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When it comes to straightening your teen’s smile, you may not realize there’s more than one option past traditional metal braces. The chunky, attention-grabbing metal brackets and wires you remember from middle school are a relic compared to the choices on today’s market, available at an orthodontist near you. Consider talking to your teen’s orthodontist about the following options.
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Lingual Braces
If your child can handle the care necessary to keep them clean, lingual braces are a good option for a teenager who wants no sign of their braces evident. These braces go on the back of the teeth, inside the mouth, so they can’t be seen from the front. Naturally, though, this means they’re a bit trickier to care for; it also means they require a few more visits to an orthodontist at a place like Dr. Basil’s Clinic, as they need more adjustments than metal braces. Lingual braces are by far the most expensive option, but they’re also the most aesthetically pleasing choice that can be applied in nearly any scenario.
Invisalign
Growing in popularity, invisible aligners offer a comfortable, unobtrusive experience. They’re quite a bit different than braces: instead of permanent attachments, your teen will receive a new, clear aligner every two weeks, adjusted slightly so as to slowly move their teeth toward a perfect smile. This is based on a cast taken of the teeth at the beginning, which an orthodontist will use to create a plan to shift the teeth over a period anywhere from several months to three years. There are some times Invisalign won’t be effective, especially in cases of extreme misalignment.
Ceramic Braces
The closest to typical metal braces, ceramic braces feature the same wire, the brackets are made of clear ceramic, making them blend much more readily with your teen’s teeth. They can stain if not cared for appropriately, so your child should be aware of the increased responsibility. The price of increased incongruity is a bit higher than typical metal braces, but lower than lingual braces.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most obvious of them all, but newer braces are smaller and sleeker than those of yore. They’ll do the job and are the most economical, though some shyer teens might be opposed to the flashiness.Braces are a big commitment often made for years at a time. The expense isn’t one to take lightly either, so talk to your teen and an orthodontist about what’s best for their individual case.