What to do if your Child Doesn’t Want to Wear Braces

The earlier orthodontic treatment begins, the more successful and shorter the treatment. However, not all children react to the thought of wearing braces with joy. Children may not look forward to spending months with shining metal on their teeth, and you can't blame them. Kids can seem cruel, and an 8-year-old who begins wearing braces may quickly find that his social circle is getting smaller.

So, how do you deal with your child’s refusal to wear braces? Orthodontists advise that you discuss the reasons for his refusal with your child.  This is always the best approach.  Avoid forcing him. Instead, listen to his concerns, and don’t belittle these. When you're 9, what your friends think of you and your looks, can seem more important than anything else.

Ask family members he is close to, to talk to him. If necessary, involve your orthodontist. Your dentist may be able to show your child images of how he can expect to look after the treatment, and this may encourage him to take the final step.

Talk to your children about famous personalities like sports stars or movie stars, who have worn braces. 

If none of these options work, then look at more expensive, but less visible braces like Invisalign or lingual braces. Invisalign braces are not really braces at all. Instead, these are a set of clear aligners made of a plastic-like material that have to be worn on the teeth to move them to the desired position. Invisible braces are not really 100 percent invisible, but may be visible from up close. However, these are less visible them traditional metal braces. They can also be more comfortable, and therefore, more appealing to your child. 

Then, there are lingual braces that may be suitable for a child who refuses to wear conventional braces. These are more invisible than Invisalign braces. Here, the brackets are fixed behind the teeth. They are therefore, not visible in the manner that traditional braces are, because the braces are located at the back of the teeth.  Your child won't have to deal with any embarrassment. Lingual braces can straighten teeth in the same duration as traditional braces can. If your child refuses to wear braces because of the glinting metal, then lingual braces may be a good fit for him. Besides, lingual braces can be used on any child while Invisalign braces can be used only on children who are above 12 years of age. Lingual braces are also more effective in children who may have allergies to plastic. 

Your child may also more willing to wear braces if he is allowed to jazz up his braces. He can have braces fitted with colored ligatures, or braces in the shape of stars.  These can seem trendier, and much more appealing to a child than conventional braces.