Braces for Teens
Having straight, well-aligned teeth is important for your child’s dental health. Unfortunately, tooth misalignment is a common problem that affects millions of people every year. If your teen has orthodontic problems, the orthodontist in Chelmsford, MA, can help. The professionals at Orthodontic Solutions for Children and Adults provide efficient and effective braces installation for teens of all ages.
Straightening your child’s teeth can affect their appearance and bite. Our orthodontic services help with problems including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and more.
Who Needs Braces?
Almost 4 million people in North America under 18 need braces. Many circumstances require teenagers to wear braces, including:
- Crooked teeth: Braces move crooked teeth with gentle pressure. If your child has crooked teeth, braces can straighten your child’s teeth safely and effectively.
- Malocclusion: Malocclusion is a problem with the way your child’s teeth fit together. This includes overbite, underbite, crossbite, and other issues. Malocclusion can negatively impact your child’s ability to care for their teeth and may increase their risk of problems such as dental decay and gum disease. In addition, malocclusion can impact how your child chews, talks, and their appearance.
- Gapped teeth: Gaps in the teeth can impact your child’s appearance, speech, how their teeth fit together, and more. Braces can help close gaps by moving teeth into the correct position.
- Crowded teeth: Crowded teeth are a common orthodontic problem. Teeth can become crowded due to the size of the jaw and problems relating to wisdom teeth. The orthodontist may use a combination of tooth extraction and braces to fix this problem.
Signs Your Teenager Needs Braces
You may not always be able to tell if your child needs braces, but sometimes the signs are clear. Watch for these symptoms. If your child shows evidence of needing braces, the orthodontist at Orthodontic Solutions for Children and Adults can help you determine whether braces are necessary.
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth don’t fit together when the mouth is shut
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words
- Tires easily while chewing
- Bites the inside of their mouth when eating
- Teeth appear crooked
Benefits of Braces for Teens in Chelmsford, MA
There’s more than one reason to get braces for your teen. Everything you can do to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums is important.
- Healthier teeth: Straight teeth are easier to maintain than crooked or overlapping teeth. Crowded teeth can be difficult to brush and floss, and may be more prone to decay. Braces can straighten teeth to make them easier to clean.
- Improved confidence: Teens with straight, attractive teeth often have confidence in their smile and appearance. When a teenager feels good about their smile, it may be easier for them to interact with others and develop healthy relationships with peers and adults.
- Improved functionality: Straight teeth are more functional than gapped or crowded teeth. When your child’s teeth are straight, it’s easier for them to talk and chew.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How long does it take to have braces installed?
Although the installation differs for every patient, it takes 1 to 2 hours to install braces.
How are braces maintained?
Braces need to be brushed after every meal to remove food particles from the brackets and wires. Anyone wearing braces should also use a floss threader to floss their teeth once per day. Braces stay on the teeth 24/7, which means they’re on the teeth during meals and snacks. People wearing braces need to avoid eating foods that can damage their braces.
Will my teenager be able to eat their favorite foods with braces on?
Some foods are not appropriate while wearing braces. Crunchy foods can damage braces, while sticky foods can get caught in braces. Some foods that your teen will need to avoid while wearing braces include:
- Caramel
- Crusty breads
- Nuts
- Hard candy
- Corn on the cob
For a more complete list of foods that your teen should avoid while wearing braces, talk to the orthodontist.
How long will my teenager need to wear braces?
Length of braces treatment time varies depending on the severity of the condition. Most people wear braces for between 1 and 2 years. Your child’s orthodontist will estimate how long your child must wear braces when your child comes in for their consultation.
When should we schedule a consultation with the orthodontist?
You can schedule a consultation with an orthodontist as early as 7 years old. For some patients, early treatment can prevent more severe problems later. If your child is already in their teen years, you can schedule the consultation at any time. The earlier your child gets their consultation, the better.
Does getting braces hurt?
Braces installation does not usually hurt, but your teen may feel some discomfort after the braces are installed. This discomfort is temporary. They may feel similar discomfort after their braces are adjusted.
How often do braces need to be adjusted?
Patients typically come in for adjustments every 4 to 6 weeks. The orthodontist will tell you how often your teen should come in for adjustments.
Will my teen need orthodontic wax?
Orthodontic wax can be put on your teen’s braces to soften the edges and eliminate friction between the tissues in the mouth and your child’s braces. This may be an option to consider if your child’s mouth is sore in the first days after braces are installed.
Does Your Teenager Need Braces? Call Today
The orthodontic professionals at Orthodontic Solutions for Children and Adults have years of experience installing braces for teens in Chelmsford, MA. If your child needs braces, call today to make an appointment.
