How to Persuade Your Parents to Let You Get Braces

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Braces will make your teeth straight and your smile prettier. However, they are very expensive, and some parents might not think that braces are worth the money. If you think you would benefit from braces you should do some research on all the reasons to support your argument and seek expert advice from your dentist before trying to convince skeptical parents. Be clear and confident when you talk to them, and approach the topic maturely and calmly.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your Argument

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    If you want to make the argument to your parents that you should get braces, you ought to be sure about the benefits of braces as well as the indicators that you need them. The signs that can demonstrate you need braces include crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between your teeth, an overbite or underbite, and a crossbite.
    • Keep in mind that in many cases these symptoms will be easily apparent, but not always. In some cases they will not be evident until an orthodontic evaluation has taken place.
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    Once you have identified the signs that indicate braces may be necessary you need to understand what the result of wearing braces would be. Successful orthodontic treatment helps you get the best from your teeth. You will be able to eat and speak more comfortably, bite correctly, and care for your teeth and gums more easily. Having straighter teeth will also improve your smile and can make you feel happier and more confident. [1]
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    After you have determined the medical benefits of braces, you should think about why you really want them. If you feel embarrassed or awkward about your crooked teeth be honest with yourself. Remember that most people have teeth that are somewhat crooked, but if your smile is getting you down be sure to include this in the list of reasons why you want braces.
    • The best time to get braces is thought to be when you are around 12 or 13 years old. If you are around this age explain that the time is right. [2]
    • When you draw up your list include both objective medical information as well as your own personal feelings about it.
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    It's a very good idea to talk to your dentist or orthodontist about your teeth and the benefits of braces. Each person is different so you should talk to an expert in order to get a full understanding of how your teeth will develop over time. If your orthodontist doesn't think you should get braces, it is highly unlikely that your parents will pursue it.
    • Having a dental expert helping you make the argument to your parents will make it much more convincing and harder to ignore.
    • If your dentist agrees that braces would be beneficial for you they will most likely raise this with your parents anyway.
    • If your dentist tells you you really don't need braces you should reconsider.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Approaching Your Parents

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    If you are going to approach your parents to try to convince them that you need to get braces, it's a good idea to take some time to rehearse the sort of things you want to say. You need to be able to express yourself as clearly and articulately as possible, so preparation helps. Go through your list of reasons why you want braces and break it into medical reasons and personal reasons. Demonstrating that you have thought long and hard about it, and put in work to research it, will show your parents that you are serious about it.
    • Be prepared to say things such as "I have done some research and I think getting braces would really straighten my teeth", and "I think having straighter teeth will help me speak more clearly".
    • You could say "I understand that wearing braces can be irritating and they are expensive, but I think the long-term benefits justify it".
    • If you are self-conscious about an underbite or overbite, be honest about it and say something like "my overbite makes me feel self-conscious and I think getting braces would help".
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    If your parents have shown some skepticism in the past about you getting braces, you should be prepared to deal with some questions from them about whether you need braces. They might ask you things such as "are braces really necessary", or suggest that you shouldn't be worried about having slightly crooked teeth. It's important that you state your case clearly without being impatient and rude.
    • You could answer by saying something like "they might seem only slightly crooked to you, but my teeth stop me from smiling".
    • You could point out that over time they may become more crooked and cause more serious problems that might even require surgery. [3]
    • You could encourage them to speak to your dentist about it to get a real expert opinion.
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    Once you are well-prepared you should feel confident to go and speak to your parents about braces. Don't jump in before you feel like you have enough information to support your argument and pick a moment when your parents will not be stressed or distracted. Say "have you got a minute for a chat?" or "are you free to talk?".
    • If you are struggling to find a good time, ask your parents when they will be free to talk to you.
    • Say something like "I know you're busy, but I could do with a chat. When's a good time?" [4]
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    When you do get to talk to your parents try to be as confident and clear as you can about why you think you should get braces. Be direct about how you are feeling and encourage your parents to try see the situation from your point of view. Give details on why you are asking them so they can try to better understand your situation and your reasoning.
    • Don't whine or be impatient when you talk to them, be sincere and honest about how you feel.
    • Being friendly and respectful towards your parents will help them to sympathise with your situation.
    • If you act like an adult and are mature and respectful they are more likely to respond to you in that way and take your appeals more seriously. [5]
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    You should understand that your parents won't focus on minor crooked teeth in your smile in the same way you do, so they might not understand how it is impacting on you. You can acknowledge this by saying "I know you think it's not a big deal, but it makes me feel uncomfortable and I find it hard to relax". [6]
    • Showing maturity and self-awareness without overstating the influence a brace would have on your happiness and well-being is important.
    • Try to understand your parents' point of view and be sympathetic to it, while maintaining your argument.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I straighten my teeth without braces?
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Expert Answer
    There are a lot of clear aligners on the market that are still considered braces. Some companies offer cheaper services, but they don't have a dentist overseeing your case. If finance isn't a consideration, it's best to see a general dentist or an orthodontist.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
  • Question
    What's your advice for asking permission if your parents are always saying no?
    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).
    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Expert Answer
    Try to understand why they said no. If you ask to be allowed to get back at midnight and they say 10 PM, instead of getting angry, try to understand why that is. You’ll get an honest answer. If you can understand where they're coming from, you can address that point, and maybe promise them that you understand them. In due time, they will start to trust you more.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
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      Tips

      • If you have an older brother or sister who has braces, ask them for help.
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      • Visit a dentist with a good track record, one that isn't just there to make money. Find one that actually cares about your dental health, and get a proper recommendation from them.
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      • Your dentist will talk to your parents if you would like them to.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Sometimes, your parents have insurance so the cost of braces will be covered. Ask your parents or dentist if the insurance is covered. If they don't have to worry about the cost, they may be more willing to let you get them.
      • A good detail to add when convincing your parents is that crowded teeth can lead to bacteria and food build-up that causes bad breath.
      • If you do get braces, know that you have to care for them properly, and they can also get very sore.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about convincing your parents, check out our in-depth interview with Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/braces.aspx
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/braces.aspx
      3. ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/does-your-kid-really-need-braces/
      4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html
      6. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html

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        Jan 18, 2017

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