Braces for teenagers are one of the best ways to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. However, they can also be an expensive investment for families. Plenty of parents wonder if and when their teen will need braces later on down the line. Here, we’re going to go over why your teen might need braces and how to tell when it’s the right time to schedule an orthodontic visit.
A beautiful, healthy smile can open all sorts of doors in life as your child navigates through high school, college, and beyond. A straight set of teeth is likely to give self-conscious teenagers a greater sense of self-esteem. They’re more likely to light up the room with their smile rather than try to hide a set of crooked teeth. An even smile may even improve their chances of landing a job when the time comes.
What’s more, getting braces for teenagers is often the start of a lifetime of good oral hygiene for many teens and tweens. Crowded teeth are harder to brush properly and make issues such as tooth decay and cavities more likely. With straight, even teeth, it’s easy to brush and floss to prevent tooth loss.
While getting braces can be an expensive initial investment, the cost is well worth it. Your teen will enjoy lasting benefits well into adulthood. Braces lead to a clean, bright smile with less chance of common issues such as overcrowding, chewing issues, and chronic jaw pain.
Every mouth is different, and there’s no one set age at which teenagers should get fitted for braces. However, for most children, the best age to get braces lies between ten and fourteen. Before getting braces, a teen should have the majority of their adult teeth already in place, but their mouth and jaw should still be actively growing. While it’s possible to fit baby teeth for braces, most orthodontists recommend waiting.
If your teen has severe jaw issues such as an under or overbite, your orthodontist may recommend waiting until ages fifteen to eighteen to begin using braces. By waiting, you ensure that your teen’s mouth won’t continue to change after treatment.
It’s not always easy to tell when your teen needs braces. Many parents rely on their children to bring up if they’re experiencing issues that may point to crooked teeth, such as jaw pain or difficulty chewing. However, minor oral issues don’t always indicate the need for braces for teenagers.
One of the best ways to determine whether your teen is ready for braces is by talking to your family dentist during their next checkup. If they see any potential problems, most dentists will recommend that you follow up with an orthodontist.
Many oral problems related to tooth and jaw growth are hereditary. If you or your spouse has to get braces as a child, there’s a good chance that your kids will need to get fitted as teenagers. Children can also develop issues resulting from habits such as sucking their fingers, breathing through their mouths, or from poor dental hygiene and nutrition. Some of the most common signs that your teen needs braces include:
You don’t have to search for an affordable orthodontist alone. Call a Kool Smiles partner dentist today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about getting braces for your teenager.