There is a good chance that your teenager isn't particularly thrilled about getting braces put in. Luckily, orthodontics has come a long way and, these days, there are a number of treatment options available. Here, our SmileTown Burnaby dentists explain what options your teen has for their orthodontic treatment.
For your teenager, undergoing orthodontic treatment no longer neccesarily means living with a mouth full of braces for multiple years. The topics below are only a few of the alternatives to traditional braces that are now available to adults and teenagers these days:
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fitted to the insides and the back sides of the teeth - the sid facing into the mouth towards the tongue. This hides the braces from view so that no one needs to know that they're there.
Invisalign
Invisalign makes sets of clear, custom plastic aligners that straighten teeth just as well as traditional braces. The difference is, Invislaign aligners more or less invisible when worn, because they're made of a completely transparent plastic.
There is an added benefit to Invisalign. Although the aligners need to be worn full-time during their treatment, these oral appliances can be removed to brush and floss teeth and to eat meals. Because of this, there are no dietary restrictions associated with clear aligners and no special oral hygiene care will be required.
In-Ovation Precision Mini Metallic Braces
In-Ovation system braces are smaller than traditional braces, and have a lower profile. But their most significant benefit is that they are ‘self-ligating'. Self ligating braces mean that unsightly elastics and ties are not necessary for treatment. They also don't need to be tightened regularly, meaning fewer appointments at the orthodontist's office.
‘Translucent’ Ceramic Braces
The brackets of 'translucent' ceramic braces are made from a durable ceramic material that closely matches the natural colours of the teeth. This will allow the brackets to blend in a look much less obvious that regular braces.