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My son/daughter does not want to get braces because they are afraid that the braces will make him/her look like a geek. Any ideas?

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My son/daughter does not want to get braces because they are afraid that the braces will make him/her look like a geek. Any ideas?

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This is a tough one to talk your teen into. No kids wants to be known as "metal mouth" or "brace face," and high school is already pretty rough.

There is the invisigline option, of course. This was what I ended up doing. It does cost a bit more, and your teeth have to be in better condition than that of traditional braces, but if he/she fits the requirements they are a great option. However, your teen DOES need to be aware they will be wearing these longer than traditional braces. Like everything in life, it is a trade off.

If it gets to be too bad, I would show the teen photographs of people with gaps in their teeth, overbites, crooked or stained teeth, etc. I would remind them that without braces, they would look like those people their entire life rather than 6 months of high school. I would even offer to try to get the braces put on during the summer to take off some of the time being seen in public with them.

It’s a matter of careful negotiation when it comes to dealing with young people and the issue of appearance.

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This is hard because some teens are so worried about their appearance. One thing to try is to point out is that most people who need orthodontic treatment look like a geek even before they get braces. How would you like to go through life with buck teeth and a jaw that is too big or too small? If your child is really concerned about their appearance, then braces will really help them. Your smile is the most striking feature on your face, and at the end of orthodontic treatment you child’s smile will look fabulous. Doesn’t your child want to look fabulous? The other thing is that braces have changed a lot since the days when we had braces. Braces now come in a series of styles and colors. There are orthocosmetic ™ braces which blend in so they barely can be seen. Designer braces ™ in gold and sapphire to add a touch of class. Even Outrageous Braces ™ in bright purple, pink, green and black for a decidedly outrageous look. Your child can add sparkles(tm) in their school colors.

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Youngsters tend to live in the here and now. They lack future focus. They seldom look beyond the next weekend. There is a sense of immortality. Youngsters have difficulty projecting future or long term benefits. They are seldom worried about cholesterol, diet, and aging. One parent said, “Children are like little birds fluttering their wings, trying to get out of the nest.” Another mother of two teenage boys, said. “It’s like someone came in through the bedroom window at night and sucked all their brains out.” A fifteen year old girl ask, “What’s the worst thing that could happen if I get my braces off now.” I flippantly said, “All of your teeth could fall out.” She responded, “If they will last until I am 40, I want them off.” I think she was serious! This is hard because some teens are so worried about their appearance. Youngster’s with low self-esteem and lacking confidence seem to worry the most. These kids are growing rapidly. They are maturing and changing in many ways. They simp

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