Getting teen braces is an exciting time for teens and kids, but it can also be an anxious one. Thankfully, orthodontic treatment offers many benefits that can help teens cope.
Besides boosting their self-esteem and confidence, straight teeth can improve chewing, speech, breathing, sleep, and overall health. If your teen needs braces, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.
Mini-Diamond Braces
A series of clear, removable aligners to shift teeth into their ideal position.
These braces use the same method of treatment as traditional metal braces to straighten teeth, but are smaller and less noticeable. They are also more comfortable, especially for teens with concerns about their appearance.
They are the most common type of braces used by adults and teen patients. These braces consist of stainless steel brackets that are connected by archwires, which apply pressure to the teeth to help them move into their correct positions.
The brackets are small and have a rhomboid shape, which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than traditional metal braces. Teens may be able to customize their braces by choosing the color of the elastic ligature ties, which can be changed at every orthodontic visit. Like other types of braces, self-ligating clear brackets can lead to a faster treatment time than traditional braces if teen patients are not careful about brushing and flossing their teeth, as well as keeping up with any dietary restrictions.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, but with two key differences. The metal brackets are replaced with clear or tooth-colored ones, and the wires are frosted to blend in with the teeth. This makes them less noticeable than metal braces, and many teens choose this form of treatment for cosmetic reasons.
However, clear braces are not without their drawbacks. They are prone to staining, and if they are not properly cared for they can turn yellow over time. This can make them difficult to see, and they may need to be replaced more frequently than traditional braces.
They also require more patience and diligence than aligners, as teens will need to remove them to eat or clean their teeth. If they are not careful, they may lose or forget them, which can prolong their treatment and decrease its effectiveness. It is important to choose high-quality clear braces to avoid these problems.
Invisalign®
Achieving a straighter smile doesn’t have to wait until adulthood. With Invisalign, teenagers can straighten their teeth with transparent aligners that are almost invisible. Invisalign has been designed with a teenager’s needs in mind, taking into account that their jaw structure is still developing and can be more sensitive than adults’.
Traditional metal braces have a noticeable appearance, which can cause teens to feel self-conscious about their treatment. They can also interfere with playing sports or musical instruments, and they can be damaged by food or drinks.
Invisalign Teen aligners can be removed discreetly for eating and brushing, so your teen can enjoy their favorite foods without any restrictions. They can also be easily cleaned, so they don’t have to worry about a buildup of plaque and tartar. Invisalign Teen is equipped with compliance indicators that change color to help ensure the trays are being worn for the required amount of time each day, as well as eruption tabs that help guide the movement of emerging adult teeth.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are a staple in the orthodontic world and remain popular with teenagers today. They use metal brackets and a slender archwire to straighten the teeth, fixing issues like overbite and underbite. Adolescence is a prime time for these braces because the jaws and teeth are still growing and shifting, which makes it easier to correct these issues.
These braces also come in a variety of colors so that teens can show off their personality with their treatment. Teens love to choose elastic bands that match their high school or favorite sports team.
Another option for teen braces is ceramic braces, which blend in with the teeth and are less noticeable. These are a great option for self-conscious teens, but they do require more attention to oral hygiene to avoid staining and discoloration. Lingual braces are another popular choice for teens because they are hidden on the back side of the teeth and can only be seen when smiling.