Do you have a teenager with misalignment? If so, this poor alignment could be a source of embarrassment in adulthood, and also increase the risk of poor oral health. Fortunately, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist understands how to treat misalignment in teens. We have two unique options with Invisalign® and metal-free ceramic brackets!
Assessing the Severity of Misalignment
First, we will perform a thorough exam in which we use digital technology to assess the cause and extent of misalignment. From there, we can decide which treatment option will best correct misalignment. By addressing poor alignment, we help lower the risk of issues like tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorder, and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). An even smile is also a great source of confidence, and can allow people to smile without hesitation!
The Invisalign® Option
We often help our teen patients by prescribing the Invisalign® system. This option doesn’t need metal brackets or wires at all. Instead, patients wear a series of aligners created from a clear and BPA-free acrylic material. They fit comfortably, preventing gum and cheek irritation, and also gently and gradually shift teeth into optimal positions over a period of about a year to 18 months. Each set is worn for about two weeks, and aligners will need to be used for 20 to 22 hours a day. Along with the near-invisible appearance, they have the ability to be removed before meals, so you don’t need to avoid chewy items or change your diet. Being removable also means you have an easier time caring for your smile, as you don’t have to brush and floss around orthodontics!
Limiting the Visibility of Braces
Sometimes, a teen patient may have a more severe case of misalignment, one that requires more than a series of aligners. If we do need to prescribe braces, don’t worry, we still offer a cosmetic approach. Instead of placing metal brackets onto the front-facing side of each tooth, we use ceramic ones that are shaded to be tooth-colored. We then attach a very thin arch wire to them with a clear band. This combination ensures their smile looks great and reduces the visibility of the orthodontics. If you have any questions about addressing misalignment in our teen patients, or about the treatment options we may provide, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TEEN ORTHODONTICS?
We know how to help children and teenagers alike obtain straighter smiles with custom orthodontics. To learn more about correcting poor alignment in children and teens, then 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, and all surrounding communities.
