Choosing The Best Orthodontic Treatment For Your Teen: Part Two | Common Brace Types for Your Teen

Traditional/Metal Braces

Metal braces have changed a lot over the years; now they are so much lighter in their structure and weight than they were years ago.

Metal braces are brackets that attach to every tooth and connect with a thin archwire that pushes and pulls on your teeth to move them slowly into position.

The wire is then connected to the brackets using little-colored rubberband like o-rings. Now and then it will be necessary to tighten your braces to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.

The elastic o-rings come in a ton of colors that teens love. They can pick their high school colors, seasonal colors to fit with the holiday season or even that of their favorite sports team.

Metal braces are the most economical, making them the best choice. They are better for the younger teen since they are more flexible and will change easier with your teen’s needs. The down side is that they stick out further; so if your teen is worried about their looks, you might want to look at other options.

Ceramic Braces

Braces made from ceramic work the same as your metal braces. Your main difference will be the brackets are comprised of a transparent ceramic substance. It keeps the braces from being noticed, and they blend in better with your teen’s teeth.

You will find that the ceramic braces cost more than the metal and will stain if you do not take proper care of them. They are a good choice for the teen who does not want the shiny metal mouth.

Invisalign

There is a new method that is gaining popularity, and that’s the invisable aligners. Treatment with the aligners can take you anywhere from a few months up to two years to complete. The orthodontists in Raleigh, North Carolina will make impressions of your teeth as they are now and design a plan that corrects your alignment and bite of your teeth over a period of time.

Every two weeks, your teenager will get a new, plastic, clear mouthpiece to wear on their teeth. With each set they get it is helping their teeth move towards that pretty finished smile.

Some benefits of the invisible aligners are: they are clear and barely noticeable. You can remove them to brush your teeth, floss, eat and drink which makes it much easier for your teen.

The problem with the invisible aligners is they cannot take care of problems with teeth that are considered severe problems.

Considering the Best Option for Your Teen

Talking with an orthodontist near you and that you can trust is your best bet in deciding what steps to take next and what will work best for you and your teen.

Your teen will have concerns about the braces and you will need to consider the family budget. The Brier Creek Orthodontic Treatment Team in Raleigh, North Carolina is here to examine your teen’s mouth and help you make that decision.

If you are looking for an orthodontist in the Raleigh, North Carolina area then look no further, you have found someone you can trust to guide you in working with your teen.

Give us a quick call today to set up a time to meet, or book an appointment online today!