Poking fun at someone who is wearing braces in Surrey is nothing new, and most of us at some point in our lives have heard people use terms such as metal mouth or brace face. While this attitude is unfortunate, the reality is that more children, teenagers, and adults are choosing to get braces or other orthodontic treatment, and this is a positive thing. So, if someone does decide to make fun of your braces, here are 4 great responses.
Shrug it off
The best thing to do is just to shrug it off and walk away. This means not stooping to the aggressor’s level and being the “bigger person”. This is a great strategy if the unwanted comments are a one-off, but might fail if they continue…
Make a Comeback
The less “mature” response is to make a comeback to the aggressor. Depending on your level of frustration, this could be something minor like “at least my teeth will be straight”, to something brasher like “at least I can fix what’s wrong with my face”. Making a comeback like this does take some guts to do, however.
Ask the Person to Stop
The more grown-up response might be to ask the person to stop. He or she might not realize how the comments are making you feel, and might think they are making a “funny joke”. Usually, people will stop a behavior if they are asked to.
Talk to an Adult
If all else has failed, and it’s a certain individual who continues to make fun, now may be the time to talk to a trusted adult. This could be a parent, teacher, or other trusted person. Let them know what is happening, and how you feel. They should be able to stop the situation from reoccurring.
Having braces is common, and is a great thing that will reward you with a great smile. Don’t let someone ruin the experience for you. If you need an Orthodontist office in Vancouver, give Pacific West Dental a call today.
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
