If you have a child or teenager at home who has crooked teeth, you’re probably considering different orthodontic treatments like braces. This tried-and-true method is a versatile solution with a long history of straightening even the most uneven smiles. Although your youth might be frustrated with their grin’s imbalanced appearance, they might be just as frustrated that they’ll need to have metal brackets bonded to their teeth for years.
It’s not uncommon for children and young adults to struggle with self-consciousness about traditional orthodontics. Remembering that they’re not alone in their frustrations can provide some well-deserved peace of mind. Keep reading to learn 3 pop-culture references featuring braces that might help alleviate their anxiety over their appearance!
#1: Finding Nemo
Most kids watch this Disney classic and its sequel at some point in their lives. In this charming tale, Nemo is caught by a fishing boat and ends up in an aquarium at a dental office. During his stay there, he encounters the dentist’s niece, Darla, who sports both braces and headgear. Although she’s not necessarily a villain, the fish fear her because of her less-than-gentle approach to marine life. If your child struggles with the state of their grin, watching her antics might put a smile on their face.
#2: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Most children have one thing in common when it comes to their teeth, and that’s their desire to consume sugar. Candy and chocolate taste great, and when you’re young, you’re not necessarily worried about the consequences of what you eat. If your kid has a sweet tooth, they may already be familiar with the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This movie features Willy Wonka, a magical candy maker who invites several contest winners for a tour of his factory. The main character, Charlie, finds his golden ticket after working around his orthodontics to eat a cherished chocolate bar. Perhaps it’s natural to associate eating sweets with dental issues because it’s also revealed that Willy’s dad was a dentist!
#3: The Incredibles
If you’re looking for a superhero reference to help your adolescent feel more confident about braces, then why not sit down to enjoy another viewing of The Incredibles? Every member of this Disney family has their own unique superhuman abilities that they call on to save their dad, Mr. Incredible, when he gets into trouble. While the family is away, the baby is at home with a sitter by the name of Kari McKeen. Although she’s not ‘incredible’, she doesn’t let the metal brackets stop her from doing her best to keep small Jack-Jack out of harm’s way, which, as it turns out, is quite the challenge.
Braces are a tried-and-true way to straighten smiles and have been fixing grins for decades. As a result, they make an appearance in many different movies and TV shows that you and your kid can enjoy together!
About the Practice
At Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of San Ramon, your family benefits from a team of experts who offer a wide array of services for still-developing smiles all under one roof, including braces. With multiple dentists and an orthodontist on staff, they’re able to meet all of your child’s oral healthcare needs. They know that many young people get anxious about dental visits, so they’re equipped with kid-friendly amenities to help keep them happy and relaxed. They strive to make each appointment fun, productive, and educational to keep your child’s teeth safe and healthy. If you’d like an appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (925) 648-8580.