Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Straightening Out the Stigma Behind Braces

If you’re a parent who once had braces themselves, you might look back at those days with embarrassment. Historically, this is a common trait for people with braces. However, today’s teens are a little less judgmental about braces.

Indeed, it’s all about education—and as parents and kids alike become more familiar with the benefits of braces, they become more accepting. One New Hampshire orthodontist has seen the cultural change happen first-hand, according to a recent interview:

"I think our patients and their parents are more educated about braces now," Watterworth said. "Kids know the braces are doing good things for their teeth and mouth. It meets their goals and it snowballs since it is happening to all their friends, too. They get positive reinforcement.”

Braces indeed offer lots of positive reinforcement: They correct malocclusions, misalignment, overbites, under bites, and even more serious mouth and jaw issues. Other times, braces can be used to make room for secondary teeth.

The stigma appears to be fading not just for kids but for adults as well—high tech orthodontic treatments are making braces appealing to adults as well. There are over one million U.S adults wearing braces today, and rising, according to an L.A. Times article.

"The stigma of being 'too old' for braces has diminished for the most part," says Dr. Stephen Tracey, an orthodontist in California.


To schedule an appointment with Tina Reed Orthodontics, call us today at 412.421.8565 or click here to send our staff a message.

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