Braces for Teens Woodbridge, VA

Convincing Your Child to Get Braces

It can be difficult to convince an image-conscious teen to wear braces. However, parents and caregivers can talk to their teens about the health benefits of a straighter smile. Do not focus on the cosmetic effects, as this may make teens feel more self-conscious and hesitant. Instead, talk about how braces can undo the side effects of malocclusion. This includes undoing side effects such as discomfort when chewing or biting, speech impediments, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD), and more.

Parents and caregivers with children who play sports may be worried about potential oral trauma when their children are out in the field. Fortunately, mouthguards can help. Mouthguards are dental devices worn over the teeth during sports to help ward off oral injury. These are especially important for anyone who plays contact sports, as they protect against cut lips, broken teeth, and other forms of damage to the mouth.

Oral Hygiene with Braces for Teens

Of course, braces require making some lifestyle adjustments. This includes adapting one’s oral hygiene routine as necessary. Since it generally becomes harder to maintain an oral hygiene routine after braces, teens should make sure to limit their intake of sugary and starchy foods and beverages, as these can contribute to plaque formation and tooth decay.

They should also brush carefully after every meal with a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, teens should rinse thoroughly to flush out all particles from their braces. A fluoride rinse is recommended, and teens should floss between braces and under wires. They should also avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods whenever possible.

Types of Braces for Teens

In this day and age, there are more types of braces for teens than ever before. These include:

• Ceramic braces
• Clear aligners
• Lingual braces
• Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces are all made of brackets and wires that gradually guide the teeth into position. However, lingual braces are fixed to the tongue’s side of the teeth, and ceramic braces have tooth-colored ceramic brackets for a more inconspicuous appearance. Traditional metal braces are often the only option for severe orthodontic issues, while ceramic and lingual braces are more suited for mild to moderate cases.

Clear aligners are removable trays custom-designed to fit tightly over the patient’s teeth. The patient must switch out to a new set of aligners every few weeks to realign their teeth into their correct position. Additionally, patients must wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day to see results. These are best for patients with mild to moderate teeth misalignment who have the commitment to keep them on all throughout the day.

What to Ask About Braces for Teens

Generally, the first question on every teen’s mind is, “How long will my treatment take?” Parents and caregivers also concern themselves with questions like “How often will adjustments be? What happens if treatment runs over the estimated time?”

These answers vary on a case-by-case basis. However, according to Healthline, most people complete treatment within one to three years. A general rule of thumb is that the more complicated cases require longer treatment times. Our team will be happy to answer all these questions and more in a one-on-one consultation.