Choosing the right braces for your teen affects their dental health and overall comfort throughout the treatment. Clear braces offer an esthetic alternative to traditional metal ones by providing the same corrective power while being less noticeable. At Palm Beach Orthodontics, Dr. Angela and her team offer high-quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Here are some factors to review to help you choose the right braces for your teen:
Individual Dental Needs and Conditions
Acknowledging your teenager’s individual dental requirements is helpful in determining a suitable treatment method. All types of braces come with their own unique advantages depending on the degree of the orthodontic concern. Metal braces are strong and suitable for various issues, including spacing issues like crowding. Ceramic braces also treat these dental concerns but are more discreet. Clear aligners are virtually invisible and may be removed for eating and cleaning. Dr. Angela will help you find an option that best fits your teen’s alignment needs.
Esthetic Concerns
There are discreet options available for teens who are concerned about how their braces will affect their appearance. Ceramic braces and clear aligners blend in with the teeth, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Both metal braces and clear braces accommodate colored bands, allowing teens to personalize their braces at each appointment.
Treatment Duration
The duration of treatment depends on the type of braces chosen, what dental issues need to be corrected, and how strictly your teen follows their treatment plan. Each patient responds differently to their treatment, which can result in a treatment taking 12 months for one person and 24 months for another. Our facility monitors our patients closely and will adjust the treatment plan as needed to improve your teen’s outcome.
Types of Braces
There are several innovative solutions available for teens at Palm Beach Orthodontics. Dr. Angela offers braces in various styles, colors, and materials to help teens feel more comfortable with their orthodontic treatment. These solutions include clear ceramic braces, traditional metal braces, and clear aligners. Here is more information about each of these options:
Esthetic Ceramic Braces
Orthodontists can recommend ceramic braces to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including misalignment, spacing problems, and bite issues. They work in a similar way to metal braces, using brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. These brackets are made from ceramic material designed to be transparent or closely match the natural color of the teeth. Ceramic braces are typically smooth to help minimize any irritation of the gums and inner cheeks. Maintaining good oral hygiene can also help your teen keep the brackets looking clean and clear.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are strong and durable, making them ideal for treating complex cases that require significant adjustments. These braces have metal brackets bonded to the outer surfaces of the teeth and are held together by an archwire. The archwire gently applies consistent force across the teeth to help them shift to their intended positions. Ligatures are the small bands that hold the archwire in place on the brackets and can come in various colors.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Spark and Invisalign offer teens a discreet and flexible approach to straightening their teeth. They are made from a smooth, clear plastic that is custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth, minimizing discomfort. The treatment involves a series of aligners, each designed to move the teeth gradually. As the teeth shift, the patient progresses through the series of aligners, with each one making slight adjustments to the tooth positions. They are effective for treating a variety of orthodontic issues but may not be suitable for overly complex cases. Clear aligners are also removable, making it easier for teens to care for their smiles and enjoy a variety of foods without restrictions.
Benefits of Braces for Teens
Regardless of the type, braces provide many benefits for teens, including improved dental health and enhanced esthetics. They help create a healthy facial structure and prevent long-term dental problems by correcting overbites, underbites, and gaps. Straightened teeth are more accessible to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. This accessibility also helps minimize the likelihood of plaque buildup, contributing to better oral hygiene.
Misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear, leading to chips, cracks, or excessive wear on certain teeth. Braces help distribute the bite forces evenly, reducing the risk of tooth damage. Misalignments may also affect speech for some teens. They can cause lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Braces can help correct these issues, allowing your teen to communicate more clearly.
Visit Us for Customized Clear Braces
At Palm Beach Orthodontics, we prioritize tailored treatment plans that meet our patient’s unique dental needs and lifestyles. Our clear braces offer an effective solution for straightening teeth, blending in with your teen’s natural smile. Contact us today to find a suitable treatment option for your teen.