Embracing our braces

Teen culture is defined by a multitude of experiences and changes, and often these changes depend on the generation you grow up in. However, a few of these experiences supersede the generational divide and are universal amongst teens. One of these experiences that has remained ingrained within teen culture regardless of differences are braces.

There are many references to braces being prevalent throughout classic movies such as “The Goonies” or “The Breakfast Club.” Films with an even younger targeted audience such as Pixar classic, “Finding Nemo”, show braces within the movie. These are all examples of the way braces have an influence on the audience that watches these movies

Braces have always been an aspect and representation of the new changes that people are constantly going through within their teenage years. They have been a uniting factor and almost an all-inclusive experience for high school students.

Senior Bobby Sayre, currently undergoing the orthopedic procedure of braces, touched on how braces have had an impact on his high school experience.

“I think that some people perceive me as being younger just because of my teeth. People that don’t know me naturally assume that I’m younger than I am just because I have braces. I’m definitely self conscious of my teeth now that I have braces. Instead of fully smiling for pictures I don’t show my teeth,” Sayre said.

While they are a big factor in some peoples high school experience, they are not an object of change for everyone. Not everyone has to get braces during their high school years. The impact of this is also an object of consideration within teen culture.

Senior Leka Davis, has never undergone the process of having braces, he talked about his high school experience without having them.

“I think braces would have made my high school experience a lot more uncomfortable overall. Maybe people who have had braces see them as an important test of self confidence or overcoming hardship, but I think high school has definitely been better for me without braces. So for me at least, braces are not an essential experience,” Davis said.

Braces are not meant to be deemed as a necessary experience in high school; however, they seem to be a recurring topic of discussion between teenagers. Davis expanded on this.

“Maybe 1 in 4 people I know have braces currently, at least as far as I’m aware. But maybe 80-90 percent of my friends say that they’ve had braces in the past,” Davis said.

Senior Patrick Dunn, who previously had braces, talked about the prevalence of braces within high school and how many people seem to be undergoing this experience.

“When I had them on I noticed them way more on myself and other people. Now that I haven’t had them for like 3 years I never think about them at all, and almost never notice if other people have them,” Dunn said.

A licensed orthodontist at Battistoni and Beam John Polivika has observed the teen culture embrace having braces and as a result has concluded the impact that braces leave on teenagers.

“A lot of people and a lot of parents want to provide that nice smile for their own kids. So I do think that it is a part of the community, just the culture within the teen/pre-teen age group,” Polivika said.

He also spoke on how his profession has allowed him to be involved with the community and help reassure the age group.

“Everyone goes through a change in their life; when we are going through early growth, pre- teens, there are a lot of changes going on. Everyone is just trying to find themselves as a person, so when we can help that process along. We help with providing that confidence,” Polivika said.

Braces have become a staple of the changes that people go through in their teen years. Braces have a multitude of side effects on the changing teens beyond the normal aesthetic and health purpose. They signify the emergence of self confidence and responsibility.