On Monday, we discussed orthodontic treatment for young children, such as interceptive orthodontic appliances. But what about teens? In today’s blog, we’re going to look at the importance of addressing misalignment in our teen years, as well as the cosmetic orthodontics we offer young people in Fort Worth, TX.
Did Your Child Wear Interceptive Orthodontics?
Children should undergo a routine exam by an orthodontist around age seven. At this age, we can identify the signs of developing misalignment and begin orthodontic treatment to address the issue. The use of interceptive orthodontics, which may include custom-made oral appliances, helps guide the growth of the jaw and improve dental alignment. If your child received interceptive orthodontic treatment, then the time required to wear braces as teens will often reduce significantly.
Invisalign®
We don’t want a teens’ concerns about appearance to stand between them and a healthier smile. Fortunately, we offer cosmetic treatment options. With Invisalign®, we take detailed digital images of the smile to create a 3D digital impression. An Invisalign® lab then uses the impression to design and craft a series of custom aligners from a BPA-free clear plastic material.
The aligners will be worn daily, usually between 20 and 22 hours a day. Every two weeks, teen patient upgrades to the next set. Over a period of a about a year to 18 months, depending on the extent of the misalignment, the smile will be slowly and gently corrected. A major benefit of this option is the removable nature of the aligners. Kids can take them our prior to eating, so no worries about sticky or chewy foods becoming stuck in their braces. Being removable also makes thorough brushing and flossing easier, improving oral hygiene during the treatment process.
Tooth-Colored Brackets
But what if misalignment is simply too severe to be adequately addressed with clear aligners? In these situations, we may need to look toward more traditional options. Braces, involving metal brackets and wires, and correct serious alignment issues and improve the smile’s health and appearance. To help limit the appearance of them, we will use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. Brackets are attached to the front facing sides of the teeth, usually made from metal. But since ceramic is strong and can be shaded to match a tooth’s color, we can use them in lieu of metal ones. This makes the braces less noticeable, as only the thin arch wire is visible.
Caring For Smiles of All Ages
Our team helps children, teens, and adults obtain a straighter smile with cosmetic and interceptive orthodontics. To schedule your consultation and discuss treatment options, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, Springtown, and all surrounding communities.
