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. 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. 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.
Braces have changed a lot in the last 20 years so they are a lot less painful than they were 20 years ago. At present, we do not know how to avoid the pain when the braces are first put in, or when the braces are being tightened. However, modern, cast, low profile brackets are designed to minimize your children's pain between visits to the orthodontist. Most children experience some soreness during their first week in braces and occasional pain when their braces are being tightened. However, after the first week, most children hardly notice the braces at all.