Not all adult teeth grow in how they should and having a straight and beautiful smile can be a very contentious issue for some teenagers as it can affect self-esteem and self-confidence. Orthodontics has changed with multiple different options now available on the market, you are no longer negated into just the traditional wire braces. The most popular methods of Orthodontics for teens are.

• Invisible Orthodontics
• Braces

Before we break down the teeth straightening options for teens here are some of the reasons straightening your teeth is recommended according to the Australian Dental Association.

• It is easier to keep your teeth and gums clean.
• You’ll have less wear and tear on your teeth from clenching and grinding.
• You’ve got less chance of damaging your gums.
• There’s less stress on the jaw joint from bad biting patterns.

So not only will your teen have a beautiful straight smile they will have a range of oral health benefits that come with it.

“Invisible” Orthodontics:  

For the sake of investigating Invisible Orthodontics, we are going to focus on Invisalign which is one of the most widely known methods of Invisible Orthodontics. Invisalign is used to fix an array of oral health issues such as.

• Underbite
• Overbite
• Gap Teeth
• Crossbite

Invisalign can take up to 18 months to complete depending on the configuration of your teen’s teeth, price also varies on a case-by-case basis. With Invisalign one of the major benefits to your teen is that the method is barely visible especially when compared to traditional braces. However, as Invisalign works on a system of clear aligners that gradually guide teeth into place over time they do require dedication by the wearer.

If you choose Invisalign you must ensure your teen follows all the rules associated with it, they must wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, removing them while eating and drinking certain liquids. To learn more about Invisalign as a whole click here or check out what you need to know before getting Invisalign blog here.

Braces: 

Traditional braces are one of the most associated forms of Orthodontics, you see them in movies and TV shows all the time. Traditional braces are a tried and true method of fixing a range of issues in teenage teeth such as;

• Crooked Teeth
• Teeth Crowding
• Gaps between teeth
• Underbite
• Overbite
• Changing the jaw relationship between upper and lower

If you choose Traditional wire braces as the orthodontic system for your teenager, they are a sort of set and forget method. When your teen is fitted for braces your Dentist will explain to them the best method of taking care of the teeth while they are fitted and how to manage them. From that point, your dental team will set times for your teen to come back in and have them tightened, adjusted and removed.

Conclusion: 

Orthodontics has and always will be a contentious issue for teenagers, however as you have read above with varying methods of Orthodontics treatment options your Dentist will be able to solve any issues at a young age.

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Until next time, all the best!