Clear braces for teens have paved the way for discreet and enhanced orthodontic treatments for those that need it most. These ceramic appliances provide durability, comfort, and invisibility, which are often the three factors that lure in young patients. Clear braces today have allowed for less bulky, more efficient materials, enhancing comfort and design without sacrificing effectiveness.
At All Star Orthodontics, we offer clear braces for teens experiencing misalignment issues who want a discreet treatment. Our team can help customize a treatment plan that addresses their concerns and fits their needs. To learn more about clear braces or schedule an appointment, call 360-799-3466 today.
Clear braces refer to ceramic braces that are less visible than metal braces. Clear braces consist of tooth-colored brackets, archwire, ligature elastic, or rubber bands. They work by applying gradual pressure and force to each individual tooth using brackets to keep teeth in place and archwire to guide them in position.
We will attach brackets to the teeth using a special dental glue that bonds the ceramic material to the teeth, keeping them in place. We connect the brackets together with the archwire, increasing pressure and force exerted on the teeth and guiding them into position. Elastic bands tie the archwire to the brackets and apply even more pressure when needed. During each visit, we will change the elastics and tighten the archwire during each visit.
The foremost advantages of clear braces are durability, functionality, and accuracy, with an added benefit of being the only teeth-straightening appliance that can treat a variety of dental conditions. A 2019 research study found that braces are more effective in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling teeth torque, and retention. This allows for the treatment of even the most complicated orthodontic cases.
Clear braces also hold a variety of other advantages including:
During the first appointment, we conduct a consultation in which we discuss the patient’s medical and dental history, current health status, concerns or complaints, and anticipated results. We will then take X-rays of their mouth and run a physical exam to account for any external conditions that may affect treatment. On the next appointment, we apply and bond the braces to the teeth, attach the archwire, and connect them with elastics chosen by the patient. This appointment can take up to two hours.
Some patients may need oral surgery or tooth extractions prior to orthodontic treatment if there is not enough space in the mouth for the moving teeth. This can usually be seen through X-ray images or a physical examination. When this occurs, we will discuss possible treatment options and create an individualized treatment plan that addresses immediate concerns, prerequisite treatments, and the final clear braces treatment.
Adequate oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing, become more essential during orthodontic treatment. This is because teeth and gums slightly weaken due to constant pressure and force on them. We recommend brushing in and around the teeth and gums after each meal, as excess food debris can get caught more easily. A special floss is used to get in between the braces and should be used at least once daily.
It is important for patients to properly care for their general health and nutrition, as well. A diet that is high in sugars and acids can deteriorate and decay the teeth, especially during orthodontic treatment. We also advise against hard and sticky foods that can damage the appliances, such as popcorn, hard candy, and gum. Patients should follow all treatment protocols and come to each appointment for proper adjustments and cleanings.
Clear braces for teens are available at our office. The All Star Orthodontics team looks forward to treating you and fast-tracking your goal to a straighter, healthier smile. Call our office at 360-799-3466 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Check out what others are saying about our Clear Braces For Teens services on Google: Clear Braces For Teens in Camas
How often are follow-up appointments?
Follow-up appointments are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the phase of treatment and the severity of the patient’s condition. During follow-up appointments, we ensure the braces fit well, tighten them as needed, and change the color. Follow-up appointments should take roughly 20 minutes unless major adjustments need to be made.
Do clear braces hurt?
Braces exert constant pressure and force 24 hours a day, naturally causing discomfort but should not ensue pain. Discomfort and soreness should dissipate within the first week. Patients experiencing intolerable pain should contact us immediately to schedule a check-up in order to ensure the braces are fitting properly.
What food restrictions are there with braces treatment?
While braces can withstand tremendous pressure and constant wear-and-tear, they can become damaged from sticky, hard, and chewy foods. Recommended foods to avoid are popcorn, gum, nuts, hard taco shells, sticky and hard candy or chocolate, gum, ice, corn chips, pretzels, and hard cookies or crackers. We also advise against acidic foods and beverages as they can deteriorate the teeth.
Can braces fix misaligned jaws and improper bites?
Braces help create symmetry when straightening out the teeth as they become more spaced out, allowing the jaw to move and bite to align over correctly. All anticipated tooth movement and alignment are calculated to attain the best possible results. This allows us to treat many issues and help the teeth, jaw, and bite move simultaneously.
What is the average age for teens with braces?
Braces for teens generally applies to patients between the ages of 13 and 19 or those with all permanent teeth who have not yet developed wisdom teeth. We can still treat patients with growing primary teeth or those with wisdom teeth. However, these patients may require a tooth extraction prior to treatment to ensure there is adequate space for the moving teeth.
How soon will I see results?
Teeth shift slightly throughout the day, making a little difference each day. Patients typically start seeing results after 4 to 6 weeks, while major differences usually begin after a few months. Changes in the mouth and smile are constant throughout the duration of treatment but can be most understood during routine check-ups as we will explain and show the patient their progress.
All Star Orthodontics is located at
2115 SE 192nd Ave Suite 102
Camas, WA
98607