What To Expect With Braces For Teens
There is a chance that some teens will feel nervous about getting braces. Even though teenagers are usually more at ease during orthodontic appointments than younger children are, the changes in appearance and temporary changes in lifestyle that come with braces can make some patients feel a bit nervous.
Because of this, we’ve found that the people who come to us with questions are the ones who get the most out of knowing what to expect from braces for teens. Dr. Hodnett and his staff at Hodnett Orthodontics are dedicated to helping both parents and teens get the most out of their orthodontic treatment and encourage our patients to be as involved as possible throughout the process.
Getting Started
As a parent of a teen, you may be nervous about the idea of your child getting braces. But there’s no reason to worry! Here is what to expect when getting started with braces treatment.
First, your child will need to meet with Dr. Hodnett for an initial consultation. During this appointment, he will look at your child’s teeth and bite to decide if braces are the best treatment. If so, he will explain the different types of braces for teens in Charlotte, NC, and help your child choose the right treatment option.
Next, you and your teen will have the option to start braces treatment that same day. Usually, this takes about an hour. Once the braces are in place, your child will need to see Dr. Hodnett regularly to have the braces adjusted. Most of the time, these appointments are set up every four to six weeks.
Lastly, when the braces come off, your child will need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in the new position. You can be sure that your child will have a beautiful smile in no time if you are patient and work hard.
Types Of Braces For Teens In Charlotte, NC
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces (the type that most people are familiar with). Steel brackets and wires are used to correct spacing, overcrowding, underbite, and overbite.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are an alternative to metal braces. They’re designed to blend in with your natural tooth color, so they’re nearly invisible.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces hold the wire with a clip instead of elastic bands. The clip secures the wire while allowing it to slide. This design makes self-ligating braces more comfortable and more efficient. Our self-ligating braces include:
- SmartClip™ – Rubber bands are no longer needed when you have SmartClip™ Self-Ligating Braces. Instead, the job is done by a clever clip system. The SmartClip will fit well and will be easier to clean. That is a significant change for the better in how your smile looks.
- Clarity SL™ – Clarity SL™ Self-Ligating Braces have all the benefits of self-ligating braces (like SmartClip), plus they are made of clear ceramic. For patients looking for a more discreet treatment option, these brackets are an excellent choice.
Caring For Your Braces
Taking proper care of your braces is essential to ensure that they work well and don’t damage your teeth. The first thing you need to do is brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss carefully every day, using a floss threader if needed.
Additionally, you should avoid eating hard or sticky foods and chewing on objects like pencils or ice. Lastly, make sure to keep going to your regular dentist for your regular dental cleanings. They’re more important than ever before to make sure that no food or plague gets stuck in your teeth. This ensures you’re not developing tooth decay during your orthodontic treatment.
