Breaking Things Down
As our jaws continue to develop, it is not uncommon for certain types of dental issues to appear during our teenage years— even if we didn't experience any problems at all up to that point. This can include but isn't limited to issues like an over or underbite, teeth that are crooked, teeth that are crowded and more. This is especially common among teens who happened to lose their baby teeth at a particularly early age.
But it's important to know that there IS a viable way to get that perfect smile you've always wanted for yourself—traditional braces are your answer. In fact, there are even a few different types that you can choose from depending on your needs and exactly what you're trying to correct.
Types of Braces Available For Teens
Generally speaking, there are three main types of braces that most teens can choose from:
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Traditional metal braces, which are the type that most people are familiar with. Here, a series of steel brackets are affixed to each one of the teeth that are then connected together via a metal wire. The strength of that wire is what gently "encourages" your teeth to move into their desired position over the duration of your treatment.
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Lingual braces, which are very similar to traditional metal braces but are made of high-grade stainless steel. The major difference is that lingual braces are attached to the REAR of each tooth as opposed to the front, thus making them one of the most discreet forms of treatment available.
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Ceramic braces, which bring with them the added benefit of being teeth-like in color. Not only does this mean that they are a more discreet option than metal braces, but a lot of teens also find them far more comfortable.
If you're still having a hard time figuring out exactly which type of braces you'd like to get, don't worry— we're here to help. We'll go over all of the differences of each type in great detail during your initial free consultation so that you can be completely confident in the choice you make moving forward.
How Do Braces Fit Into the Teen Lifestyle?
Teens who lead a particularly active lifestyle and play sports will absolutely need to wear a mouthguard during games to further protect their teeth and the brackets and wires of the braces themselves.
Hygiene becomes especially important when you're wearing braces, which means that extra brushing and flossing are likely going to be required.
On the diet side of the conversation, there are also certain types of foods you'll want to avoid because they could cause food particles to get stuck in between the brackets, or worse - damage the brackets and wires altogether. These include but are not limited to things like:
Popcorn
Hard Candy
Sticky Candy
Any foods that you need to bite into, like an apple
Foods that are particularly chewy, like a soft pretzel
If you're still having a hard time figuring out exactly which type of braces you'd like to get, don't worry— we're here to help. We'll go over all of the differences of each type in great detail during your initial free consultation so that you can be completely confident in the choice you make moving forward.
How To Care For Your Braces
Maybe the most important thing you can do to properly care for your braces involves brushing and flossing in between the brackets and the wires. This goes a long way towards avoiding the buildup of plaque, cavities and other issues down the road.
Of course, making regular visits to the orthodontist for the duration of your treatment will also help care for your braces, and will make sure that treatment is proceeding exactly as it should be at all times.