For most teens, getting braces is not a high priority. Most teens would rather focus on school, friends, dating, sports and more. Their image is important to them, and braces will straighten their teeth and give them a better smile, but the metal wires and brackets can be a hard sell.
If your teen needs braces, you may dread telling him or her the news. Luckily, modern dentistry has created several options. Traditional braces that utilize metal wires and brackets are one option, but there are others on the market to consider, such as Invisalign.
Invisalign teen is made of clear, smooth plastic that is nearly invisible to the naked eye. Most people will not be able to see that a teen is wearing braces, eliminating the self-consciousness that comes with metal braces. Your teen will feel great about getting straighter teeth without the risk of getting teased.
Another way Invisalign teen is different than braces is the freedom it allows while eating. People with braces can’t chew gum or eat difficult foods like apples and popcorn. Traditional braces require constant cleaning, picking and maintenance. With the teen aligners, they can remove the tray and eat whatever foods they want, followed by regular brushing and flossing without worrying about special cleaning rules or hygiene.
Teens tend to respond well to Invisalign because they can keep playing sports, musical instruments, and doing what they love while their teeth are treated. They don’t have to worry about many of the issues that brace wearers do, and they do not experience the pain of having wires tightened.
Invisalign teen is different than Invisalign for adults because it is customized for each teen. It doesn’t show on the outside, and it allows the teens to do what is most important to them – being teenagers. Invisalign teen does not add any anxiety or drama to getting their teeth treated, which makes it a good solution for parents as well.
At M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, we offer traditional braces as well as Invisalign for both teenagers and adults. We’ll work with you and your teen to determine the safest and most effective orthodontic options for his or her needs. We can customize a treatment plan to get your the best possible results. Contact us today at our Destin or Panama City Beach locations to schedule a consultation and find out which orthodontic treatment is right for your teenager.