Last week, we discussed how phased orthodontics help start your child on the path to an even smile, beginning with retainers and teeth spacers. But what happens next? Well, the second stage trades interceptive orthodontics for braces and aligners. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about correcting your teenager’s smile.
The Second Phase of Treatment
This phase essentially starts once all of the permanent teeth have erupted and properly calcified, which is usually at the beginning of the teen years. While the first phase uses interceptive orthodontics to guide the growth of the smile and limit misalignment, this is the stage that corrects the teeth and completes the finer touches on your smile, so your child has an even and healthy smile as he or she approaches adulthood. We will examine the misalignment and assess severity to help decide which option we will use, braces or aligners.
Ceramic Brackets for Tooth-Colored Braces
Braces are perfect for treating more severe cases of misalignment, and can help teens enjoy even smiles again. We attach brackets to the front of each tooth on one or both arches, and then connect a portion of a thin arch wire to each bracket with a band. Tension is then adjusted in the wire to begin moving the teeth into optimal positions, usually over a period of 18 months to two years. To make them less visible, we could use ceramic to create tooth-colored brackets instead of employing metal ones. Ceramic can be shaded to blend with the smile and offer a more attractive appearance, as this material offers a lifelike appearance. In fact, dentists will use them to create replacement teeth and crowns for this very reason.
Clear Invisalign® Aligners
We also have the Invisalign® system, which uses a series of clear and comfortable aligners to gently shift the teeth while remaining practically invisible the entire time. Using the iTero® system, we can craft a set of aligners from a BPA-free plastic material, one that is also clear. This means they fit comfortably and also offer a nearly invisible appearance. They can be removed before meals, brushing and flossing, or for special occasions as well. If you have any questions about correcting misalignment in the second phase of treatment, then contact our team today.
Interested in an Appointment for Your Teen?
We’re ready for the second phase of treatment, the one that helps your child enjoy an even smile. If you have any questions about how we correct smiles of all ages, or if you would like to schedule an appointment soon, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities.
