Teenage years are when teeth and jaws are both developing in kids, especially during puberty. At this point, most teens often seek the support of braces, which is not only for cosmetic reasons but also to correct and manage critical oral health concerns like future dental problems or speech impediments. All these concerns make parents question how they can help their teens avoid these problems.
If, as a parent, you are unsure about why teens need braces, knowing their key benefits will help you make a more informed decision.
The Benefits of Getting Braces for Teens
Teens often deal with teeth alignment concerns that require braces to correct them. Here are the common benefits offered by braces for teens:
Fixing Bite Issues To Achieve Better Function
Teenagers suffering from bite issues will benefit greatly from wearing braces. Bite issues have long been known to create chewing difficulties as well as oral and jaw discomfort not only in teens but adults as well. Braces offer the ideal solution for correcting them.
- Overbite: In case of an overbite, your kid’s upper teeth will overlap the bottom teeth too much. This causes a great deal of damage to the lower teeth.
- Underbite: Here, the bottom teeth extend past the top ones. Underbite results in chewing difficulties and affects facial symmetry.
- Crossbite: In this condition, the upper and lower teeth will not meet properly, potentially causing gum issues and wear caused by uneven teeth.
For all sorts of bite issues, braces can easily align the teeth and jaw, making it easier for teens to chew properly and speak clearly.
Avoiding Future Dental Issues
With Misaligned teeth, managing daily oral care can be challenging for anyone. It can lead to an abundance of dental problems down the line, such as:
- Tooth decay and gum disease: When your teen has crooked teeth, it will be difficult to manage oral care. This can result in poor oral hygiene and allow plaque to build up, causing gum diseases.
- Jaw pain and headaches: Misaligned bites can put a strain on your kid’s jaw muscles and cause unnecessary discomfort throughout day-to-day activities.
- Tooth wear: Teeth that don’t line up correctly can get damaged throughout day-to-day activities, leading to further damage in the long run.
Braces offer effective solutions not only to correct these misalignments but also provide an opportunity to improve oral hygiene. Getting treated for misalignments early can help kids feel more confident in their smiles.
Boosting Confidence and Self-esteem
Smiling is a part of everyday life, and a straight smile always boosts self-esteem. However, if your teen has crooked or unevenly spaced teeth, they are more likely to feel self-conscious, and this can leave them feeling less confident.
However, braces can change that by correcting these issues and helping teens become more relaxed in social interactions and confident when speaking up or smiling in public settings.
Improving Oral Hygiene
Braces make brushing and flossing more efficient by correcting misalignments between teeth. Uneven or misalignment causes can make some spots in your mouth hard to reach and result in plaque collecting and food particles hiding, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Straighter teeth make it simpler and quicker to maintain good oral hygiene practices that are essential for creating a healthier mouth over time.
Enhancing Speech Clarity
Misaligning of teeth may lead to speech impediments for teenagers. They may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds correctly when speaking, which may impact confidence when communicating.
Braces can bring teeth to their correct alignment and enhance speech clarity, facilitating easier communication between teens.
Supporting Jaw Growth and Facial Balance
Misaligning of teeth may lead to speech impediments for teenagers. They may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds correctly when speaking, which may impact confidence when communicating.
Braces correct the teeth’ alignment to the proper positioning and help with enhanced speech clarity for easier communication.
Eliminating The Risk of Unwanted Injuries
Teens with misaligned teeth are more susceptible to getting injured while engaging in sports or other physical activities. Braces can correct these misalignments of the teeth and reduce the risk of injuries that they cause.
Orthodontists may also recommend using a mouthguard to protect both braces and teeth during physical activities.
Modern, Customizable Options
Orthodontists now offer more options for braces for teens. If your teen is concerned about the visibility of braces, the customization options can make the process more comfortable and stylish for them. Teens can choose from:
- Metal braces: Durable and practical classic braces. Teens have the option to go with colored bands for customization.
- Ceramic braces: These are less noticeable braces as they are made using tooth-colored brackets.
- Clear aligners: Also known as invisible braces or Invisalign. These tooth aligners are a nearly invisible option for teens.
All these choices of personalization make treatment more fun for your kids, and the experience becomes more enjoyable.
Improving Overall Health
Braces not only aid in improved oral health. They can have a significant positive effect on overall wellness as well. Proper alignment relieves strain on jaw and neck muscles, improving posture while decreasing tension levels.
Good dental health can also play an integral part in overall cardiovascular well-being since poor dental hygiene increases risk. Braces promote optimal dental hygiene, which benefits not only your mouth but also your whole body.
Still Questioning, Why Braces For Teenagers?
Braces offer more benefits than only straightening teeth in teens. They provide the foundation for lifelong good oral health, increased confidence, and enhanced functionality. By helping address dental issues early, braces help your teens avoid more significant ones later.
Have you found your answers to: why do you need braces for teens? If you have found your answer, then we recommend you move to the next step by booking an appointment with experts from Tampa Dental Wellness. They can offer you the best guidance about the braces options for your teens to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Investing now could ensure your teens enjoy a happy, healthy smile forever.
People Often Ask These Questions About Braces for Teens
How long must teenagers typically wear braces?
Most teens should expect their treatment timeframe to range between 18 to 24 months, depending on individual requirements.
Do braces hurt?
Initial adjustments of braces can cause mild discomfort that fades quickly over time.
What foods should I avoid with braces on?
Do not eat any kinds of sticky or hard food items like gum, popcorn, and nuts. These foods can cause damage to braces and teeth.
Can my teenager play sports while wearing braces?
Yes. However, try to wear a mouthguard during physical activities to protect both the braces and the teeth.
