teen starts to fall. Helping your kids stay motivated mid-treatment with Invisalign aligners can help them stick with the treatment even when you are not around and make the process faster and more successful. Here are a few ways to help motivate your child to stick with Invisalign treatment when the excitement wears off.
Helping Kids Stay Motivated Mid-Treatment with Invisalign
Take the time to show your child their progress.
Each set of aligners take a photo of your child’s teeth for each angle you can. This will allow you to show your child their progress in a way that the mirror just can’t. Seeing the change first hand is a great way to motivate your kids to stick with the process.
Talk to your child about why they started Invisalign treatment in the first place.
Everyone needs reminders or why they are doing something that may be a bit more of a challenge than normal. Take time to talk to your child about why they started and how they feel now that they have begun to make progress in their treatment.
Offer your child rewards for sticking with the process.
Yes, even older kids can benefit from a little reward to encourage them to keep with something they may not want to do anymore. Find something that your child enjoys and use that to your advantage. Good dental checkups that show they are doing their part and sticking with their Invisalign treatment are the perfect time to reward your child with something they need for their favorite hobby. My kid will do almost anything for new shoes.
Inspire your child by showing them how to stick to something that may not be fun or exciting.
Start a journey of your own when your child starts their Invisalign treatment. Have your child be in charge of checking in with you to make sure you are sticking to it. This helps your child see that we all need help and reminders and when they start to get tired of adjusting their life around Invisalign treatment they can see you working hard to stick to your own goals. Be honest with your child when your struggling. While many parents don’t like to share their struggles with their children, this can be a great way to show your child everyone has these feelings and to help motivate them to keep going.
I’ve taken my own advice and hae shared my fitness and weight loss goals along the way. Sometimes the goals seem mundane to her, but I’m determined. Plus I get in a rut myself and we’re motivating one another now!
Give your child gentle reminders but try not to nag.
This can turn your child away from want to do what you tell them to. Try simple things that don’t feel pushy like giving your child a new toothbrush or case often to encourage them and act as a reminder that they need to stick with it. The more we push, the more our kids push back. It’s a no win. We try to find creative ways to encourage them!
Make it easy for your child to stick with Invisalign treatment.
Let’s face it- brushing your teeth at school is not the most convenient thing they can do. Make it easier with travel toothbrushes or disposable toothbrushes that can travel in their bag or pocket for use anywhere. My daughter created a little school kit for herself she’s suggested to several peers who’ve begun Invisalign treatment!
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More of our thoughts and experiences with Invisalign treatment can be found: Surprise Benefits of Invisalign, Tips from a Tween who has Invisalign Clear Aligners, What to expect with treatment
Esther Irish says
My daughter had braces and… quit wearing the retainers. We are looking at Invisalign for her now. This seems like a much better option than braces.
Heather says
I’ve heard such great things about Invisalign. I know it does wonders for people of all ages. Thanks for sharing.
Nichole Arnold says
These are great tips, my younger sister got lazy and now my Grandmother was out thousands and my sister still has a crooked smile. All because she lost motivation.
Tamara says
This looks like a great product. I’ve even thought about using it and I’m in my 60’s.
Kathy says
I’d love to get Invisalign for both of my daughters. I know they’re going to need something to help straighten their teeth. I’ve always heard such wonderful things about Invisalign too.
Heather says
My kids will probably end up needing some braces. I am hoping not, I never had to do it, but we’ll just have to see when all their teeth come in. They didn’t have invisalign when was a kid.
Lia Mae says
Invisalign has really changed the way we do braces. These are great ways to keep your kids motivated, I am considering getting Invisalign myself.
Amy H says
My stepdaughter had a hard time keeping motivated about her aligners. We found them on her dresser more than in her mouth
Catalina says
My nephew has some dental problems. And these tips will help him a lot! Thanks for sharing!
Rachel says
I wish I had stayed motivated when I had my braces off. I let everything shift right away.
Tasheena says
This post is really helpful. During this time it’s so important to be your child’s biggest cheerleader.
Jeanette says
It’s my kiddo needs braces I may be looking into this. I really like the idea of these over regular braces. I will definitely Pin this because I want to remember this.
Amber Myers says
My daughter would LOVE to try invisalign. SHe’ll need braces for sure and isn’t keen on them. But invisalign would help a ton.
Melanie says
I hope this is an option for my daughter when she is ready for her braces. She has terrible teeth and will need some sort of straightening. I like hearing personal experiences with a product such as this.
Melissa Chapman says
Invisilign seems like such a great way to get through the brace period. My kids had steel braces and would have loved Invisilign. It is smart to get this mid treatment pep talk and motivator when you have braces