Our last blog talked about the treatment options and approach we provide for helping kids develop even teeth. But what about older kids and teens? In today’s blog, we’re going to look at how your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist will treat misalignment for teenage patients with ceramic tooth-colored brackets and clear plastic aligners.

The Benefits of Straighter Teeth

When people have an even smile, this ensures a better bite balance. An imbalanced bite could lead to teeth grinding, TMJ disorder, and painful symptoms like jaw pain and headaches, as well as damage to the teeth as well. For others, poor alignment could impact the position of the oral structures and cause obstructions when you breathe a night, leading to complications like sleep apnea and chronic snoring. Uneven teeth also provide hiding places for food particles, which could leave them beyond the reach of your toothbrush and floss tape, and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease with time. A straighter smile not only inspires confidence and makes a great first impression, but protects your overall oral health too.

Braces With Ceramic Brackets

For more severe cases of misalignment, we may recommend braces. However, we know a mouth filled with metal isn’t a popular solution for many teens, which is why we take steps to limit the visibility. Braces mean we attach brackets to the front facing sides of each tooth. We then attach a wire to them with a band, and adjust tension in the wire to move the teeth. However, instead of metal, we can create the brackets from ceramic. The material is tooth-colored and can be shaded to blend with the tooth. We custom-make each one, and in fact, dentists often use the same material to provide lifelike tooth replacement or repair.

Clear Invisalign Aligners

We have another option that is even less visible as well. Instead of using wires or brackets, we craft a series of aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. Made from a clear plastic material, the aligner is barely visible when worn and helps provide optimal results in as little as one year. They can also be removed before you eat or before you brush and floss, offering a more convenient option. If you have any questions about helping your teenager enjoy a more even and healthy smile in 2021, then contact our team today.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR TEENS?

We want to help you and your kids maintain optimal oral health by correcting minor and severe cases of misalignment. To learn more about our treatment options for people of all ages, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Haslet, Azle, and all surrounding communities.