Benefits Of Braces
Between the ages of 10 and 15, most permanent teeth (if not all) have emerged, and problematic orthodontic conditions become more apparent. During these years, the jaw bones are still developing and are most susceptible to growth modification. Beginning orthodontic treatment with braces in the early teen years can minimize treatment length and support your child in building strong self-esteem that serves them for a lifetime!
Nervous about getting braces as a teen? We’ve put together some of the top benefits of braces to help ease some of your worries.
Boosts Confidence & Self-Esteem
Crooked teeth can make you very self-conscious about your smile, and one of the most common reasons people choose to get braces is to improve the appearance of their smile. This can have a huge influence on your confidence and self-esteem, which will translate into your social interactions and relationships.
Helps Prevent Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
The benefits of braces are not merely esthetic. It has been proven that crooked teeth are more difficult to brush and floss. Also, food tends to be easily lodged between misaligned teeth. Therefore, after undergoing this treatment your teeth will be straight and it will be much easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene results in the buildup of plaque from food debris on your teeth and gums. With time, this causes some dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. By straightening your teeth and improving your oral hygiene, you can help prevent the onset of these issues.
Correcting Your Bite
Aside from straightening your teeth, braces can also fix other issues such as malocclusions. This is an aspect that is sometimes disregarded but it has great benefits for your oral health. When left untreated, malocclusion becomes worse over time and results in pronounced clenching and grinding of your teeth.
Improves Speech
Another common side effect of misaligned teeth is speech problems. If your teeth prevent your tongue from moving correctly, it can affect how you speak. Getting braces can help improve your speech by correcting the alignment of your teeth. You may even find that you can pronounce certain words better after getting braces!
Makes Eating Easier
Misaligned teeth can also make eating difficult and uncomfortable, and this is because it can be hard to bite and chew properly when your teeth aren’t aligned correctly. Getting braces can help improve your bite so that eating is easier and more enjoyable.
Braces Are Proven Very Effective
Braces are very effective in treating malocclusion and crooked teeth. They allow your orthodontist to regularly check in on your progress and make any necessary adjustments for the best possible outcome.
If you are considering braces, contact Charleston Orthodontics Powered By Smile Doctors and schedule a free consultation today!
How Do Braces Fit Into The Teen Lifestyle?
The good news is that if you are the type of teen who enjoys being active and healthy, wearing braces should not significantly impact your desire to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Having said that, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid unnecessary delays in your treatment:
If you intend to participate in sports, keep in mind that you must wear a mouthguard at all times in order to protect your braces and teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is always important, but having braces makes it even more important. Brushing and flossing will have to be done more frequently.
When it comes to dietary restrictions, there are undoubtedly a few food groups that you should avoid. Popcorn, any hard or sticky candies, and any chewy meals, such as soft pretzels or pizza crusts, fall into this category. Remember that the food restrictions are only temporary.
How Do You Care For Your Braces?
Contrary to popular belief, maintaining your braces is not difficult, and many of the best techniques for caring for your teeth also apply here. Having said that, you should keep a few things in mind to avoid unnecessary delays in your treatment.
The first step is to brush and floss not only between the brackets but also between the wires. Cavities and plaque accumulation can be avoided in this manner.
You’ll also need to get used to making regular trips to either Dr. Patel or Dr. Lee during your treatment. They will undoubtedly need to check in on you to ensure that your treatment is progressing, and periodic wire adjustments will be required.