Braces weren’t “in” back in the day. The dreadful nickname “metal mouth” was often used to tease those who had to don hideously thick, metal wires and brackets across their teeth. If you wore them, you didn’t smile for your school pictures. Then, there was the thought — or nightmare — of experiencing your first kiss with a mouth full of metal. Most teens preferred going “au naturel,” electing to live with a slightly crooked smile over a silver one.
Today, braces are fashion statements — imagine that! Teens can choose from a variety of color combinations for a trendy look, or they can opt for the “invisible” kind. With less cumbersome materials and a variety of choices, teens are wearing braces with pride.
Are they necessary?
“When a dental professional recommends a consultation for braces, it is imperative to follow through with an appointment,” says David Seligman, DMD, a certified orthodontic specialist with Seligman Orthodontics in Manhattan. He says that putting off a consultation can mean having to pull adult teeth later on, or having to wear braces for a longer period of time.
Seligman suggests that if parents are worried about an adolescent being able to care for the appliances, they should voice their concerns. Alternative options can be discussed for a more suitable solution.
If your teen has a disability, making it difficult for her to handle an oral appliance, discuss the matter at length with all professionals involved before moving forward. Parents should be sure to garner as much information as possible from multiple sources and to get a second opinion if they have doubts.
Treatment benefits
“Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14,” explains Scott D. Gersch, DMD, a board-certified orthodontist with Gersch Orthodontics in Westfield, NJ. “Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age, before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.”
Gersch points out additional advantages:
• Orthodontic treatment reduces chances of losing teeth as a result of misaligned bites
• Crooked teeth can contribute to gum disease
• Studies show correlations between poor oral hygiene from misaligned teeth and systemic diseases, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes
• A beautiful smile enhances self-esteem and self-confidence
‘Cool’ and comfortable choices
“Adolescents don’t mind wearing braces anymore, especially when they are going through it with their friends. It’s become very fashionable for adolescents to get the clear braces,” explains Nicholas Toscano, DDS, a board-certified periodontist and co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry.
Toscano also reports that braces are not just for severe cases. “Just about anyone can benefit from treatment. The ability to keep straight teeth cleaner is a huge factor.”
Gersch believes that today’s aesthetic options make braces more desirable and comfortable for teens. These options include various designs and color combinations, tooth-colored ceramic brackets, lingual appliances fitted on the back of teeth, and Invisalign Teen (which Gersch Orthodontics helped test and develop).
The hard part
“When the novelty wears off, so does hygiene at times,” warns Seligman. “I suggest the following for my teen patients: an extra tooth cleaning (three times per year) and the use of some simple tools, such as an electronic toothbrush that has a timer, a water flosser, and anti-plaque mouth rinses.”
Seligman says that the most common reasons for loose or broken brackets include fingernail biting, ice chewing, biting on pencils or pens, and chewing hard and sticky snacks.
Gersch agrees.
“Often, the biggest problem with teenagers, whether they have braces or not, is oral hygiene. This definitely can be a challenge for some patients.”
Tips and tales
“My daughter just got her braces, and we had a horrible weekend. After a few days, she seemed fine, but I would suggest parents stock up on soft food items for the first few days. She ate a lot of sorbet and yogurt that weekend.”
— Rebecca Tarkos, Poughkeepsie, NY
Want to share your ideas?
Upcoming topic: When teens take care of younger siblings or disabled parents — is there such a thing as TOO MUCH responsibility?
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Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer and columnist specializing in parenting issues and child and adolescent development. She is the mother of two teenagers.
