All About Teen Braces in San Antonio & Windcrest
Suppose you have a teen and suspect that he or she might need orthodontic treatment. In that case, you should know that adolescence is the ideal time for orthodontic treatment for several reasons.
First, by adolescence, most children have lost their baby teeth, and permanent teeth have grown in. That makes this the perfect time to correct any bite or alignment problems develop.
Second, the earlier you treat orthodontic problems, the better. During adolescence, when the rest of your child’s body is growing rapidly, dental appliances can work more efficiently and effectively. If left until later in life, the same problems can be more challenging to treat.
Fortunately, having to wear braces for an extended period is very common with adolescents. If your child is dreading the prospect, remind them that they won’t be alone!
The Nuts & Bolts of Teen Braces & Invisalign
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Vo can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.
Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health.
If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Vo at Texas Family Orthodontics since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
- Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Protrusion of teeth
Bad Bites
Suppose you have a teen and suspect that he or she might need orthodontic treatment. In that case, you should know that adolescence is the ideal time for orthodontic treatment for several reasons.
First, by adolescence, most children have lost their baby teeth, and permanent teeth have grown in. That makes this the perfect time to correct any bite or alignment problems develop.
Benefits of a Straight Smile
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, including:
- Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
- Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
Choose Your Look
Dr. Vo also offers various alternatives to traditional metal braces for teens who might be too embarrassed to wear the old fashioned metal type.
During your teen’s initial visit, our staff will take X-rays and possibly create a custom model of your child’s bite. After that, Dr. Vo will develop a treatment plan designed specifically for your teenager.
Whether you choose traditional metal braces or one of the clear alternatives, your teeth should understand that they will have to wear the appliance for an extended period.
Here at Texas Family Orthodontics, we offer:
Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they imagine bulky metal brackets.
We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance. Many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.
Ceramic Braces
Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials.
They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious. Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breaking and more expensive than metal braces, they may not be best for everyone.
Invisalign® for Teens
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.
They provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience since they're made of soft plastic, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.
Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.