Three Things Your Teen Should Know About Orthodontic Treatment

Perhaps the time has come for your child to get orthodontic treatment. A lot of teens are going to be nervous about getting braces. Wandering into the unknown can make kids nervous. However, rather than encouraging your teen to “make the most of it,” try highlighting all the many benefits of orthodontia. Having braces can be a great experience for many reasons, including but not limited to the following:

Fix Problems You Cannot See

Orthodontic problems are not always visible to the naked eye. Overcrowded teeth or teeth that are too far apart may cause issues that you are not aware of just by looking at your kid’s mouth from across the dinner table. Talking to an orthodontist can help you identify issues that might not be visible right away. It is hard to know in this case when to take your child to the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be seen by an orthodontist for an evaluation by the age of seven. If you have a teenager who has not been seen yet, consider taking him in for a quick checkup.

Have a More Attractive and Confident Smile

If your teenager has issues with crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, or teeth with gaps between them, orthodontics can help by giving him or her a more attractive and thereby a more confident smile. What teenager in junior high or high school doesn’t want that? Good self-confidence and self-esteem is so important at this age and so many kids are very self-conscious about their smiles. In this sense, it would not be a stretch to say that orthodontic treatment options may go a long way in helping your child achieve optimal emotional health. There are even some treatment options such as Invisalign that make braces virtually impossible to see, which may be a good option for soothing self-conscious kids.

Improve Your Oral and Overall Health

Having orthodontic treatment will improve both your oral and your overall health. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, the likelihood of those teeth decaying or causing other problems is much greater than if you were to solve the issue with orthodontia. In addition, seemingly minor issues such as gingivitis and excess plaque may actually lead to more serious health issues, so it is best to nip it in the bud early on and take care of the problem before it gets bigger.

Call for a Consultation

Having orthodontic work done is a pretty routine part of every child’s life at some point. The qualified team at California Dental Group can help you and your child go over his or her options in a consultation. If you think your child is ready for braces, if you are not sure, or if you know he or she is having problems with their teeth, call us now to discuss your options.