Braces for Teens in Dallas
Teens nowadays are more aware of their looks than ever before. At Infinite Orthodontics, we understand the idea that how you look can affect how you feel, particularly for teenagers. Technology has evolved orthodontic care over the last years, so braces are mostly more comfortable and roughly need less time these days.
Dr. Hanoun and the rest of the team give their full expertise, proficiency, and skill to every patient so that your teen can continue their regular activities comfortably.
The teenage years are the typical time for orthodontic treatment considering the majority of permanent teeth will be in position.
All about Teen Orthodontics
The most frequent question we receive about braces is how much the appliances will disrupt their routine. Parents are concerned about their teen’s well-being and don’t like to add braces to the difficulties of youth. Progress in technology has hugely improved treatment. Today, the hefty and uncomfortable braces that most people remember are all in the past.
You must know that the teenage years are the perfect time for orthodontic treatment for various reasons.
- Most of the permanent teeth will be in position, making it the ideal time to fix any alignment or bite issues.
- Dental appliances can work more effectively and efficiently. If left until old age, the same complications can be harder to correct.
Does My Teen Need Braces?
Young adults of all ages can be eligible for braces; however, the typical age for teens to have braces is between 10 to 14 years old. A dentist will normally recommend teens to visit an orthodontist once dental problems about the alignment of the jaw and the straightness of teeth begin to manifest. Braces for teens can treat overcrowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth.
Braces are frequently needed to treat a malocclusion, which is a difference in size between the lower jaw and upper jaw. Malocclusions can lead to an underbite or an overbite. Breathing difficulties like snoring and mouth breathing can likewise sometimes be corrected with the aid of braces.
Types of Braces
Traditional Braces
These braces are made from metal, and they must use colored rubber bands. They include brackets that are appended to the front of your teeth or elastics that fit around every tooth, plus archwires that hold the brackets or elastics together.
Ceramic Braces
For ceramic braces, the brackets are manufactured from a material that’s either clear or tooth-colored, making them less visible than traditional metal braces. The wire utilized to connect the brackets can be the same shade as your teeth as well.
Lingual Braces
These metal braces are comparable with traditional braces, other than the brackets and wires are behind the teeth. Although these are almost hidden, they are tricky to maintain, pricier, and demand more dental work.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating brackets are also built from metal, though, do not use colored bands to secure the wire. The self-ligating brackets have a small door that holds the wire, reducing the force that is exerted on the teeth, and these brackets also require fewer in-office tweaks.
Invisalign
Invisalign is the type of braces recommended for mild cases of misaligned teeth. It is an almost invisible option that uses as many as 30 clear aligners, all customized to fit over your teen’s teeth. It is more comfortable versus other options; however, it has to be replaced after several weeks.
Benefits of Braces for Teens
Remodeling your smile can boost your confidence, and it will improve your physical health as well. If left untreated, alignment problems can cause gum disease and cavities. Fixing an alignment will help you save money over the long term because you will avoid future problems.
What Is Like Having Braces?
Typically, teenagers do not find braces to be a big deal once they get them. With contemporary braces, you get adjusted to the braces without noticing it; unless the braces are being stretched or if the wire suddenly broke off.
Does It Hurt?
Getting your braces on does not generally hurt. You may feel some soreness in your gums and tenderness to your bite while you get used to the wires and brackets, but just for a few days.
If you begin orthodontic treatment at the age of 18 and above, it commonly is more painful; your teeth feel as if they are loose in your mouth. You can also take Tylenol or Advil to help alleviate pain. Nevertheless, the short discomfort is worth the result.
Will it affect my lifestyle as a teen?
A teen can still continue on with their lifestyle while wearing braces – they’ll only have to be careful in some key aspects.
Sometimes, you will still feel a little tenderness in your bite – hence, you need to avoid foods like:
- Sticky foods — chewing gum, caramel candies
- Crunchy foods — ice, chips,
- Chewy foods — licorice, bagels, hard rolls
- Hard foods — candies, nuts, hard cookies
- Foods that need biting into — carrots, apples, corn on the cob, burger
And will need to rely on soft foods such as jello, mashed potatoes, and yogurt for a few days after an adjustment.
Likewise, if a teen is into sports or any other type of strenuous physical training, it is highly recommended that they wear a mouth guard for maximum safety.
Our orthodontist will discuss this with you before you start the treatment, so you understand just what to do and how to do it.
How Much Do Braces Cost For Teens?
According to the Consumer Guide for Dentistry, the cost of braces can vary from $3,000 to $7,000 on average. The exact cost of the braces treatment depends on many factors, including, the condition of your teeth, the treatment duration, and the type of braces you prefer. The fact that you have a dental plan or not can affect your overall costs as well.
How Long Do I Need To Wear Braces?
The amount of time you will need to wear braces depends on the severeness of your teeth’ condition, though the average time is 1 to 3 years. And, since teenagers have high metabolisms, it can reduce the treatment period and minimize the pain.
Am I Going to Have a Retainer?
Once your braces are removed, a retainer is essential to the success of your smile. The retainer works to prevent your teeth from moving after the braces are taken off. It helps maintain the teeth in the position they are in and is a vital device of your orthodontic treatment. Failing to wear your retainer as prescribed can cause undesired movement and setbacks.
Learn More About braces For Teens in Dallas
To schedule a free consultation and learn if braces are right for you, contact us at (972)931-9998 today! We wish you’ll join the thousands of your acquaintances who become new members of our Infinite Orthodontics family.