When you’re a teenager, the last thing you want to do is wear braces. However, getting braces as a teenager has many benefits. So, if you’ve been told you need braces, keep reading to find out what they are and how they can help you.
The Benefits of Getting Braces as a Teenager
First of all, the main reason for getting braces as a teenager is because it can improve your smile. As an adult, everything affects the way you look. Your clothes, hair, and makeup all play a big role in how people perceive you. However, there’s one thing no amount of makeup or styling products can change: your teeth. And unfortunately, tooth problems such as discoloration and misplacement don’t just affect your appearance, they can also threaten your oral health.
That’s where braces come in! They can not only improve the way you look but also enhance and protect your teeth and gums. They consist of a series of tiny metal appliances that are attached to your teeth using bands or wires. The metal brackets are shaped like little horseshoes that fit around your teeth, while the wire or bands go around them to hold them together. That way, the archwire pulls your teeth into place, making sure they’re straight and aligned correctly.
The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment
While it’s true that getting braces as a teenager might not be something you’re excited about, it’s important to remember that they’re going to help you in the long run. Not only will they improve the way you look and boost your self-esteem, but also your health. Braces can include a variety of special appliances such as retainers or headgear that may not be included with adult braces. Headgear is commonly used to correct an overbite, while retainers are used to keep your teeth in their new position. These appliances will ensure that the results of your treatment last for a long time.
What To Expect When Getting Braces
When it comes to braces, your experience will depend on the type of treatment you’ll be getting and how severe your case is. For example, if you need minor orthodontic work such as having your teeth straightened without pulling them out, you’ll only have to wear your brackets and wires for about two years.
After that, you’ll have to wear a retainer for another few months or years to keep your teeth in place. Of course, if your case is more serious and requires the removal of teeth, you may need to wear braces for as much as three years and/or undergo surgery. However, you may even need priority treatment, in which case, visiting an Emergency Orthodontics Denver-based service is advised.
Since orthodontic treatment is generally divided into two stages – one for correcting the shape of teeth and another to align them – you might have to wear different kinds of braces. These may include traditional metal ones or more discreet options such as clear ceramic braces, which are less noticeable than their metal counterparts.