Braces aren’t always met with excitement, but they don’t have to be a dreaded topic either. For most kids, it’s just unfamiliar territory. Once they know what to expect and feel like they’re part of the process, it gets easier. A little reassurance goes a long way, especially when it comes from people they trust.
Dr. Alys Walter and Dr. Ryan Walter work with kids and teens every day at Marble Hill Orthodontics. With offices in Phillipsburg and Annandale, their team knows how to make treatment feel less overwhelming and more manageable from the start. If your child just found out they need braces, here’s how to help them feel more confident heading into it.
Start With the Truth
This is the part where it’s tempting to soften everything. You don’t want your child to worry, so you give them the basics and try to make it sound easy. However, kids aren’t clueless. If something feels off or if the plan keeps changing, they’ll notice.
Instead of tiptoeing around it, be honest. Let them know there’s an adjustment period. The first week might feel weird. Some foods will need to be swapped. Certain parts of their daily routine are going to take longer. None of that means anything is wrong; it just means their mouth is learning something new.
If you treat this like a normal, manageable change, it’s easier for them to do the same. That doesn’t mean you pretend they’ll love it. It means you’re giving them credit for being capable of handling it.
Help Them Take Some Ownership
Most of what happens during treatment is mapped out by the orthodontist. Not everything has to feel locked in. You can help your child feel more involved by giving them choices where it makes sense. That could look like:
- Picking out band colors for their brackets (let them go bold, seasonal, or match their favorite hoodie)
- Choosing between metal braces and Invisalign if their case allows it
- Getting a new toothbrush that feels less like a chore and more like a cool gadget
- Picking their soft snack for the first day or two after an adjustment
These aren’t huge decisions, but they add up. When your child feels like they have a say, it changes the tone. It’s not just something being done to them. It’s something they’re a part of.
Normalize It Without Making It a Lecture
“Everyone has braces at some point,” might be true, but it’s not exactly helpful when your child is focused on how they feel right now.
Instead of minimizing their reaction, just acknowledge it. Say yeah, it’s a big deal. It’s different. Then show them it’s also totally normal.
If you or a family member wore braces, pull out those photos. This helps to make the situation lighter and shows as proof that this is something people go through and move on from. It’s a phase. And like most phases, it doesn’t last forever.
If they like sports, music, or movies, mention a few well-known people who’ve had braces. Not in a “see, they survived” kind of way. Just enough to remind them that braces don’t make or break how people see you, and they don’t stop you from doing what you love.
Keep Track of Progress Visually
It’s easy to forget how much things are changing when you look in the mirror every day. That’s why photos help. Take one before their first appointment. Then grab a new one every couple of months. Try to keep the lighting and angle the same so they can compare. If your child isn’t into posed pictures, let them snap their progress selfies. Whatever works.
Once you have a few, print them out or store them in a dedicated folder. These aren’t meant for social media but are more for the tough days when your child needs a reminder that this is working, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
Know the Options and Talk Them Through
Not every kid is a candidate for Invisalign, but for some, it’s a great alternative. Others may need or prefer the structure of traditional braces. Either way, it helps to know what’s possible and what the tradeoffs are.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are considered reliable for a reason. They work well, especially for younger kids or more complex bite issues. Today’s brackets are lower profile than they used to be, and they’re more comfortable than what most parents remember from their own experience.
Invisalign
If your child qualifies, clear aligners can be a lower-profile way to straighten teeth. They’re removable, which makes brushing and eating easier. But they only work if your child wears them consistently, which isn’t always a sure thing with younger kids. Some older tweens and teens do great with them. Others need the accountability that brackets bring.
The team at Marble Hill Orthodontics always breaks this down clearly. Dr. Ryan Walter and Dr. Alys Walter will walk you through the pros and cons for your child’s specific case so you don’t have to guess which treatment would be best.
Make Room for Humor
You don’t have to turn this into a joke. If your child has a sense of humor about it, lean in. Some kids make up nicknames for their braces or show off their new smile with exaggerated grins. Others want nothing to do with attention, so just follow their lead.
If you want to do something lighthearted, like making a “goodbye to popcorn” dinner or a little care kit for sore-mouth days, go for it. It’s not about turning this into a party. It’s about making space for them to feel more okay about the changes.
Let the Right People Handle the Rest
You don’t have to be the one to explain every wire, aligner, or adjustment. That’s where the orthodontic team steps in. Dr. Alys Walter and Dr. Ryan Walter know how to keep things calm and clear from day one, and that is part of what makes this husband-and-wife team different. They’re good at reading the room, knowing when to talk more and when to just keep it simple. That makes a big difference, especially for kids who feel nervous or unsure.
If something’s off, if your child is uncomfortable or not adjusting well, say something. The earlier you bring it up, the faster it gets fixed. You’re not being difficult. You’re being an advocate, and that’s exactly what your child needs.
Have Questions About What Comes Next?
Dr. Alys Walter and Dr. Ryan Walter at Marble Hill Orthodontics are here if you want to talk things through. Whether you’re closer to the Phillipsburg or Annandale office, you can reach out any time for a free consultation. The team will walk you through the options, help you figure out what makes sense for your child, and make sure you’re not left guessing.
