These days, teenagers have many orthodontic treatments, to fix their misaligned teeth and improper bite. Depending on their particular needs, there is always a suited treatment to their requirements. Undeniably, braces have come a long way, offering more options than ever before. So, if you are considering an orthodontic treatment for your teenager, you will not end up empty handed. On the contrary, because of the plethora of options available, it’s always advised to make sure you compare the choices before you commit to a source of treatment, so that you can find out exactly what to expect.

In detail, your teenager has the following options for braces:

  1. Traditional Metal Braces

No, these have nothing to do with the metal mouth you may be used to. Dentistry has evolved substantially over the last few decades, offering more discreet braces. These braces are made of minuscule, stainless steel brackets that are glued to the surface of every tooth, holding strong and thin wires that sit in bracket slots. Everything is held in place with the use of elastic bands.

Traditional braces apply gentle force on the teeth, causing them to move. They are often the most cost-effective option because the metal brackets are industry-standard.

  1. Ceramic Braces (Clear)

If you don’t like the use of metal, the next best thing is ceramic braces that use tooth-coloured or clear ceramic brackets (e.g. Damon Braces), which makes them more discreet than traditional braces. Most of them are self-ligating, meaning they have a channel that holds everything in place, but you may also find brackets that still use elastic ties for that purpose.

Note: Before opting for ceramic braces, you first need to know whether your teen is a good candidate because these braces don’t correct all kinds of orthodontic issues.

  1. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are braces implanted at the back of your teeth, not their visible side. It is not a treatment that every orthodontist can offer as it requires special training and a high level of expertise. So, before you choose this treatment, it is best to search for truly qualified professionals, as it is them who will be able to treat all orthodontic issues with lingual braces. As it is a treatment that demands high technology, it can be more expensive than the others, but you do get utmost discretion. This is why most celebrities and A-lists prefer this particular option to straighten their teeth.

  1. Invisalign/Smilelign/Clear Aligners

These braces are invisible, removable clear plastic trays, specially created using a mold of your teeth, and are changed as the teeth move. It is the perfect option for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and brings excellent results if used as prescribed.

Personalisation Options

Braces among teenagers tend to become fashion statements, considering an entire industry that has moved forward making brackets in all different kinds of shapes (e.g. stars, hearts, and flowers) and colours (from golden to bright sapphire). The same applies to the rubber bands that hold the wires to the brackets and are changed at every appointment, giving your teen the chance to wear something different, something completely personal, whenever he/she feels like it!

To know whether your teenager is a fitted candidate for the orthodontic treatment you have chosen, please don’t hesitate to contact our Straight Teeth Suite clinic in Nottingham to book a consultation, completely free of any charges and obligations.

Give your children the smile they deserve and watch them grow up with confidence!

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