With so many orthodontic options to choose from, conventional braces may not look as appealing to teens as they once did. Dr. Chad Carver, DMD, at Stellar Family Orthodontics in Mukilteo and Mill Creek, understands why teens are turning away from braces. Clear aligners are a discreet, attractive, and removable alternative to traditional wires and brackets.
But are clear aligners really the right choice for your teen? While clear aligners are beneficial for many teens and most adults, there are some instances where conventional braces are more effective.
Here are 4 reasons why braces are the right orthodontic treatment for your teen:
Braces are fixed.
How many times has your teen left their coat at school or forgotten to grab their lunch in the morning? Too many times to count, right? Clear aligners like Invisalign® Teen are effective at straightening crooked teeth and correcting bite problems, but they’re also expensive. If your teen misplaces their clear aligners, you may need to purchase another set.
Braces are fixed to your teen’s teeth, so they can’t be lost or misplaced. This means there will never be any gaps in your teen’s treatment.
Braces require less discipline.
One of the most common complaints of clear aligners is that you have to wear them for 22 hours a day and remove them to eat and drink. While these requirements may seem like a no-brainer for adults, teens may struggle to follow their protocol as closely as they should.
This is particularly true if your child has a lot of after-school activities, such as sports. They need to make sure they’re storing their aligners properly when they’re removed, and they need to remember to put them back in.
Braces eliminate the need for self-discipline. Your teen doesn’t have to remember to remove their braces before eating or drinking because the treatment is already bonded to their teeth.
There are many different types of braces.
Conventional metal braces are not your teen’s only option for straightening their teeth, but they are extremely effective. Traditional braces come in different colors for teens and children alike. Your teen can come into Stellar Family Orthodontics to change their brackets multiple times throughout their treatment.
Ceramic braces are another option for teens who feel uncomfortable with colored brackets. Made with tooth-colored ceramic materials, ceramic braces blend in more closely with the color of your teen’s teeth than metal braces.
Braces treat more complex cases.
Many adults who choose Invisalign or another clear aligners system have already had orthodontic treatment in the past. Others turn to clear aligners to treat minor issues, such as crooked teeth or a mild overbite. Braces, meanwhile, can treat more complex cases. For teens with crowded teeth, a severe underbite, or a crossbite, braces are more effective than Invisalign.
If your teen is trying to choose between Invisalign or conventional braces, talk to Dr. Carver about which treatment is right for your child.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carver and the team, call Stellar Family Orthodontics or request a free consultation online now!