Ways to make braces more fun and comfortable

When it comes to getting braces, it’s normal for you or your child to have some reservations.  

From having to cut out certain foods to brushing and flossing extra well, there’s lots to think about.  

But the good news is, you can still have fun and feel comfortable with braces – even if you do have to get a little creative sometimes.  

Read on for some tips on how to make braces fun.   

How to get a kid excited with braces?  

Getting your kid excited about braces can be tricky – but if you get a bit creative, hopefully, they’ll soon come around to the idea.  
Some things you could do include:  

• Take photos – Making a timeline of photos to show how your child’s smile changes can help them feel excited about their progress.  
• Make a countdown calendar – If your orthodontist has given your child a rough timeline of how long their treatment will take, you could make a countdown calendar to get them excited about their progress.  
• Set a reward for after treatment – If your child has something to work towards, like a reward, they may feel more excited about undergoing treatment.  

How to convince a child to get braces  

We understand that it can sometimes be hard to get kids on board with getting braces. But in today’s society, the treatment is widely accepted and a normal part of growing up for many people.  

Have a chat with your child and tell them lots of kids get braces. You could even show them photos of some celebrities who had braces as kids, or when they were adults! 

Things to say to your kids after they get braces  

When your child first gets braces, they may feel some initial pain as their teeth adjust to the treatment. This is a normal part of braces treatment, and something you can remind children of.  

You might consider saying: 

• “The pain will go away soon”  
• “Your teeth will adjust soon enough”  

Your child may also notice their teeth or mouth looks different. It’s important to reassure them they still have a wonderful smile – and explain that after braces, they are going to feel more confident and maintain a healthier smile later in life. 

You might consider saying: 

• “Your smile is going to look so amazing after braces”  
• “Just think of how straight your teeth will be at the end!”  

Some children may also experience a lisp or change in the way the speak when they first get braces. This occurs as their tongue and lips get used to speaking with braces, and usually disappears after a few weeks.  

You might consider saying:  

• “You hardly sound any different” 
•  “Don’t worry about it – you’ll be speaking normally again soon”  

How can I make my braces more attractive?  

If you feel a little self-conscious about the appearance of your braces, there are some things you can do to make the experience more pleasant.  

• Remember braces are temporary – it can help to remind yourself why you have braces, and the outcome they will produce… a healthier and happier smile for life! 
• Take good care of your braces – ensuring your braces are well looked after and clean will help keep them looking nice, and improve your overall oral health. 
• Boost your confidence in other ways – wearing clothes or accessories that make you feel more confident can help detract from any insecurities you have about braces. 
• Opt for less obvious orthodontic appliances – if you have concerns about the appearance of braces, lingual braces and clear aligner treatment may be worth considering. These types of braces are less visible.  

How can I make braces more fun?  

We get it – having braces isn’t always fun. But there are ways to make your treatment a little more enjoyable.  

They include:  

• Coloured bands – if you have traditional braces, you may be able to add some fun to your treatment by opting for coloured bands. These come in many different colours and can reflect your personality.  
• Throw a braces party – if you or your child are about to get braces, why not throw a party and eat the foods you may not be able to consume as easily with braces. 
• Set goals – if you need some motivation to look after your braces, or to stay on track with your treatment, consider making some small and achievable goals. You could even reward yourself or your child when you hit certain milestones (like flossing every night).  

And remember, whatever your needs, it’s best to consult a trusted, specialist orthodontist who can help determine the best course of treatment. For more information, find an orthodontist using our Finder Tool. 

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