Our braces for teens option covers teenagers' overall treatment between the ages of 11 to 18 years old, as many people do not have braces installed until the age of 12.
If you're a parent of a teenager, then you know that one day your little baby will become a full-grown adult. And with that comes all sorts of changes - physically, emotionally, and mentally. One change that might not be on your radar is orthodontic treatment.
What are the benefits of braces for teens
Some teenagers have crowded or misaligned teeth. This can make them feel insecure and inferior. When they interact with their peers, they may feel social anxiety.
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can also have an impact on your teenager's future oral and overall health, so orthodontic treatment and getting braces for teens have significant social and health benefits.
One of the many advantages of braces for teens is a corrected bite and a more attractive smile. While others may judge us based on our appearance, there are other more compelling reasons to consider orthodontic treatment.
Having healthy teeth and a good jaw alignment affects your overall health and comfort. How you feel about your appearance impacts your overall quality of life. When you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, you may feel unattractive and self-conscious. You may not smile as much or hesitate to show your face when speaking or laughing.
Correctly aligned teeth can improve many things like speech, chewing, and breathing. They also make your child feel better about their smile and themselves.
Straighter teeth for your teens are also less prone to tooth decay, gum disease, and other malocclusions. In addition, by increasing jaw movement, orthodontic treatment for your teenager can save them a lifetime of pain and headaches caused by misalignments.
What are the different kinds of braces for teens?
Metal braces have long been recognized as one of the most effective treatments for most orthodontic issues.
However, because most teens are still concerned about their appearance and social standing at this important stage in their lives, you may want to consider some of the more discrete options listed below.
We use the following types of braces for teens:
Colourful/Metal Braces
Orthodontic braces treatments can go on for months, even years. Therefore, we encourage our patients to choose braces' colours that they will be happy with and wear for an extended period.
Ceramic Braces (Aesthetic)
Ceramic braces are the same shape and size as metal braces. However, they offer patients the extra benefit of a discrete aesthetic appearance. The brackets on ceramic braces are a pearl-colored material that blends in with the rest of the patient's natural teeth.
Retainers For Teeth
Retainers are specific orthodontic devices that assist in straightening teeth and are one of many orthodontic treatment options. Retainers often get used in conjunction with braces. We usually prescribe retainers during the retention phase and reinforce the work done by traditional braces or Invisalign®.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses 3-D imagingtechnology to determine the complete treatment plan and help your teeth get from the initial position using custom-made aligners. Aligners are generally worn for about two weeks and then replaced by the next set of aligners until your teeth reach their final position.
Each treatment option has advantages and disadvantages. We will consult with you to help you determine the best option for your child.