Oral Braces for Teenagers – How to Help Them Adjust

By: Gillian Reynolds


It’s pretty hard to find anyone who actually looks forward to the idea of getting braces. This is particularly true of a young man or women in their teens. Braces for teenagers do take some getting used to, and it’s really helpful if you know what to expect before you have them put on.

The most important thing to bear in mind when it comes to oral braces for teenagers is the end result. Most teens do care about the way they look and that’s why they find it so unappealing to imagine themselves with a mouth full of braces for the next eighteen months to two years. Braces will improve the child’s teeth and that’s really something parents need to focus on. Explaining to the teen that the braces will ultimately leave them with a movie star smile does help.

Once the day arrives for the braces to be put on, the teen is going to feel intimidated. Braces for teenagers take several hours to put on. For this reason it’s a really good idea for mom or dad to arrange some time off work so they can be nearby. Although they probably won’t be allowed in the room while the actual procedure is being done, they will be at the ready, in case their teen needs anything.

There is some discomfort with braces for teenagers. Typically this lasts a day or two and the severity of it varies from person to person. Asking the Orthodontist about pain remedies is helpful as is placing ice packs on the mouth once home. Remember to take the ice off after just a few minutes as you don’t want to freeze your face. The local anesthetic will begin to wear off once the child comes home, so be ready for some complaints about the pain.

Menus may have to be adjusted slightly after the braces have been fitted. It’s not recommended that kids with braces eat really hard foods. This includes things like ice, raw carrots and hard candies. Gum is a no-no too as it can easily get caught in the braces. The teen will likely also complain about pain while eating the first few days after getting the braces. This is common and will get better over time.

Some kids worry that their braces will cause problems for them. One common concern regarding braces for teenagers is that they’ll cut the inside of the mouth or the tongue. The Orthodontist is very careful to check for any sharp edges or pieces that may cause discomfort. You should be able to run your tongue along your braces without any problem at all.

Once braces have been fitted the person usually gets used to them very quickly. In some cases they really don’t notice them at all after just a few days. Although braces for teenagers do need to be adjusted once a month, that’s all the maintenance that is required beyond everyday brushing and flossing. Before you know it, the braces are off and all that’s left is a perfect smile.


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