If your teenage daughter or son has a crooked smile, you probably want to do what you can to help. You probably know just how important a pretty smile is, and you might also realize the importance of helping your child get orthodontic care sooner rather than later.

However, your teen might not be so excited about braces, which can make things a little more complicated. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to help get your teen excited about braces.

1. Talk About Friends and Family Members Who Have Braces

Don't let your teen feel alone about the idea of wearing braces. Bring up friends or family members who have braces now or who have had them in the past. If you had braces yourself, consider showing pictures of yourself during your braces-wearing days to your teen. Once your son or daughter realizes that lots of people have or have had braces, he or she might not feel quite so alone.

2. Consider Alternative Options

Don't automatically opt for traditional metal braces. You may want to look into other options for your teen, such as invisible braces that are much less obvious and that can be removed in a pinch. It's a good idea to allow your teen to meet with an orthodontist to find out about the various options that are out there for dental correction. Your teen might not like the idea of highly visible braces, but he or she might not mind clear ones. Alternatively, your teen might get excited by the idea of picking out brightly-colored braces bands for more traditional braces as a way of showing off his or her personality.

3. Focus on the Benefits of a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

Talk to your teen daughter or son about the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile. For example, talk about how healthy, straight teeth can make your teen feel more confident and can help provide better oral comfort. Once your teen sees how having braces now can affect his or her future, he or she might be a bit more receptive to the idea.

It can be tough to get a teenager excited about the idea of wearing braces, but there are ways to help warm your son or daughter up to the idea. Be patient, and try these tips to help talk your teenager into this important and life changing orthodontic treatment.