Now in her third year at Baptiste Orthodontics, Dr. Giau Tran is happy to empower and educate young patients so they’ll learn the importance of healthy dental habits.

Teaching children about good oral hygiene is most effective when it starts early, and Giau Tran, DMD, MSD, endeavors to make young patients’ time in her office as inviting and positive as possible so they’ll confidently return again and again.

“A child’s early experience in the dental chair can shape how they view oral care as adults,” says Dr. Tran. “If they feel safe and respected now, they’re much more likely to stay consistent with dental visits in the future without fear or anxiety.”

Dr. Tran brought her extensive dentistry and orthodontics experience to the Baptiste Orthodontics team three years ago, which includes knowing how to minimize young patients’ anxiety through the likes of accessible education and compassionate assurance.

“We do everything we can to keep kids comfortable and at ease,” she begins. “We take the time to explain every step in kid-friendly language, use gentle techniques, and create a welcoming environment with familiar faces and a calm tone. Sometimes, it’s as simple as letting them hold the mirror or choosing the color of their [braces’] bands.”

Indeed, routine dental exams can be scary enough but the specialized world of orthodontia and all its unfamiliar gadgets and procedures can make for an intimidating experience. Fortunately, Dr. Tran offers the assurance that “the visit of getting braces placed is a painless process”—and remarkably unlike what her young patients’ caregivers remember braces, retainers and other dental appliances being like decades ago.

“We hear parents say ‘Braces have come a long way!’ quite often,” she notes. “Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable and more efficient than they used to be. There are also more options, like clear braces and aligners, that many parents didn’t have when they were younger. They’re also often surprised at how much quicker and smoother the process can be now.”

And while today’s braces have evolved considerably, it’s still important to create a daily routine with them to optimize their corrective capabilities and promote good oral health overall.

“Creating a routine is key to helping kids adjust to life with braces,” she says. “As an orthodontist, I encourage this by educating them in an age-appropriate way, providing take-home care kits with checklists and involving parents in reinforcing healthy habits. We keep instructions simple, such as brushing after meals and before bed, flossing daily and avoiding harmful foods while encouraging kids to carry a small care kit with essentials like a toothbrush, floss threaders and wax. … We also praise progress during visits and tailor our approach to each child’s age and needs, making braces care a positive and manageable part of their daily life.”

Some of the ways Dr. Tran and her colleagues empower their patients to be responsible with their braces include:

• Providing kids with a list of hard, sticky or crunchy snacks to avoid because they can damage brackets and wires.
• Teaching children how to brush and floss diligently, and encouraging the use of helpful tools. As Dr. Tran notes, “Interdental brushes and super-floss were two of my favorite on-the-go tools when I had braces—I always kept one or two in my pocket. They’re simple, effective and a great way to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the day.”
• They also provide orthodontic wax early on to help ease any irritation and keep patients comfortable. Dr. Tran assures patients that “if you accidentally swallow a small piece, don’t worry: Orthodontic wax is made from non-toxic, medical-grade materials and is safe to swallow in small amounts.”
• The Baptiste Orthodontics team also stresses the importance of attending every appointment so they can monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
• They also believe in rewarding responsibility, with Dr. Tran recognizing that “small rewards or even a few words of praise can go a long way in motivating kids to stay on track with their care.”

After all, the long-term benefits of not only wearing braces but also taking care of them go far beyond a straighter smile.

“Braces do much more than straighten teeth,” she points out. “They improve bite alignment, make it easier to clean between teeth, and help prevent long-term issues like jaw pain or uneven wear. When teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to brush and floss thoroughly, which leads to healthier gums and a lower risk of cavities.”

To ensure that she and the rest of the Baptiste team keep providing high-quality, compassionate orthodontic care, Dr. Tran and her colleagues stay well apprised of the latest and greatest tools, trends and technology continually advancing their field to deliver even better patient experiences.

“We stay up-to-date through continuing education, professional conferences and trusted orthodontic journals,” says Dr. Tran. “Many of us also participate in peer groups and online forums to share insights and new techniques. This helps us offer the most effective and comfortable treatments possible for young patients, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.”

Baptiste Orthodontics
Orlando | Windermere | Apopka
BaptisteOrthodontics.com

Baptiste Dentistry for Kids
Apopka
BaptisteDentistryForKids.com