High school is an important time in your teen’s life. Prom. Sports. Friends. Learning to drive. There is no shortage of milestone events that take place in high school. While you may not want to add another milestone to your teen’s list, getting braces in high school is actually the perfect time. With the many options for treatment, including traditional braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign Teen, there is an option that will work for your teen. Here are some of the top reasons why getting braces in high school makes sense:
Good company
Many teens who need braces get them during middle and high school. In fact, it’s actually more common for teens to wear braces than not. It is estimated that over 80% of teenagers will get braces during their high school years. This means your teen will have friends who are also going through orthodontic treatment and they won’t feel like they are on this journey alone.
Ready for responsibility
Giving your teen more responsibility throughout the teen years will set them up for success as an adult. A study published by the Society for Research in Child Development found that when teens have more responsibility, they are more engaged in school and earn higher grades. This offers a double benefit, because in addition to helping your child gain independence and accountability skills, they will flourish in other areas of their life. They are maturing from being a child and pre-teen, but aren’t yet experiencing the more intense obligations of college. This middle-ground time period allows your teen to take on responsibility in a relatively low-risk environment.
Dental insurance coverage
Another tremendous benefit to beginning orthodontic treatment while your teen is in highschool is that they will still be covered under your insurance. While the cost of braces and Invisalign is typically not completely covered under dental insurance, it can reduce the amount you have to pay. At Smith Orthodontics, our staff will work with you to discuss the cost of your treatment and create a payment plan that fits your budget. You may even have a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) you can use to pay for treatment. Additionally, you likely have established credit, which means that payment plan options, such as Care Credit, may be available to you.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen offers a discreet way for teens to have orthodontic treatment. This is a great option if your teen doesn’t want to look like they are wearing braces in their senior pictures or prom photos. Invisalign Teen offers tremendous benefits, including all of the advantages of Invisalign for adults with the addition of compliance indicators, replacement aligners, and room for new molar growth.
If you are considering beginning orthodontic treatment for your teen, contact Smith Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation. Our dedicated staff will help you with all aspects of your orthodontic treatment plan, including scheduling your teen’s appointments, helping you navigate your insurance benefits, and sharing payment plan solutions that will work for your individual needs.
