When considering orthodontic treatment, most people think of traditional metal braces and incorrectly assume that this type of treatment is mostly for younger kids. However, braces are excellent for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues that can be corrected at any age.
Many patients prefer to wait until their teenage years to start treatment since their jaws and mouth are more developed. By this time, the majority of, if not all, baby teeth have been lost and the adult teeth have completely grown in. The teenage years are also when many begin to become more conscious of their appearance, so achieving the perfect smile is a major confidence boost.
At Lanzetta Orthodontics, we provide braces for teens in Taylor, MI. Our orthodontists will work with your teen to give them a beautiful, symmetrical smile bound to give them the added confidence to conquer their teenage years.
Our Treatment Process
Before your teen gets their braces, they’ll go through a free consult with one of our orthodontists. The orthodontist will examine your teen’s smile and overall oral health during the visit to determine any issues that need correcting, treatment length, etc.
Once our team determines the direction of treatment, one of our orthodontists will go over the different types of braces with you and your teen to find the best option that fits their lifestyle. We also offer same-day starts for braces, so once a treatment plan is determined, your teen can begin their journey to the perfect smile that same day!
How Do Braces Fit Into My Teen’s Lifestyle?
If you are the type of teen that enjoys a healthy and active lifestyle, the good news is that wearing braces won’t have a significant impact on your day-to-day routine. With that being said, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid experiencing any trouble or delays in your treatment and help keep your teeth and braces healthy:
- Wearing a mouthguard when taking part in any rough or contact sports activities is important to prevent any potential injuries.
- You may need to do a bit of extra brushing and flossing after you eat to prevent plaque buildup around your brackets.
- You will want to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that may break the wire or brackets in your braces.
When you decide to get braces as a teen, it’s important to remember that you have options when it comes to types of braces. Choosing the right type of braces for you is key so that you are able to not only enjoy your new, perfect smile, but we want the entire treatment process to be comfortable and enjoyable. At Lanzetta Orthodontics, we offer two main types of braces:
- Metal Braces – Metal braces are a tried and true method for orthodontic treatment. Thanks to advances in technology over the years, metal braces are no longer the bulky appliances that your parents may have worn. Instead, the brackets now feature a more sleek and comfortable design that gradually shifts your teeth into place with greater efficiency.
- Ceramic Braces – These braces work the same way as traditional braces. However, the brackets are made from tooth-colored ceramic, giving them a more subtle appearance. Some teens appreciate the more discreet appearance of these braces, as they tend to blend in with your smile, especially in photos.
Benefits Of Braces
Braces are highly effective orthodontic appliances that can improve your teen’s oral health and help them feel more confident about their smile. They can correct many oral health issues such as overcrowded teeth, misaligned bites, and crooked teeth within 1-2 years of treatment. Thanks to the latest advancements in orthodontic technology, today’s braces are also designed to be more comfortable and efficient than ever.
Caring For Your Braces
Despite some misconceptions you may have heard about braces, caring for your appliances is not a difficult task. Your teen can best care for their braces by protecting them from damage while practicing excellent oral hygiene. These hygiene practices mostly involve keeping the braces free of food particles. Any particles left behind after brushing that stay trapped between the braces and teeth can build up and possibly lead to serious oral health issues.
The key to maintaining good oral health during treatment is to brush and floss regularly, focusing on the areas between each bracket and the wires. It’s best to use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride-containing toothpaste when brushing.
Most importantly, you should ensure your teen honors all appointments with our office. Regular check-ups help us monitor your teen’s progress while making periodic adjustments to the wire.
