Braces for Teens – What Are My Options?

Not only is a crooked smile embarrassing for many teenagers, but it can also lead to a lifetime of oral health problems. Failing to treat this issue will increase your teen’s risk of tooth fractures, gingivitis, and even tooth decay.

For many teens, braces are the best option to permanently straighten their smile and improve their self-confidence. If your teen is currently struggling with malocclusion, then read ahead for a look at some of the best treatment options.

Fixing Crooked Teeth

Parents and their teens should realize that a crooked smile is much more than a cosmetic issue. Studies continue to show us just how much of an impact that malocclusion has on a patient’s health throughout their life.

When left untreated, this condition will make oral hygiene habits difficult and ineffective. Over time, malocclusion will generally result in other problems such as cracked teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, speech impediments, facial deformations, and bone loss.

Traditional Metal Braces

What makes metal braces so effective is their ability to apply gentle and consistent pressure to the teeth. The orthodontist will begin by fixing brackets to the front of the patient’s teeth with a powerful adhesive.

Once they are in the correct position, the brackets are attached to one another with a series of archwires. The archwires can be tightened or loosened in order to move each tooth forward, backward, left, or right.

After the braces are put on, patients will need to schedule follow-up appointments every two to four weeks in order to have the braces adjusted.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces work in a very similar manner to traditional braces, but they are not placed on the front of the teeth. Instead, the brackets may be applied to the back of the teeth with archwires running between them.

The primary benefit of lingual braces is the fact that they are nearly invisible once they are in the mouth. They can be more difficult to keep clean since the patient cannot see them. Patients will need to speak with the orthodontist to weight the pros and cons of these braces.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are one of the newest treatment options for patients with crooked smiles. Instead of using metal wires and brackets to pull teeth back into the correct position, a clear tray is used. These trays are made custom for every patient and are practically invisible while they are in the mouth.

Instead of scheduling follow-up appointments every few weeks, patients will simply receive a new pair of trays whenever they must be changed out. While the trays should be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day, patients can take them out at any time to enjoy a meal or brush their teeth.

Contact Us

Contact Runnels Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation.