How To Determine Which Type of Braces Is Right for You
Braces are a suitable solution for realigning crooked or overcrowded teeth. When determining which type of braces to choose for your teenager, review factors like their orthodontic concerns and appearance preferences. Here is how to choose braces for teens:
Assess Your Teen’s Orthodontic Needs
The severity of your teen’s orthodontic issues helps determine which braces suit them, whether they have mildly crooked teeth or severe gaps or overlaps.
Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to assess your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. During the consultation, the orthodontist will check for misalignments, bite issues, and teeth spacing concerns.
If your teen has significant orthodontic problems, they may require traditional metal braces. Traditional metal braces are made using stainless steel and can withstand the pressure of shifting teeth.
They are more noticeable than ceramic braces, a less colored alternative for treating severe misalignments. Clear aligners are appropriate for mild to moderate orthodontic cases.
Evaluate Their Aesthetic Preferences
Discuss your teenager’s aesthetic preferences before deciding, as braces for teens have varying appearances and degrees of visibility. If your teen is self-conscious about getting braces, they may prefer a less visible option. Ceramic braces can be ideal for such situations because they blend with the teeth’s natural color. Clear aligners are another discreet option. If your child does not mind a visible alternative, they can get lingual or bracket braces. Metal braces with colorful elastic bands also offer a unique option for your teen to customize their style.
Review the Estimated Treatment Durations
Ask your orthodontist about the expected treatment duration for each type of braces. Traditional braces are fixed in place and may offer faster results, creating continuous pressure on the teeth. Clear aligners are removable and can take longer if not worn consistently. The treatment duration for each type depends on the complexity of the case and your teen’s compliance with wearing them as directed.
Examine Your Teen’s Lifestyle
Dietary habits play a role in the choice of braces. With traditional braces, certain food restrictions apply, as sticky or hard foods can damage the brackets and wires. Clear aligners can be removed during meals, allowing for more flexibility in eating. Evaluate your teen’s dental hygiene habits when selecting their braces. If your teen is lax with their dental hygiene, avoid options like ceramic braces, as they are a light shade that can stain easily.
Traditional metal braces may be a sturdy option if your teen participates in contact sports. Clear aligners can also be removed to accommodate activities with a high risk of facial impact, though they should be replaced promptly after. Patients must wear removable braces frequently for their dental misalignment to resolve. If your teen is not consistent enough to wear braces for as long as required, choosing a non-removable alternative can be best.
Get Help Choosing Braces for Teens
Selecting the right teen braces requires careful evaluation of your child’s lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and dental hygiene habits. Consulting your orthodontist to determine the severity of your teen’s dental concerns and the estimated treatment duration can also help. Choose braces that are manageable for your teen and allow them to continue their daily activities as desired.
