Adolescent Orthodontic Options
Teens with crooked teeth have multiple orthodontic options nowadays. In the past, conventional braces with metal brackets and an archwire were the only choices for straightening the teeth. Even though conventional braces are still a great option for teen dental alignment, many teens prefer options that are not easily noticed in the mouth.
Adolescence brings about many physical changes that can make a teen feel self-conscious. The addition of a bulky, easy-to-see orthodontic appliance can add to the feelings of awkwardness. As a result, many parents are selecting discreet orthodontic services for their teens. Here are a few of them:
Adolescent Invisalign
Adolescents or teens with moderate dental misalignments can often be treated with Invisalign. The system includes several sets of aligners, which are rigid plastic mouth trays that are transparent. The trays are not discreet when worn and can also be removed so that the teen can brush the teeth and enjoy meals freely.
Teens who wear braces may suffer the embarrassment of having food displayed in their brackets as they eat. However, with the Invisalign system, the aligning trays are not in place for meals and snacks. Additionally, the teen can clean his or her teeth without having to work around metal brackets and wires.
Adolescent Invisalign aligners are made specifically for the teeth of each teen patient. A mold of the adolescent's mouth is made, and the aligning trays are created using the impression. Each set of trays is used in a specific order to progressively align the teeth. Once a set of aligners has been used for a couple of weeks, a new set is put in place.
Adolescent Lingual Braces
Lingual braces can also be used to straighten a teen's teeth. The appliance is configured much like traditional metal braces. It includes an archwire, brackets, and elastic bands. However, the application is placed on the lingual side of the teeth. Since the braces are positioned next to the tongue instead of on the front of the teeth, they are not seen as the teen speaks or smiles.
Lingual braces can be used with various degrees of dental misalignment and can straighten the teeth just as rapidly as traditional braces. In addition, lingual braces help minimize the chance of the soft tissues of the lips and inner cheeks getting caught on brackets and wires throughout the alignment process.
For more information.about orthodontic services that may be suitable for a teen patient, schedule a consultation with a dentist like Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics in your local area.