Dental anxiety isn’t only limited to a certain age. Even adults still experience dental anxiety when they know they have to visit their local dental clinic. Unfortunately, many people give in to this fear and skip going to dental appointments altogether, increasing the risk of dental problems they’ll have to face. 

In most cases, those who fear going to the orthodontist are the ones who need treatment the most. If you’re one of these people, you don’t need to worry; we can help you deal with your dental anxiety. Here’s a step-by-step guide that could help you face your dental fears. Let’s get to it!

Step #1: Acknowledge Your Fear

One of the best ways to face your dental anxiety is by acknowledging your problem. Once you’re honest with yourself, you’re a step ahead into making progress. 

When you acknowledge your fear and make a commitment to overcome it, you’ll be able to find better solutions to get you back on the path of having better oral health.

Step #2: Find an Orthodontist That Will Put You at Ease

Now that you’ve acknowledged the issues, the next thing you want to do is to book an appointment and speak to your orthodontist about your dental anxiety. During the appointment, ensure that you let your dentist know what parts of a dental session make you scared and any potential triggers. 

By doing this, your orthodontists will accommodate your needs and could make modifications to your dental treatment to find out what works best for you. 

Step #3: Ask for Support From Your Friends and Family

A great way to overcome your fear is by having a loved one with you during your dentist appointment. Having a familiar face in a dental office could help put your anxieties at bay and help you overcome your fears. 

When you find an orthodontist who understands your situation, they may even allow your loved one to come in with you to offer moral support. 

Step #4: Make the Environment More Comfortable to You

Sometimes, it’s not the act itself that scares you but the sound of the drills and equipment in the dental office. For this reason, you can find ways to help make the space more comfortable for you. 

Consider listening to music during your session to help you relax and to ease your anxiety. You can even ask your dentist if you can play soothing and relaxing music through the speakers to evoke a sense of calm throughout the whole session. 

Step #5: Use a Signal

Finally, another great way to manage your anxiety is by creating a signal or code with your dentist to let them know your anxiety level. When your dentist knows how much stress you’re under, your orthodontist can step back and give you some time to compose yourself and refocus. 

This tip is incredibly helpful for procedures that could take a lot of time. By doing this, you’ll be at ease knowing that you’re in control of the situation and that you can take time for a breather before you continue with the session. 

The Bottom Line: Don’t Be Disheartened By Your Anxieties Because You Can Overcome It

The fact that you’ve reached the end of the article is already a huge step in overcoming your dental anxiety. By remembering these five steps and being vocal about your stressors, you’ll be able to work with your orthodontist to help you manage your dental fears. 

How Can Edmonton Smiles Help You?

Dental fears are very common in society, but trusting a reliable orthodontist can help you overcome your anxiety about the situation. Edmonton Smiles has been in the industry for years and is focused on giving expert dental services to clients and keeping them happy by providing fantastic customer service and support.

Our orthodontists in Edmonton Smiles offer emergency dental procedures, teeth whitening, and preventative services. Learn more about our services today!

Posted in Dental News & Advice