Teens are the most common patients in orthodontics. Mainly because during this stage, they are most likely ready for a dental appliance. Braces for teens are ideal treatment as this period allows their teeth to grow and develop faster. This means that it’s easier for dentists to fix the teeth and smile of teenagers than adults. Braces come in different varieties, you may even choose clear braces for teens for subtlety. You can visit DDII’s family-friendly clinic in Gosford if you’re looking to get orthodontic braces or Invisalign. Check out their offers by clicking on this link.
Why Teens Need Braces
Braces are needed as they can fix and resolve certain dental issues. Orthodontic treatment for your teenage child will benefit them in so many ways. Aside from improving their smile, it will also boost their confidence.
Here are some of the dental issues that braces can fix:
Overcrowding- Crooked teeth
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Teeth gaps
It’s important to prioritize your child’s smile while they are still teens to help them achieve greater things in life. Recent studies have shown that healthy teeth and smiles promote self-esteem and confidence, two components that are essential in growth and development.
Benefits Of Braces
But braces for teens aren’t always about creating the perfect smile. They are also meant to provide the following benefits:
- Gum disease prevention – Braces help in the proper positioning of the teeth to prevent tooth gaps. Teeth gaps are often the reason why plaque and tartar build-up takes place. When the plaque is not removed, gum disease could occur.
- Stops tooth decay – Decaying tooth primarily occurs due to poor oral hygiene. With the help of braces, you can protect your enamel from wearing down and stop the emergence of tooth decay.
- Prevents cavities – Braces allow you to clean your entire mouth and teeth without any trouble. This promotes proper oral care which prevents cavities from forming.
- Helps in good digestion – One of the reasons why this orthodontic treatment is special is because of its ability to improve your quality of life. Misalignment, for example, can affect how your body digests food. Braces will help you chew and bite foods into tinier pieces for proper digestion.
- Prevents injuries – If you have a broken or cracked tooth, it’s easier for you to retain extreme damages when you meet an accident. Braces can help maintain your teeth in place and protect them from injuries caused by unprecedented events.
Dentists typically recommend braces for teens because this is the perfect time for adjustments and corrections. The teenage years are where the teeth grow and develop rapidly, making it an ideal time for your teen child to have braces.
Kinds Of Dental Braces For Teens
When we hear the term orthodontic treatment, metallic brackets and wires often come to our mind. But did you know that modern dentistry now offers a variety of braces for people of all ages?
Before the year 2020, most people with braces are wearing traditional metal braces. But with the help of advanced technology, dental specialists have designed better kinds of braces. Some of which are highly recommended for teens.
Listed below are the most common types of braces along with their pros and cons:
- Traditional metal braces
You are probably familiar with this type of braces since a lot of people are wearing metal braces. Traditional braces are composed of metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands. One of its advantages is that it’s the cheapest among all kinds of braces and that it is basically perfect for any misalignment issues. However, metal braces are very bold and visible when you smile. It is also quite uncomfortable to wear according to some.
- Ceramic braces
Just like traditional braces, ceramic braces are attached firmly to each teeth. The only difference is that these are made of ceramic material to let it blend with the teeth better. It has wires as well that connect the ceramics, the wires can be colored to make them appear invisible. Teens will definitely be more comfortable with this kind of brace as well. Ceramic braces are less visible and look more aesthetic than metal braces, but with improper care, these braces can become stained and broken over time. It’s also a bit more expensive than traditional braces.
- Lingual braces
Lingual braces are attached at the back part of the teeth making them extremely hard to notice. But sadly, this cannot fix all kinds of teeth problems. Lingual braces fix teeth problems quickly. The drawbacks of it are first, it’s expensive, second, it’s uncomfortable to wear.
- Invisalign
The most modern and famous kind of braces offered by dentists nowadays is Invisalign. These braces are great for teens as they are invisible, comfortable to wear, and removable. However, Invisalign needs to be removed before eating or drinking colored beverages to prevent staining. Because of its great appearance, Invisalign tends to be more expensive than the others.
To ensure that your teen’s braces stay in great shape and are not at risk of any damages, be sure to prepare foods that are safe to eat with braces. Avoid serving them with chewy, crunchy, and hard foods to prevent a broken brace. Make sure that they are doing proper oral care as well to keep their mouth clean.
So how will you know if which kind of brace is best for teens? The only way to determine the most suitable orthodontic treatment for them is by consulting the dentist. First and foremost, the dentist will determine the dental problem of your child. X-rays and dental examination will be done to fully assess the severity of the case. After that, they can recommend the braces that they think will work well for your child. If you’re looking for a trusted dentist in Townsville, QLD, you can check this link to learn more.
