Just for Kids

First, kids said it was "cool," and then it was "way cool." Later, it was "hot." For a while, it was "rad," but then it became "totally rad." Some, teens claimed it was "awesome," while others said it was "sweet," "swell," "fab," "gear," "neat-o," "boss," "wicked," "tight," "slammin'," or "gnarly." Today, depending upon your age and where you live in Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley – Woodland Hills, Reseda or Chatsworth – you might use a different word. And, tomorrow, chances are, there will be yet another. The point is, the words we use to describe the things we like constantly change. Believe it or not, cool used to be, "the cat's pajamas" and "the bee's knees."

Times change, and dental braces have changed as well. Just because the name's remained the same shouldn't imply they aren't different – better. The fact is, today's braces aren't even close to those worn by either your grandparents or your parents. Thankfully, right? And, they're probably not like those that your older brother or sister had or even like the kind your friends from school wear. Today, there are a wide variety of fashionable colors that allow you to customize the look of your braces so that you stand out for all of the right reasons. There are metal, gold, and ceramic versions, and even Invisible Braces. Lucky you. Orthodontic braces have changed and change is... cool.

If you're about to get braces, there's absolutely nothing to be nervous about. Millions of kids and teens either have or have had braces. And, they look and live better for it. In fact, the list of famous people that have had braces includes Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani, Tyra Banks, Chelsea Clinton, Brett Favre, Daisy Fuentes, Prince Harry, Jason Kidd, Allysa Milano, and Venus Williams. So, you aren't the first, and you won't be the last, because braces serve a purpose that, believe it or not, has nothing to do with punishing you, but rather everything to do with helping you to live a better life:

The combination makes eating more enjoyable, and helps to prevent unpleasant trips to the dentist later in life to have bad teeth extracted or because of gum disease. Braces even help with speech development. So, in this case, your parents are right. Surprised? Don't be, they were kids once too, you know.

Braces will probably never be thought of as totally cool, but do they help? Definitely. They help you to look, feel and sound great and to live a healthier life. So, as some might say, it's all good. And, the earlier you get braces the easier your orthodontic treatment will be. So, what are you waiting for?

Braces aren't the end of the world; they're the beginning of a whole new smile. You don't have to be anxious about discomfort, self-conscious about huge metal bands in your mouth, or fearful about getting cavities when you seek the orthodontic expertise of Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr serving Granada Hills, Reseda, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Northridge, Mission Hills, Woodland Hills, and Santa Clarita. Call for an appointment at (818) 886-6666 or contact us online today.