There are now more options than ever for teenagers (and anyone else) to reliably and quickly straighten their teeth. Whether you simply want the best results or strongly desire a more discreet treatment, there is an option for you.
Here, we discuss the various types of braces for teens, highlighting the differences between each and when one may be a better option than another. Patients should definitely speak with Dr. Mooney so he can help you to make the most informed treatment decision. The most popular types of braces for teens are metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners.
Metal braces, also called traditional braces, are trusted options that have been around for decades. They are what most people think about when they hear the term, “braces treatment.” They involve the use of metal brackets and wires.
The metal brackets attach to each tooth. A metal wire is then put through the brackets to begin moving the teeth. Over time, the brackets and wires shift teeth into optimal positions. As teeth shift, they are adjusted by Dr. Mooney on follow-up visits until the patient achieves an ideal alignment. Metal braces are ideal for all teens with any kind of tooth misalignment from mild to severe.
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces in that they use brackets and wires in the same way. However, the difference is that the brackets are a tooth-colored ceramic color. This helps them blend in with the natural shade of the teeth, making them a more subtle option. Getting ceramic braces is a good solution for teens who may otherwise feel insecure or self-conscious about how their smile would look with metal braces.
Clear aligners are an alternative to braces. For those who are eligible for clear aligners, they are a great choice. These transparent plastic trays are worn like a retainer over the teeth, and they slowly pull and push the teeth into the optimal alignment. However, they are not as well-suited to treating severe misalignments as traditional braces.
Here at our Mooney Orthodontics, we specialize in braces for patients of all ages. If your teen (or you!) are in need of a straighter smile and improved oral health through teeth alignment treatment, then please do contact us today to schedule a consultation visit. We'll show you what we can do to give you the best smile you can get!
Request an appointment here: https://www.showmesmiles.com or call Mooney Orthodontics at (636) 875-1727 for an appointment in our O'Fallon office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Braces for Teens in O'Fallon, MO.
Ceramic braces can be a great alternative to traditional metal brackets. Clear ceramic braces are a popular choice for adults and older teens who want something less obvious than traditional braces but who still want the benefits of a fixed system. Knowing the benefits of this bracket system will allow you to determine if it…
Invisalign® is a modern teeth-straightening option that serves as an alternative to metal braces. Invisalign eliminates the need for brackets and wires; instead, it uses a series of clear plastic aligners to realign the teeth. Although lots of individuals are aware of the aesthetic advantages of Invisalign, like a straighter smile, there are also health…
It is common for children to face challenges with their oral health, and one of the professionals who can help is a kids orthodontist. While an orthodontist does not focus on cleaning the teeth and filling cavities, they do work on a holistic level to set up the child for oral health success both now…
Many people have questions about Invisalign® for teens. This post hopefully will help parents like you to know what their teenagers will experience during the treatment. First of all, it can be a comfortable, discreet way to straighten teeth so it is important to know a little bit about it before starting. If you want…