Many kids and adults stress about the idea of sporting braces, being held captive by hardware, or feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious. These things can be true, but nearly four million people are wearing braces right now. If you flip pessimism into optimism, there are plenty of reasons that braces are cool at any age, no matter some minor drawbacks.
Personalized
Nearly every orthodontic patient’s favorite accessory is the rubber bands that hold the hardware together. These elastics change at every checkup and colors are chosen by the patient. Whether you want to celebrate a holiday, honor your favorite colors, or support an athletic team, bands can be mixed and matched for good fun and a cool look.
Old Hat
Some kids start their orthodontic journey well before teen years with phase one treatment. This usually involves a palatal expander and a brief time with brackets on front teeth. Getting used to regular checkups, adjustments, and the feel of wearing braces helps kids accept orthodontics early. By the time full braces are put in place in the tween or early teen years, the whole process is old hat.
Quirky
Once upon a time, braces were considered uncool, but now they can be whatever the wearer wants them to be. Some people embrace the built-in “nerd” feel that has long been part of the orthodontic state of being, happy to be the quirky one sporting braces and a big smile. But know this: Brackets can make you look cooler than you ever anticipated.
Attractive
How can braces make you look attractive? Easy. Once the hardware is firmly in place and crowns and roots have begun to shift into alignment, your true smile begins to emerge. Even under all the stuff stuck to your teeth, a straight, beautiful smile is visible and that is not only appealing but motivating.
Stylish
If you’re wearing metal or clear braces, consider them a semi-permanent accessory that works with your vibe. Teens are developing their sense of self and while wearing brackets and wires might make them feel self-conscious at first, the hardware quickly meshes into who they are. The braces become part of their selfies, personality, videos, and personal style.
Discreet
There are several types of braces available for both children and adults, but one of the most popular options is Invisalign or Invisalign Teen. The trays used to straighten teeth are thin, clear, and nearly invisible, making it possible to fly under the radar with orthodontic treatment in the coolest way possible.
Smart
Some kids need a different type of encouragement when it comes to braces. It might help to inform them that the wire used in braces was invented by NASA. Nickel titanium was developed by the moonwalkers in 1959, a heat-resistant metal intended for shuttles headed to space. Turns out, this little item is just right for thin, super-flexible wires that can hold their shape once they’re attached to an orthodontic patient’s teeth.
Know this – when you wear braces and take care of your smile, the result will be a cool new you, thanks to brackets and wires or aligners. Find out where you stand – contact Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA, to schedule a consultation.
