# How to Talk to Your Child About Getting Braces: A Parent's Guide Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online Author: Virtual Consultant Online Published: 2026-06-21 Updated: 0001-01-01 Canonical URL: https://virtualconsultant.online/blog/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-getting-braces Citation metadata: https://virtualconsultant.online/citation.json?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirtualconsultant.online%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-talk-to-your-child-about-getting-braces ## How to Talk to Your Child About Getting Braces: A Parent's Guide Finding out your child needs braces can bring a mix of emotions — for both of you. As a parent, you want to make sure they understand why treatment is recommended and that they feel supported. Your child might have questions, worries about how they'll look, or fears about pain. How you approach that first conversation can make a real difference to how positively they engage with treatment. This guide covers everything you need to know about talking to your child about braces — from the initial conversation through to the day they're fitted. ## Start With the Why Children respond better when they understand reasons, not just instructions. Before diving into logistics, help your child understand why orthodontic treatment has been recommended and what it will do for them. Key Takeaway Focus on the positive outcome from the start. Rather than framing braces as something that's being done to your child, frame them as something that will improve their smile, their bite, and their confidence. The result — not the process — should be the starting point. Depending on their age, keep the explanation simple and focused on what they care about. Younger children often respond to straightforward health reasons. Teenagers may be more concerned about how they look and what their friends will think. Both concerns are valid — meet them where they are. ## Common Worries and How to Address Them ### "Will it hurt?" This is the question almost every child asks first. Be honest: there may be some discomfort, particularly in the first few days after fitting and after each tightening appointment. But pain is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. It also gets easier as treatment progresses. Avoid promising it won't hurt at all — children trust parents who are honest, and discovering you were wrong will undermine their confidence in you as they go through treatment. ### "Will I look weird?" This is especially common in teenagers. Acknowledge their concern genuinely — it's valid. Then remind them of a few reassuring facts: Braces are very common — millions of children and teenagers wear them across the UK Many of their peers or older siblings will have worn or be wearing braces Treatment is temporary; the improved smile is permanent There are discreet options available, including tooth-coloured brackets and clear aligners for older teens ### "How long will I have to wear them?" Younger children find it helpful to anchor the timeline to events they understand. For example: "You'll have finished by the time you start secondary school" or "You'll be done before your birthday next year." For teenagers, being direct about typical treatment times (usually 12–24 months for most cases) is more reassuring than vague answers. ### "What can I eat?" For many children, this is a significant practical concern. Be upfront about the foods to avoid — sweets, chewing gum, crunchy foods — but also emphasise everything they can eat. Most children adjust to brace-friendly diets within a week or two, especially when motivated by the end goal. ## Making the Treatment Feel Like Their Choice Wherever possible, involve your child in the treatment process. Children who feel a sense of ownership over their orthodontic journey are more likely to engage positively and comply with their treatment plan. Things You Can Involve Them In Choosing the colour of their ligature bands Selecting which type of brace if there are options Helping design a hygiene routine that works for them Setting a milestone goal for when braces come off Avoid These Approaches Minimising their concerns with "it's fine, don't be silly" Threatening or bribing as the primary motivation Sharing your own childhood dental fears (unless positive) Discussing costs or insurance in front of the child ## Understanding NHS vs Private Treatment Many parents face the additional question of whether treatment will be funded by the NHS or whether private treatment is the right path. This matters to your child too — particularly if NHS treatment means a waiting list. IOTN Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need — determines NHS eligibility in the UK Under 18 NHS orthodontic treatment is only available for children under 18 who meet the clinical threshold Free NHS braces are free for children who qualify — but waiting times vary by area If your child has been referred for NHS treatment, our NHS eligibility checker can help you understand whether they're likely to qualify. You can also use our IOTN score checker to get an initial sense of their clinical need score before any appointment. Important Note on NHS Waiting Times NHS orthodontic waiting times in the UK can be lengthy — in some areas exceeding two years. If your child is approaching the age at which ideal treatment timing would begin, it may be worth exploring private options in parallel. A virtual consultation can help you understand the timeline and costs quickly, without a long wait. ## Preparing for the First Appointment The first orthodontic appointment is typically an assessment or consultation — not fitting day. Knowing this can ease nerves significantly. Use the pre-appointment period to: Explain what will happen: the orthodontist will look at their teeth, possibly take moulds or scans, and discuss a plan Encourage your child to write down their questions in advance Reassure them that no needles or drills are involved in an assessment Talk about what a virtual consultation involves if that's the first step A virtual orthodontic consultation can be a lower-pressure starting point, allowing your child to engage with an assessment from home before any in-person appointments. You can book one through our online quote tool or find a local practice through our locations page . ## Supporting Them Through Treatment The conversation about braces doesn't end once treatment begins. Children need consistent encouragement, particularly in the early weeks when discomfort is highest