Do you know how to protect your mouth as a teen? A teenager often faces multiple risks due to the pressures of their social settings, but environmental factors also play an increased role, especially with their oral health. Due to the last adult teeth erupting above the gum line, malocclusions are more common, and teeth are at a greater risk for getting knocked out of their natural alignment. For information about oral health perils and orthodontic treatment for teens, here are a few frequently asked questions:
What is the greatest form of orthodontic treatment for a teen?
– Each individual case determines which treatments work best, but clear orthodontic aligners are highly effective for fixing crooked teeth with teens due to their clear exterior and lack of metal wires for a more socially conforming look during treatment.
What are some standard everyday risks that could easily affect the oral health of a teen?
– Although many bad bites may happen naturally to your smile, teens face higher risks of oral damage than many due to the increased prevalence of bad habits such as wearing mouth jewelry, chewing or smoking tobacco, using drugs, even recreational ones, as well as competing in contact sports without the use of safety gear.
What form of safety equipment should be used for teens who play contact sports?
– To better protect your teeth, wear safety masks, mouth guards, facemasks, and helmets whenever applicable.
No matter which service you choose to treat your smile, the real importance is to ensure proper treatment is given. If you would like Dr. Jaime Rivera and our team at Rivera Orthodontics to bring you in for an oral exam to determine which orthodontic treatment is best for you, please contact our office in El Paso, Texas, by calling us at 915-592-5853. We can get you on the path to smiles for miles!