How to Persuade Your Parents to Let You Get Braces

Practice what you want to say. 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".

Be ready to answer questions. 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.

Pick a good time to talk. 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]

Adopt the right tone. 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]