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Braces Are Back In Style!
Has your teen told you? Braces for teens are back in style! While braces used to be something teens avoided, they are now a popular choice for improving orthodontic health while doubling as a trendy fashion statement.
At Castilla Orthodontics, we specialize in all the latest braces treatments for teens, allowing us to correct bites, realign teeth, and create a healthy mouth for the rest of your teen’s orthodontic development. Teens with developing smiles can greatly benefit from correcting alignment problems that, if not treated now, will become more troublesome in the future.
What Should I Expect When My Teen Begins Orthodontic Treatment?
During the initial appointment, your teen will visit our laid-back and energetic office. We’ll get to know both of you, and then assess your teen’s smile. If braces are recommended, Dr. Castilla will create a personalized treatment plan, and in many cases, treatment can begin the same day. Your teen can leave our office on the path to a perfect smile.
Your teen will go through an adjustment period as they get used to brushing, flossing, and caring for their teeth with braces. After a few weeks, most teens hardly notice the braces at all. To maintain a healthy smile, they’ll need to be extra careful about brushing and flossing to prevent plaque, tartar, and food debris from building up.
Teens can continue to enjoy their favorite activities and sports with braces. We can provide mouthguards that fit comfortably over braces, keeping teeth, gums, and lips protected during sports.
How Long Will My Teen Wear Braces?
Dr. Castilla crafts each teen’s treatment based on their individual needs. The average treatment time is about 18 months, but it can range from about six months to 36 months at the longest. Dr. Castilla will assess your teen’s situation and give you a detailed report about how long they will likely need to wear braces. The more closely your teen adheres to Dr. Castilla’s treatment recommendations, the more quickly they can complete the process.
How to Protect Braces
The most significant issue braces-wearers run into regarding protection involves food and drinks. For the best results, Dr. Castilla recommends your teen avoid certain foods, like gum, caramel, and taffy. While braces do not significantly impact your teen’s diet, there are a few restrictions they’ll need to follow.
Some other foods and habits to avoid include:
- Crunchy Foods — Carrots, apples, crackers
- Hard Foods — Corn on the cob, peanut M&M’s, taco shells
- Chewy Foods — Gum, licorice
- Negative Chewing Habits — Chewing on objects or fingernails
Treatment Options — Types of Braces for Teens
One of the most significant advantages of braces for teens is the versatility in design. When you come in for an initial consultation, Dr. Castilla will offer a range of braces types and customization options. This allows your teen select some design features, adding a personal touch to their braces experience.
Metal Braces
Made from surgical-grade stainless steel, these braces for teens come to mind when you think of braces in the first place. Because orthodontics is a constantly advancing field, metal braces have come a long way and are much more comfortable and effective. Customize your metal braces with different colors and color combinations.
Gold Braces
Lightweight and stylish, these braces for teens work wonders for those who want a flashy look. Gold braces have slimmer brackets and wires than metal braces, giving them a sleek appearance without sacrificing efficiency.
Clear Braces
While braces are in style, clear braces for teens work wonders for those with reservations about a more visible treatment option. Clear braces use the same technique to straighten teeth as metal braces do, meaning each bracket will attach to each tooth to guide it into place.
Color Braces
Show off your braces in style with the customized color bands you choose! Patients can customize their brackets, choosing different colored rubber bands for a fun touch that fits their personality, favorite team, or holiday! For some color braces ideas, check out our Color My Braces page!
