Your brother or sister may have worn braces and you may notice that some of your classmates have them, but you won’t really know what it’s like to wear braces until you do it yourself.
Your family dentist may suggest that you be evaluated by an orthodontist who will take pictures of your teeth and xray your jaw to determine if you do need some kind of straightening system.
There are different types of braces. If you want your braces to go unnoticed you can choose clear plastic, but even the look of metal braces has been improved. Or you could choose to show off your braces. You can have them custom made with your choice of color bands or other glitzes.
You may feel some discomfort when your braces are first installed or when they need to be adjusted. Your parents can give you something for the pain if you need it, but avoiding gum or sticky foods can help you avoid the annoyance. Remember to wear a mouthguard if you participate in a contact sport or activity.
Your orthodontist can give you more tips about how to manage wearing braces.