Braces Are Back in Style!
Has your teen told you? Braces for teens are back in style! In the past, teens would avoid braces at all costs, but today, thousands of teens are turning to braces to improve their orthodontal health while doubling as a trendy fashion statement.
At Castilla Orthodontics of Salem, OR, we specialize in all the latest teen braces treatments, allowing us to correct bites, realign teeth, and create a healthy mouth for the rest of your teen’s orthodontic development. Children and teens still in development can stand to benefit significantly from correcting alignment problems that, if not treated now, will become more troublesome down the line.
What Should I Expect When My Teen Begins Orthodontic Treatment?
During your initial appointment, your teen will come into our laidback and energetic office. We’ll get to know you and your child and from there, get an assessment of their smile. If they need braces, Dr. Castilla will draw up a plan for your child and we can begin the treatment that day. Your teen can leave our office on a path toward their perfect smile.
Your teen will experience a slight adjustment period as they get used to flossing, brushing, and caring for their teeth alongside the new braces. After a few weeks with the braces, most teens barely notice the appliance is there. Your teen will want to spend extra time caring for their teeth, as plaque, tartar, and food debris can build up more quickly with braces.
Young patients can still enjoy the activities and sports they love with braces for teens. Ask us about mouthguards that fit easily over braces. This will allow your teen to keep their teeth safe while they’re scoring the winning goal. Mouthguards will protect their braces while keeping their gums and lips protected from the brackets and wires.
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 6 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. Braces for teens do not significantly impact their diet, but they will have to adhere to a few restrictions.
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 brace types and customization options. This approach allows your teen to dictate some direction and style regarding their appearance, making the process more personal.
Traditional 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 slender and effective. Customize your metal braces with different colors, patterns, and even elastics.
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 traditional 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 having brackets in their mouths. Clear braces use the same mechanisms to straighten teeth as traditional braces do, meaning each bracket will attach to each tooth to guide it into place.
