<human>:  I think parents that force their child to get braces should be charged for child abuse.
<bot>: While these parents may not be acting in the best interests of their child, forcing braces against a child’s will is generally not considered child abuse. Generally, parents are given great authority and discretion in selecting health care procedures for their children. Usually the decision of whether or not to get braces is a personal choice. In addition to cosmetic considerations, orthodontic treatment is sometimes necessary to prevent tooth and jaw damage or to improve occlusion. While upfront costs can be high, they often pay dividends in improved oral and dental health, self-esteem and appearance. You can get more information from the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.