and the novelty wears off. Keep stocked up on soft foods for tender days after appointments Help them establish a thorough brushing routine — it's easy to let this slip Keep orthodontic wax available for bracket irritation Remind them of the end goal when they're feeling frustrated Celebrate milestones — halfway through, last tightening appointment, brace removal day Explore treatment options for your child, or get a quick estimate with our free online quote tool . You can also see how treatment works across the UK on our locations page . ## After Treatment: Managing Retainers Prepare your child for the fact that brace removal isn't the end of the story. Retainers — either fixed or removable — are usually required afterwards to hold the new tooth positions. This can come as a surprise if not discussed in advance. Explain retainers as part of the process from the beginning, not a surprise addition Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of teeth and invisible to others Removable retainers only need to be worn at night long-term Without a retainer, teeth will drift back — even years after treatment For more detail on what comes after braces, speak to one of our qualified clinicians . Get started with a free assessment Not sure where to begin? Our online quote tool takes a few minutes and gives you a personalised estimate for your child's treatment — with no commitment. Start Free Assessment ## FAQs ### At what age do children typically get braces in the UK? Most orthodontic treatment in the UK starts between the ages of 11 and 14, when most permanent teeth have come through. However, some interceptive treatment begins earlier, and adults of any age can have orthodontic treatment. ### How do I know if my child needs braces? Your child's dentist will usually identify the need during routine check-ups and issue a referral to an orthodontist if needed. You can also use our IOTN score checker for an initial indication, though a clinical assessment is always required for a definitive answer. ### Are children's braces free on the NHS? NHS orthodontic treatment is free for children under 18 who meet the clinical threshold (IOTN score of 3.6 or above). Children referred by their dentist are assessed and treated at NHS practices at no charge. Waiting times vary by area. ### What if my child refuses to wear their braces? Compliance issues are common, especially with removable appliances. Talk openly about why compliance matters, use milestone rewards, and involve the orthodontist — they have experience motivating reluctant patients. Persistent non-compliance should be discussed with the practice. ### How can I help my child with pain after tightening? Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen (appropriate to their age and weight) can help. Soft foods, cold water, and cold foods like yogurt or ice cream also soothe tender teeth. The discomfort typically passes within 48 to 72 hours. ### Can my teenager have clear aligners instead of metal braces? Possibly. Clear aligners are suitable for many teenage patients, though the suitability depends on the complexity of the case and the patient's ability to commit to wearing them 20-22 hours a day. An orthodontic assessment will confirm which options are appropriate. ### What should I do if a bracket breaks? Contact the orthodontic practice as soon as possible. Most practices have an advice line for exactly this situation. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can cover any sharp edges and reduce irritation. Avoid trying to fix it yourself. ### At what age do children typically get braces in the UK? Most orthodontic treatment in the UK starts between the ages of 11 and 14, when most permanent teeth have come through. However, some interceptive treatment begins earlier, and adults of any age can have orthodontic treatment. ### How do I know if my child needs braces? Your child's dentist will usually identify the need during routine check-ups and issue a referral to an orthodontist if needed. You can also use our IOTN score checker for an initial indication, though a clinical assessment is always required for a definitive answer. ### Are children's braces free on the NHS? NHS orthodontic treatment is free for children under 18 who meet the clinical threshold (IOTN score of 3.6 or above). Children referred by their dentist are assessed and treated at NHS practices at no charge. Waiting times vary by area. ### What if my child refuses to wear their braces? Compliance issues are common, especially with removable appliances. Talk openly about why compliance matters, use milestone rewards, and involve the orthodontist — they have experience motivating reluctant patients. Persistent non-compliance should be discussed with the practice. ### How can I help my child with pain after tightening? Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen (appropriate to their age and weight) can help. Soft foods, cold water, and cold foods like yogurt or ice cream also soothe tender teeth. The discomfort typically passes within 48 to 72 hours. ### Can my teenager have clear aligners instead of metal braces? Possibly. Clear aligners are suitable for many teenage patients, though the suitability depends on the complexity of the case and the patient's ability to commit to wearing them 20-22 hours a day. An orthodontic assessment will confirm which options are appropriate. ### What should I do if a bracket breaks? Contact the orthodontic practice as soon as possible. Most practices have an advice line for exactly this situation. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can cover any sharp edges and reduce irritation. Avoid trying to fix it yourself. ## References - NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/orthodontics/) - NHS overview of orthodontic treatment for children - British Orthodontic Society (https://www.bos.org.uk/Public-Patients/Orthodontics-for-children-and-adults) - BOS guidance on orthodontic treatment for children and teenagers - Oral Health Foundation (https://www.dentalhealth.org/brace-yourself) - Oral Health Foundation information on braces for young patients - NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/orthodontics/) - NHS overview of orthodontic treatment for children - British Orthodontic Society (https://www.bos.org.uk/Public-Patients/Orthodontics-for-children-and-adults) - BOS guidance on orthodontic treatment for children and teenagers - Oral Health Foundation (https://www.dentalhealth.org/brace-yourself) - Oral Health Foundation information on braces for young patients