The buzz on braces

By Jennifer Winkler
George Washington High School

“Don’t forget you have an orthodontist appointment tomorrow.” No other words can give the same jiggle to a stomach and sweat to the palms as those eight can to a metal-mouth.

I’d have rather sat through an hour-long lecture on igneous rocks than have had my orthodontia tightened, and, trust me, that wasn’t because I found my seventh grade science teacher attractive.

No, visiting the orthodontist isn’t an occasion to which teens count down the minutes. After all, who could look forward to the pulling and prodding that leads to days of sore teeth and the all-too-familiar question: “Have you been flossing?”

Though getting and having braces isn’t your or my idea of fun, understanding the facts about braces and knowing what to expect can make the experience a little less scary and a lot more enjoyable.

The main concern for most teens preparing for braces is the appearance. Though style may seem important, how the braces work and their price are more likely to be the deciding factors.

The most effective braces — and the most visible — are metal brackets. Though they’re the most noticeable, metal braces are the most efficient and economical, too.

The other most common kinds are of the ceramic and clear varities. Ceramic braces match the color of the teeth while clear ones are, well, clear. Though these less-noticeable brackets are almost as effective as metal, they are more fragile and more costly, too.

Some orthodontists offer other ways to correct your smile. Lingual braces are applied to the tongue, or inside, of the teeth. Though people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing anything when you smile, lingual braces can temporarily affect speech while your tongue gets used to sharing the space.

Longer appointments can also be expected as it’s harder for the orthodontist to reach behind your teeth to get to these braces.

If you need minor adjustments rather than full-out reconstruction, clear removable aligners may be an option. These molded trays, such as Invisalign, look like retainers and are worn in a series of proper adjustments.

While teeth are being straightened, you must take good care of both the teeth and appliances. Good brushing and flossing skills are especially important because neglecting to clean your teeth properly will leave you with an ugly line of tooth decay when your braces come off.

Teeth will be a bit sore, especially after tightenings, but the pain of having braces isn’t unbearable. Taking aspirin will usually take care of it. Just be sure to let the orthodontist know if pain problems persist or if an appliance breaks or realigns itself.

Though knowing the basics doesn’t exactly put all brace-related fears to rest, it does reduce the worries of what to expect. And as for worrying about how you’ll look with your new “tin grin,” don’t sweat it. Treatment is temporary and when the brackets are finally removed, a beautiful new smile will be revealed and be around for far longer than your “metal mouth.”