Should You Force Your Child to Get Braces if They Don’t Want Them?

In a world where appearance often plays a significant role in self-esteem, many parents wonder if it's necessary to force their children to undergo orthodontic treatment, such as getting braces. The question of whether to get braces for their child when they don't want them is a complex one, and it's crucial to consider both medical and personal factors.

Why Not Force Braces?

Braces as Cosmetic Treatment: It’s important to recognize that braces are primarily a cosmetic treatment. They are not medically necessary and do not provide any health benefits to the teeth or mouth. The primary concern with braces is that they can often be uncomfortable, painful, and come with substantial long-term commitments, such as wearing retainers for life.

Side Effects and Pain: Braces can cause significant discomfort and pain. They can lead to gum recession, tooth decay, cavities, enamel damage, and even shortening of tooth roots. These are severe side effects that can significantly impact your child's quality of life.

Harmful Long-term Commitments: The requirement to wear a retainer for life can be a permanent change that might not even benefit your child's overall oral health. This is arguably a more problematic long-term commitment than, say, a nose job, which, at least, you can revisit as your child grows and changes.

False Health Claims and Misconceptions

False Advertising Lack of Evidence: Many statements about the health benefits of braces are misleading or outright false. According to a reputable source, such as the American Association of Orthodontists, there is a lack of evidence to support claims about braces improving the function of the teeth or jaw. In fact, some studies have shown that improper brushing and treatment adherence can negate the supposed benefits of braces.

Practical Considerations

Wasted Money and Treatment Failures: In my 30 years as an orthodontic assistant, I've seen that nearly half the time, orthodontic treatment fails due to various reasons. Here are some common issues:

Teeth Cleaning Habits: Several patients have issues with maintaining proper dental hygiene, which can lead to decay and other complications. Retainer Neglect: Many patients, including those who initially wanted braces, often forget to wear their retainers after treatment. This can result in a relapse of the teeth's alignment. Sabotage by the Patient: Some patients may damage their braces, either through eating inappropriate foods or engaging in other behaviors that interfere with the treatment. Dependent on Others: Some children may be too dependent on parents to wear retainers properly, leading to eventual neglect. Subtle Sabotage: In some cases, children might deliberately sabotage their treatment, like one patient who carefully removed and reinstalled arch wires, or another who put off brushing, leading to severe dental issues.

Encouraging Open Dialogue and Patience

Waiting for Readiness: It's crucial for parents to engage in open dialogue with their children about the need for braces. Often, children who have a serious enough malocclusion are likely to be in favor of braces. If your child doesn’t want braces, it may be better to wait until they are old enough to understand and agree to the treatment.

Respecting Their Decisions: Avoid imposing your will on your children by overriding their decisions. It is not worth engaging in a power struggle, as it can damage your relationship and harm their self-esteem.

By taking these factors into consideration, parents can make informed decisions that prioritize their child's well-being and help foster open communication about dental health.