Getting braces can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you’re a teenager. You might be wondering how braces work or worried about how they’ll impact the things you enjoy.

If you’re a parent, you may be worried about investing so much time and money in your teen’s teeth. Can your teen keep up with the extra care needed to align their teeth with braces successfully?

Our team at Shullman Orthodontics is here to help with everything related to braces for teens, from understanding the different types of braces to guiding you on proper oral hygiene.

Do I Have To Change My Lifestyle When I Get Braces?

Although braces can feel like a huge event, the good news is they won’t impact your lifestyle too much. You can still play sports, go to parties, and do everything else you already do pre-braces.

Since braces are an important treatment for your orthodontic health, there are a few small changes you’ll need to make while you have braces:

  • Brush and floss your teeth with extra vigilance
  • Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods, as well as popcorn and foods that are tough to bite into
  • Use a mouthguard when playing sports or doing other physical activities

You likely aren’t the only one in your circle who has or will have braces as a teenager. You’ll find others who need to take the same precautions, making it easier to adapt to wearing braces.

You only have to stick to these rules while you have your braces. Once your orthodontic treatment is over, you can go back to your pre-braces habits. Most teens wear braces for one to two years, depending on the level of adjustment you need to align your smile.

 

Benefits Of Braces For Teens

Braces work by threading stainless steel wires through brackets adhered to your teeth. Dr. Shullman regularly adjusts the wires to move your teeth into the ideal alignment, creating a straighter smile.

When you have straighter teeth, one of the most obvious benefits is a beautiful smile. But braces have many other benefits too. With straighter teeth, you’ll have an easier time keeping your teeth clean and free of plaque and debris.

Braces can also help prevent or alleviate mouth and jaw pain. Straighter teeth make it easier to bite and chew properly to avoid problems down the line.

Traditionally, teens would choose between metal or ceramic braces, but at Shullman Orthodontics, we offer the most advanced and discreet braces available – LightForce. 3Dprinted and fully customized to your unique smile, LightForce brackets are designed for more efficient tooth movement, meaning potentially less time in braces for you!

What’s The Best Way To Care For Your Braces?

Braces take extra care and attention to achieve the best results for your smile. If you’re a busy teen, it’s easy to let your oral hygiene fall behind. But ultimately, the effort will pay off in straighter teeth as you enter adulthood.

Start by closely following the above guidelines for protecting your braces from problem foods and physical activities. These rules are essential for caring for your braces.

Beyond these preventative measures, you’ll need to spend extra time brushing and flossing each day. In addition to cleaning the remaining exposed tooth enamel, it’s essential to keep the brackets and wires free of plaque and food.

Be sure to clean in and around each metal bracket when you brush your teeth. Then, brush and floss between each wire. You don’t want any bits of food or plaque building up to cause cavities and other dental problems.

You’ll also need to visit Dr. Shullman’s office regularly for adjustments and check-ups. However, with Lightforce brackets, you can expect fewer adjustment appointments, allowing you more free time in your busy schedule!