Clear braces for teens are recommended when a dentist notices that your child is developing teeth or jaw alignment issues. The American Association of Orthodontists advises taking your child for orthodontic assessment once they reach the age of 7.
At this point, their smile should be fully developed and developing issues can be detected. Appliances like clear braces can be used to straighten a child’s teeth once their 12-year-old molars have erupted. At this stage, the child’s jaw and facial structures are still developing, making it easier to push their teeth in the right direction.
Metal braces have been the standard for teeth-straightening treatments, and they have been used for centuries. They are durable appliances that improve teeth alignment by pushing the wearer’s teeth into a better position.
Traditional metal braces are made up of metal brackets that are cemented to the patient’s teeth and metal wires that connect these brackets. Tightening the wires increases the force applied to the wearer’s teeth.
Metal braces remain the most effective way to straighten teeth, but they have poor aesthetics. Given how self-conscious teenagers can be, dentists often recommend subtler teeth-straightening treatments.
Clear braces for teeth are just like metal braces, with two main exceptions. The metal brackets are exchanged for clear or tooth-colored ones, and the metal wires are replaced with transparent ones. This gives the patient an oral appliance that can barely be noticed when they smile.
Aligner trays are another discreet way that a teenager can straighten their teeth, but these are removable devices that need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day. Keeping up with them over the course of treatment, which can be as long as two years, is a tall order for anyone, especially a teenager with a million things to do. Not wearing aligner trays as recommended diminishes their effectiveness.
The brackets used for clear braces are usually made with ceramics, so they are not as durable as the brackets that make up metal braces. They cannot be moved once cemented to the patient’s teeth, and wires connect the brackets on a dental arch to apply force on the patient’s teeth. If the teen has bite issues, rubber bands might be attached to connect brackets so the patient’s bottom teeth and lower jaw are pushed into the proper alignment.
Do you think that your teenager needs teeth-straightening treatments? Call or visit our Brea clinic to set up an appointment with our orthodontist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.breapediatricdentists.com or call Brea Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics at (714) 782-0215 for an appointment in our Brea office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Braces in Brea, CA.
Are you searching for an "orthodontist near me"? Read on to learn more. Having crooked or unevenly spaced teeth is not just an aesthetic issue. For many, the most noticeable change is in their level of self-image. Your teeth alignment makes it easy for plaque to build up, which in turn increases your risk of…
Preventive dentistry is a valuable component of your child’s oral health. Young teeth need the highest level of protection. Providing treatments that will keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy will elevate your child’s formative years. Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.Digital dental X-rays are part…
Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this restoration. Pediatric dentists typically prioritize prevention, mostly to avoid procedures like a baby root canal. However, sometimes, a root canal can be suggested when a primary tooth is severely damaged. For parents, this might be surprising. Since the baby's teeth…
Wondering what a dentist for kids recommends for preventing cavities? Read on to learn more. Parents often have problems getting their kids to practice good oral hygiene. Children’s affinity for sugary treats can make them develop cavities, which can be painful. They can also be susceptible to other dental problems. You can talk to a…
When it comes to orthodontics, providers often have different service offerings.
Preventive dentistry is a valuable component of your child’s oral health. Young teeth need the…
Root canals have a bad reputation but pediatric dentists utilize modern methods and technology so…
Parents should provide their kids with a healthy diet to accompany their oral care routines…
If your child has already seen their first tooth erupt, it is never too early…
A clinic experienced in pediatric dentistry can monitor and prevent decay that may affect future…
