If you have teenagers at home, you know how stubborn they can be. Getting a teenager to go to the dentist without complaint can be like pulling teeth, no pun intended. And if your child needs braces, you can expect even more resistance. They may be worried about what their friends will say, feeling unattractive in photos or having to start college with braces.
You may wonder how to convince your teenager to get braces when they seem so adamant against doing so. In the long term your kids will thank you for caring about their teeth and giving them a chance to achieve their best smile. There might be temporary discomfort or social awkwardness, but forgoing braces will turn those momentary problems into chronic issues. Here’s how to show your teenager that getting braces is worth it.
Making it easier… on everybody
Having some influential examples of people with braces may help your teen get over their hesitancy. Pointing out friends with braces or celebrities with braces who’ve had a positive experience and now have straight teeth will show them that braces aren’t as bad as they think. Furthermore, maintaining their dental health is crucial to their overall health. Untreated dental issues can lead to serious consequences later that may cost you and your teen time, money and confidence.
It’s not what it used to be
Another thing that may comfort your teen is knowing that newer braces aren’t as uncomfortable and unsightly as they used to be. While traditional braces are still a viable option, there have been many innovations in dental healthcare which have led to newer braces that teens might find appealing. Invisible braces are increasingly common. There are a lot of treatment options these days, from clear aligners to invisible, metal, ceramic and micro braces. For example, Lingual braces sit behind the teeth, making them more discreet than their bracketed counterparts. No one will know the braces are there except for you and your orthodontist.
If any family member is nervous about getting braces, don’t worry. Dr. Mario Paz is an orthodontist in Marina Del Rey with a highly trained and caring staff, they will put your teen at ease.