Tips To Help With Dental Anxiety at the Orthodontist

Dental anxiety can make attending orthodontic check-ups difficult and stressful. At Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, our team understands the challenges these feelings pose. Your comfort is our top priority, so we strive to create a supportive environment to help ease your nerves. Our office has put together tips to help with dental anxiety at the orthodontists to help you manage your symptoms.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Feelings of stress or fear associated with going to the orthodontist or dentist are better known as dental anxiety. Patients of all ages can suffer from these nerves. No matter how straightforward an appointment may be, the mere sight of an office or treatment chair front can trigger negative emotions. This can lead to putting off scheduling their next appointment and avoiding proper care for their teeth. 

Symptoms and Signs

Dental anxiety, whether before an appointment or after arriving at the office, may manifest as a fast heartbeat, excessive sweating, visible distress, and feeling faint. If any of these sound familiar, don’t worry. Our expert team at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics is prepared to help you work through them.

Bring a Distraction With You

Small distractions can make a significant difference. You can bring headphones to listen to music, your phone to watch a show, or a stress ball to squeeze. Try combining these ideas or others to enhance their effectiveness and stay in control of your anxiety.

Depending on what needs to be accomplished during a particular appointment, double-check with Drs. Cowan or Whitaker to see what distraction they recommend will work best while allowing you to progress your teeth to the next step.

Ask a Loved One To Come With

Having a familiar face in the room can put your mind at ease. If you feel nervous about your next appointment, we encourage you to bring a family member or friend to accompany you. While you may not be able to carry a conversation, they can talk to you and keep you calm during otherwise stressful moments in the office.

Share Your Nerves With Us

One of the best ways we can help you manage your dental anxiety is by bringing it to our attention as soon as possible. The earlier we know about it, the earlier in your treatment plan, we can accommodate your concerns and anxieties. Our team will happily walk you through appointment agendas so no surprises await you.

Positive Visualization

You’ve probably heard the phrase “go to your happy place” before. Also known as positive visualization, this practice involves imagining a place or memory that relaxes your mind and body, shifting your attention away from dental work. For some patients, this may be playing their favorite sport, walking through a forest preserve, being on the beach with friends, or playing video games.

Conquer Your Dental Anxiety Today!

The Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics team is ready to help you manage your dental anxiety and make your experience with us as comfortable and straightforward as possible! We serve Tuscaloosa and the surrounding communities with our expert orthodontic care. Schedule your free consultation with us today and get started on treatment. We can’t wait to meet you!