Your teen is either going to either really want to get braces, because their teeth are that bad, or is going to really not want to get them. Some of the reasons they will give for not wanting them are they are going to look stupid, they can't play sports, they are going to look stupid, they can't play their musical instrument, they are going to look stupid, braces hurt & they can't chew gum, and they are going to look stupid!
Let's handle their number one concern first. Looking stupid for even five minutes is a huge blow to the self esteem in the adolescent years, so it is a real concern to them. First, point out how good they will look after the braces, you can even get a computer image of them done here. Next, you can point out how many of their friends have braces, it isn't uncommon. Lastly, give your teen the choice to pick what kind of braces they get. Braces now come in all types of colors, for the same price. If your teen wants to get a little wild and crazy with them, allow it.
Playing sports and musical instruments are a concern. Talk to your orthodontist about it beforehand. He will recommend mouthpieces that will allow your child to continue with their activities.
As for braces hurting, yes they do. They are not comfortable, but then again, it isn't real pain most of the time, just discomfort. When the braces are first put on or they are adjusted, their is some real discomfort, ie it can be painful. Not while the adjustment is happening, but about an hour later, when the teeth start to move. Here are some things we do:
I give the kids tylenol before a appointment or directly after. Chap Stick on the lips before the appointment as sometimes the orthodontist uses a mouth opener to do his work and this stretches the lips and causes them to chap.
Use recipes, like these from William J. Trepp, DDS, for dinner that night. Make appointments for late afternoon, so they don't have to return to school. Think about it, algebra is hard enough without another distraction.
