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Teenagers Face Additional Risks to Their Smiles

May 23, 2017 | Orthodontist

Teenagers face additional risks to their smiles. A teenager often faces many 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 final 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 data about oral health risks and orthodontic treatment for teens, here are a few frequently asked questions:

What are some common 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 sort 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. Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry in Alpharetta has a few tips about how to best protect teeth during sports season.

What is the best 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.

For an oral examination at Omar Orthodontics at our orthodontic office in Chantilly, VA, please book an appointment with Dr. Anisa Omar and our team by calling 703-542-6336. We look forward to hosting your smile!