Do You Regret Making Your Kid Get Orthodontic Work?

I understand the perspective from both sides of this issue. As someone who was forced to wear braces, I can attest to the challenges and the underlying concerns. My teeth were not entirely straight, but they were manageable enough that I was content with them. The reality is that my parents pushed for braces despite my apprehension. The experience was painful, and the adjustments were frequent and bothersome. Food would frequently get trapped between my braces, making me feel constantly self-conscious. Even though they paid for it, my priorities at the time were more pressing: undiagnosed health issues and the continued denial of my autistic tendencies were the real focus.

In the end, it's important to stand up to your parents if a treatment isn't what you truly want. Don't let them guilt-trip you into accepting something just because they believe it's best. Whether it's braces, college memberships, or any other commitment, you should always prioritize what you genuinely believe is in your best interest.

Retaining Results: The Importance of Wearing Retainers

Unfortunately, not all efforts at aligning teeth lead to lasting results. One instance where this became apparent is when a friend refused to wear his retainers after his braces were removed. His teeth returned to their original position, reminding us of the importance of compliance with retainers. When his braces came off, he had a beautiful, straight smile. However, he decided that he preferred crooked teeth over the continuous wear of retainers, and after leaving for college, he stopped wearing them.

The result was a waste of money and effort: four thousand dollars down the drain. This situation highlights the long-term commitment required to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment. Retainers are crucial in ensuring that your teeth stay in their corrected position, but many individuals struggle to wear them as directed.

Parental Responsibility in Orthodontic Decisions

Ultimately, parents should be responsible for making decisions that are best for their children, not just what they believe to be best. I made the mistake of overriding my son's wishes and forcing him to get braces at 13. He responded by refusing to brush his teeth and damaging his braces. After six months, the orthodontist removed them, as there was no significant progress. Although I was angry at my son in the moment, reflecting on the situation now, I regret the entire experience. While I wanted what was best for him, it significantly damaged our relationship.

Looking back, if I had known what I know now, I would have delayed the decision and allowed my son more time to reconsider. No one should be forced into a situation that they don't want. The key is to align decisions with the child's own understanding of what is best for them.

Conclusion

Orthodontic decisions are deeply personal and should involve a thoughtful discussion between parents and their children. Understanding and respecting their feelings and priorities can prevent unnecessary stress and conflict. While the outcomes of orthodontic work can be transformative, the long-term success depends on compliance with retainers and other post-treatment protocols.