Do You Need to Worry About the Psychological Side Effects of Braces?

Although braces can have a life-changing effect on people, they can also have psychological and social effects, especially on children and teens. Unfortunately, some of them may not want to consider the result at all. Instead, they will be focused on avoiding unwanted situations, including schoolyard teasing, initial lower self-esteem, embarrassment, and other social side effects of braces.

Dealing with these issues can be difficult, even as an adult. However, our orthodontist in Bonney Lake provides various tips and tricks that can be useful in overcoming the psychological and social side effects of braces.

Does Having Braces Affect Your Mental Health?

In a word—yes. However, it doesn’t affect mental health the way most people may think.

In a study titled, “The Effect of Orthodontic Intervention on Mental Health and Body Image,” researchers set out to answer this pressing question. Using 110 participants in this study, meeting the inclusion criteria, research was gathered before, during, and after orthodontic treatment. The purpose of the study was to determine if there was a relationship between orthodontic treatment, body image, and mental health.

The study’s results proved that orthodontic care improves mental health and body image significantly! So, yes, having braces does affect your mental health—but in a good way. It has long been established that having a straight smile can increase self-esteem and boost confidence levels.

Although some teens may suffer possible side effects of braces such as teasing during treatment, the result will be improved overall body image. The minimum age of study participants was 14, so younger children may not have an immediate positive response. Parents can prepare for this by discussing the positive aspects of braces with children before treatment.

Dental Anxiety and Braces

Dental anxiety is real. It is the fear that people feel when heading off for a dental appointment of any kind. Years of negative portrayal of dentists on TV, in movies, and even in children’s cartoons are partly to blame.

Some of the underlying blame also falls on the cost of dental care and economic conditions. Many families without access to dental insurance could not afford routine dental care when their children were young. As a result, those children grew up and only went to a dentist when they were in pain. Our brains associate that pain with dentists, thus creating anxiety. Dentists equal pain.

As we learn more about dental health, we realize how it correlates with overall whole-body health. The importance of regular dental care is being stressed more and more. In time, perhaps our society will stop blaming tooth pain on dentists and celebrate them as the heroes that prevent dental pain.

Braces Are a Useful Tool

Understanding that braces are a tool is the first step in coping with both the psychological and social side effects of braces that people associate with them. When your dentist notices that your teeth are crooked, crowded, or gapped, or that you have another issue, they may refer you to an orthodontist. Although that doesn’t always mean getting braces, it often results in braces, Invisalign, or a retainer to correct the issue.

Braces and Invisalign are a tool that an orthodontist uses to correct any of the following:

• Underbite
• Overbite
• Gap teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Crossbite

Braces have been in use since 400 to 300 BC and have even been discovered on Egyptian mummies in the pyramids! Although modern orthodontic braces are quite different than these archaic versions, the principle of operation is still the same. Let’s examine how braces and Invisalign in Bonney Lake work to create your perfect smile.

How Braces Work

Braces work using the principle of tension to create the force necessary to move teeth. The orthodontist affixes tiny brackets to the teeth. The arch wire threads through the brackets. The orthodontist tightens the archwire to create tension and direct tooth movement. By adjusting the tension of the arch wire, the orthodontist can guide tooth movement so that teeth align properly.

Treatment with braces averages 12 to 18 months, with longer periods necessary for more severe malocclusions. The orthodontist will make adjustments approximately every six to eight weeks. Brackets are much smaller now, creating a lower-profile look. Although they are still visible, they are not as “in your face” as past versions.

Clear brackets are available, which allow the natural color of teeth to show. These are very inconspicuous, although not nearly as incognito as Invisalign.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign has been gaining in popularity since its introduction in 1999. This nearly invisible tray alignment system accomplishes the same end result as braces. While braces work using tension, or more accurately, pulling teeth into position, Invisalign uses gentle pressure, pushing teeth into alignment.

Each set of tray aligners falls into a sequence that gently moves teeth over the duration of treatment. The custom-fit trays are kept in place for 20 to 22 hours each day. About every two weeks, you will shift into a new set of trays. As you progress through the sequenced sets, they continuously apply pressure to push your teeth into new positions.

The use of SmartTrack material makes Invisalign very durable. The semi-firm, but flexible trays are almost invisible. By using SmartForce attachments, the orthodontist can apply additional pressure to certain teeth to direct and guide movement at a quicker rate. Although some Invisalign treatments can finish in as little as 6 months, the average treatment period is 12 to 18 months.

How to Cope with the Psychological and Social Side Effects of Braces

For adults finally realizing their dream of a perfect smile, the psychological side effects of braces can be almost immediate. The social effects may cause some good-natured teasing within the work environment initially. However, overall, adults will face very little strife regarding their choice of braces.

Children may have a slightly different response. As a parent, comforting our children is almost second nature. If you have a child that is less than comfortable with the prospect of wearing braces, there are several things you can do to help put them more at ease. Will it remove all their anxiety? Probably not, but we can try!

Start by explaining how braces work. Let your child know that having a straight smile will make it easier to brush and floss. If you have a teen, explore the possibility of Invisalign if your orthodontist offers that. Get your orthodontist to help too. They deal with these issues every day with patients of every age.

Orthodontists have tips and tricks to help you help your child cope with getting braces. With digital technology, your orthodontist can display an image of what a smile will look like after treatment. This look-ahead may offer your child the incentive to accept braces as a way to attain that goal.

The most important part of treatment with braces is maintaining a positive attitude. For adults, the results mean being less self-conscious in public settings, at work, and in general. Although you may not believe it on the first day with your new braces, you may find yourself smiling more as your treatment progresses.

Explore Braces with Orthodontic Excellence in WA

The psychological and social side effects of braces can certainly be a deterrent to seeking treatment. At Orthodontic Excellence in Puyallup and Bonney Lake, WA, we understand how braces may seem daunting, especially for younger patients. To help families deal with this, we offer discreet options such as ceramic brackets, lingual braces, or Invisalign. We also do our best to expedite treatment while still offering the best results.

Contact any of our offices today to discover how we can help you with your individual orthodontic case. Our experienced orthodontists, welcoming staff, and modern facility & equipment ensure a comfortable and efficient treatment for all ages. Book a free consultation and discover the best option for you or your family.