On Tuesdays, I share my thoughts on Family Life. 

We entered a new phase of life next week when our thirteen year old son Adam had braces put on his teeth.  You may wonder what the topic of orthodontia has to do with time management. 

I contend that it can have quite a lot to do with the personal productivity of the entire family.  When we plunked down the $100o down payment for Adam’s new smile and signed a commitment to pay another sizable sum over the next two years, this went from a hygiene issue to an investment of not only money, but also time.  Adam’s sixteen year old brother saw his hopes of a used car fund go toward the braces.  Adam was in pain and cranky about a new list of taboo food and drink items.

The whole family was grouchy.

Here are a few things to consider prior to choosing an orthodontist for your child:

• Shop Around - We visited a few different professionals to get a feel for potential treatment.  Not only will you receive different opinions about your child’s (or your own) treatment, you may also receive different cost estimates.  Additionally, observe how the office functions - you will be spending a great deal of time there during the next few years.  Does the schedule run smoothly?  Are you kept waiting for exorbitant amounts of time?  Is the office staff professional, friendly and compassionate toward the patient?
• Know your child - Prior to making a large investment for orthodontia, discuss with your child his level of commitment to the process.  Will he commit to wearing the proper gear and complying with doctor’s directions?  Will she agree to stay away from items that can and will do damage to the braces and thus cost you time and money?  This is an excellent opportunity to teach your child responsibility and commitment to a long term process that will eventually yield very happy results.
• Establish a schedule - Be certain that the office hours of your selected professional will meet with your own work/school schedules.  Do not select an orthodontist whose schedule will require that you miss a half day of work once per month to seek treatment.  Look for flexibility and realize the impact this will have on your schedule.  Plan ahead when attending appointments to make the best use of waiting time so that you’re not left reading back issues of "Highlights" magazine for forty five minutes.
• Have compassion for your kid - Braces hurt physically and sometimes emotionally too. Realize that a teenager who is sent off to school with a new mouth full of metal will face some potential teasing from peers.  Think carefully about school lunches and new oral hygiene rituals.  Banish risky foods from the home if your child will not be able to resist eating them.  Give lots of extra hugs and keep pain reliever on hand for at least the first few days.  You may both need it!