
Adolescence is the phase that brings many changes in a person. At the same time, teens start feeling conscious about their appearance. They start pinpointing their flows. Sometimes, they think their smile is weird because they don’t have perfect teeth.
At this moment, when thinking about getting braces for teens, the Balhoff, Lafayette, LA, comes to your mind. Balhoff, Lafayette, LA, constantly communicates and coordinates with their general dentists to tailor a smooth patient treatment. Their high-end orthodontic care and use of the latest technology make treatment accurate, faster, and comfortable. These are a few factors that set them apart from others.
They are well aware of how crucial orthodontic care is for teenagers. Skim through the guide below to better understand adolescent orthodontic care. So, let’s talk about what braces are and why your child needs them.
About Braces and their different types
Braces are instruments orthodontics use to align and straighten teeth. An archwire connects the appliance and has brackets bonded to the teeth. The gentle pressure exerted by this instrument slowly moves teeth into the desired position. The process corrects gaps, crowded spaces, underbites, overbites, and other issues.
The different types of braces include –
- Metal or traditional braces
- Ceramic braces
- Invisalign or clear aligners
Now, the most frequently asked question: why braces?
Why need braces?

Your adolescent child needs braces because they can solve many oral issues, such as,
- Crooked teeth
- Overly crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Openbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Underbite
Fixing these almost negligible issues offers various benefits. Firstly, it can improve your child’s smile. Studies show that a healthy smile boosts confidence. A boost in confidence eventually leads to success in one’s personal and professional life. It is not all about your smile or the way your teeth look. It reduces the risk of decay and cavities by easing the cleaning process.
At the same time, it prevents bad bites, a root cause of sore jaw muscles or chipped teeth. Correcting teeth eliminates creating unnecessary pressure on certain teeth. Straight teeth assist clear speech. Consider carefully before you opt for the treatment. It is better to consult a highly trusted orthodontist regarding issues your teen is facing. Let them provide you with the options.
Your child needs to prepare themselves for a few adjustments in their daily routine. They especially need to watch out for oral hygiene practices and eating habits. They should avoid eating hard, sticky, sugary food to avoid getting stuck in or damaging their braces. Choosing a softer food option or cutting it into smaller pieces to eat comfortably is better during treatment.
Getting braces is not an easy thing. Your child will complain about pain and discomfort. They will observe soreness or discomfort. Take orthodontic wax or over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain during the brace adjustment phase. Regular orthodontist visit is a must during their braces journey. To ensure optimal results, the orthodontist needs to make adjustments if required and monitor the progress of the process. At the same time, visiting them will make this journey more bearable for your child.