If your child is due to have orthodontic treatment, clear braces for teens are one of the most popular options out there. Offering a discreet look, excellent results and the ultimate convenience, it’s easy to see why. But there are various types of clear braces for teens, so taking the time to understand what they are and how they work is key.
What kinds of clear braces for teens are there?
Clear ceramic blocks
If your teen needs particularly extreme orthodontic treatment, it might be that they require traditional wire braces. The good news is, you can get clear ceramic blocks that attach to the wire, making them virtually invisible. This is the case with clear fixed appliance braces, which are perfect for more complex orthodontic issues.
Lingual Braces
Another popular form of clear braces for teens is Incognito braces, or lingual braces. Rather than being attached to the front of the tooth, these ‘train track’ braces sit behind the teeth, so they can barely be seen.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen clear aligners are an extremely popular style of clear braces for teens, and are perfect for teenagers who have more minor orthodontic issues.
What is Invisalign Teen and how does it work?
Invisalign Teen works in the same way as its parent system, Invisalign. Clear, plastic aligners fit over the teeth like a mouth guard to gently move the teeth into the desired position.
Invisalign Teen is a very popular option for solving various orthodontic issues in teens. Rather than using traditional train tracks and wires, Invisalign Teen clear aligners are made of smooth SmartTrack plastic that’s virtually invisible. This means your child will be less self-conscious, and will be free to take as many selfies as they desire!
With specialist computer software, you’ll be able to see your teen’s projected treatment journey, from the first tiniest tooth movement to their brand-new smile. This highly intelligent software helps ensure every tooth moves in the right way at the right time.
What are the benefits of Invisalign Teen?
All kinds of orthodontic treatment require some level of commitment. Whether your teen is attending appointments, having their braces fixed or getting them repaired, you’ll be on first name terms with your orthodontist in no time.
However, Invisalign Teen is one of the simpler tooth straightening options on the market. There are no wires to get broken, visits to the orthodontist are fewer and shorter, and it’s more convenient than other orthodontic treatments as you can take the aligners out to eat. Furthermore, there are no additional appointments due to breakages and Invisalign Teen includes free replacement aligners in case the original ones are lost. They can also be used for younger teens whose ‘big’ teeth haven’t fully erupted yet. What’s not to love?
Though Invisalign Teen braces are one of the most popular clear aligners for teenagers, there are also others on the market. Before you commit to a program of treatment, ask to see past results and ask the orthodontist to explain the pros and cons of each. Interestingly, older teenagers can even use adult retainers in the Invisalign range, like the i7 or Lite. The best course of action for your teen’s teeth will be individual, so will be determined by your orthodontist after an examination.
To discuss teen braces with the team here at Dulwich Orthodontics, please call 020 8265 9797 and we will be happy to help.