Teen Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics play a major role in improving the appearance of your smile. Crooked teeth can lead to a lot of embarrassment, especially if you’re a teenager. If your friends and classmates are always mocking you for your crooked teeth, it can be quite disturbing. Also, it is best if malocclusion is treated at a younger age as the teeth can be moved much easier and the patient responds better to treatment. 

Worried about getting braces?

It is understandable for teens to think twice about getting braces. They have a displeasing appearance, composed of metal components and could potentially injure the inner soft tissues of the mouth. However, you needn’t worry anymore as the advancements in technology have brought out better and aesthetically pleasing alternatives to metal braces.

Clear braces are made from ceramic brackets that are tooth-colored. They would perfectly mimic the color of the teeth and would be less noticeable when you talk or smile. Another alternative to braces is clear aligners, or Invisalign. Invisalign is made from transparent, dental grade plastic that is biocompatible. The aligners will be designed to perfectly fit the teeth and gently apply pressure to move them in the desired direction. No one would know that you have aligners on unless they take a closer look.

Early treatment is always better

Dentists always suggest their patients get orthodontic treatment as early as possible. This allows us to monitor the growth of your teeth and jaws, and suggest the best treatment plan to cater to your specific needs. Also, when given treatment at a younger age, patients usually respond better to it and the teeth can be moved to their right positions much easier.

What to expect during the treatment?

When you have braces on, you would have to stick to a particular diet and maintaining optimum oral hygiene. It is highly essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day to avoid the accumulation of food particles and other debris around the brackets and in between the teeth. Care should be taken not to damage the brackets or metal wires while doing so. Also, you should avoid eating foods that may get stuck in between the teeth or braces. Once the treatment period is completed, you may have to wear retainers to help the teeth stay in their new positions and not drift back.

If you choose Invisalign, you wouldn’t need to worry much about oral hygiene or the diet you follow. The aligners can easily be removed and put back on whenever you have to eat, drink or brush your teeth. The treatment period may last between a few years to a little over a year depending on the severity of malocclusion.

Call us at (650) 620-9535 to schedule an appointment and get your malocclusion treated at the earliest.