Crooked teeth and bite issues can lead to a host of long-term problems. Fortunately, they can often be corrected during adolescence with braces for teens. Orthodontic treatment can improve self-esteem, confidence, and overall oral health. Straightened teeth are easier to keep clean, minimizing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of teeth straightening appliance. Your orthodontist may recommend this option for teens with crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, gaps, or misaligned jaws.
These braces are made with metal brackets that attach to each tooth and a thin wire that gently pushes or pulls on the teeth to help them move into the correct positions. The wire is held by small elastic bands that come in different colors.
Some teens who wear metal braces find the treatment time a little longer than with other options, but the benefits of a straighter smile far outweigh this minor inconvenience. Also, if your teen is particularly clumsy or rough with their oral hygiene, metal braces may be more likely to stand up to this type of damage than ceramic or clear braces.
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces except they use clear ligatures, making them less noticeable on the teeth. This can make them a popular choice for self-conscious teenagers. However, they require more careful brushing and flossing because food can become trapped between the teeth and the brackets.
Ceramic Braces
The main difference between ceramic braces and traditional metal ones is that the brackets on ceramic braces are clear instead of metal, which helps them blend in with your teeth. This makes them a great option for teens who are concerned about their appearance during treatment.
Like metal braces, ceramic braces are very effective in treating a wide variety of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems. However, they may take slightly longer to get used to than metal braces.
The only downside of ceramic brackets is that they are more prone to staining than stainless steel braces. This is especially true if your teen frequently drinks dark beverages or smokes. Fortunately, our Grande Prairie dentists can replace the small elastic modules that hold the arch wire within each individual bracket with more stain-resistant alternatives. These are usually clear, silver, or pearl in color so they won’t be noticed as much, but you can also get them in a variety of fun colors if you want to express your personality during treatment!
Mini-Diamond Braces
These are similar to traditional metal braces but are 30% smaller, making them a great option for teens who want to improve their appearance during treatment. They use the same system of brackets and archwires as metal braces, but are much less noticeable due to their small size and rhomboid shape. They can also be used with different colored ligatures to further reduce the visual impact on the teeth.
Regardless of your age, it is never too late to straighten your teeth and achieve a healthy smile. If you are a teenager or adult who is interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment options, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Chris Tsintolas. We will create a specialized treatment plan designed to address your specific needs.
*All treatment plans are devised based on a review of x-rays and an in-person examination performed by a licensed doctor. This is a standard policy of all Diamond Braces locations.
Clear Braces
Clear braces use the same mechanism as traditional metal braces but substitute the metal wires and brackets with clear or tooth-colored ones. This makes them less noticeable.
The only downside to this option is that it can be more difficult for teen patients to clean their teeth because food particles, gum, and other debris can easily get stuck in the brackets and elastic bands. This can result in stained teeth or gum disease, which is why it is important for teens to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques while wearing clear braces.
Another popular option is Invisalign, which uses a series of removable, clear plastic aligner trays that gradually shift teeth into correct positions. While these are effective in treating a variety of alignment issues, they can be tricky for teens to keep up with since they can often forget to wear them for the recommended amount of time. This can lead to a longer treatment period and decreased effectiveness.