We often help teens in Fort Worth, TX, enjoy healthier smiles with orthodontic care, which improves the alignment of their teeth. Many express reservations, worried about the impact of metal braces on their appearance. In order to assuage their concerns, we often recommend a clear and comfortable alternative with the Invisalign® system.
Treating Misalignment
When teeth sit crooked, or crowd one another, this makes thorough brushing and flossing a difficult task. Food particles could remain trapped between the teeth, available to be broken down by bacteria. The process leads to an increase in oral acidity and plaque buildup, weakening tooth enamel and inflaming the gum tissue, which in turns makes the onset of cavities and gum disease more likely. Others may experience strain on the jaw joints, leading to TMJ disorder and bruxism, jaw joint disorders that could cause headaches, jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and even damaged teeth. Treating misalignment means enjoying a more attractive smile while also limiting the risk of these oral health concerns.
The Invisalign® Difference
To begin, we will take detailed digital images of the smile using the iTero® system. We combine these images to make a 3D model of the smile, which we use to design a series of aligners created using a BPA-free and clear acrylic material. A set will be worn each day for between 20 and 22 hours, with the patient moving on to the next set after two weeks. The total treatment period will take between a year and 18 months, depending on the severity of your misalignment. Not only do the custom-made aligners fit comfortably, but they’re also practically invisible. Patients can remove them before meals, so they don’t need to change their diets, and being removable also makes brushing and flossing much easier.
What If My Child Needs Braces?
While Invisalign® is often the right choice for many of our patients, some severe cases of misalignment may still require the use of metal braces. Fortunately, we can still take steps to ensure a less noticeable treatment option. Instead of placing metal brackets onto the front of the teeth, we will create ceramic brackets, which can be shaded to match the color of the teeth. We connect these with an arch wire, adjusting tension to begin repositioning the smile. Total treatment is usually around two years. If you have any questions about our cosmetic orthodontics, then contact our team today.
Ready to Try Clear Braces?
If you want to learn more about alternatives to metal orthodontics, then contact our team today. To schedule your consultation and discuss our treatment options for teens, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Azle, Saginaw, and all surrounding communities.
