One of the key benefits of Braces for teens is improved oral health. Crooked or misaligned teeth can trap food particles and make it difficult to clean, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease. Braces help fix these issues, ensuring better oral health throughout life.

At Kristo Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces and clear Invisalign® aligners. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of each treatment option.

1. Straighter Teeth

A straight smile is a great way to boost a teenager’s self-esteem, but the benefits of orthodontic treatment extend beyond that. Crooked teeth can lead to problems with chewing and speaking, and they can cause abnormal wear on the surface of the tooth and excessive stress on the gum tissue.

Traditional metal braces consist of wires and brackets that stay on the front of a teen’s teeth until they are completely straightened. But there are more subtle options for teens who may be concerned about the appearance of metal braces, including ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of the teeth or clear braces that replace the metal components with a frosted material. Lingual braces, which are fixed to the back of the teeth, are even less noticeable.

Moreover, aligners don’t need to be removed before eating, which means that teens can enjoy their favorite foods without worrying about getting food stuck in the braces or accidentally knocking a bracket off (which is more likely with metal braces). If your teen is interested in exploring these options for a straighter smile, consult with our orthodontist today.

2. Improved Oral Health

The right type of braces can also protect against sports-related injuries to the mouth. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, your teen should wear a mouthguard during any contact sports. These mouthguards prevent broken or cut teeth and can even reduce the likelihood of a concussion.

Many types of braces are available, including the traditional metal ones that most people are familiar with. However, there are also clear ceramic braces that are less noticeable. These work similarly to metal braces, but the brackets are a clear ceramic material that blends in with your teen’s teeth. They’re more expensive than metal braces, but they’re worth the investment if your teen is worried about how visible their braces are.

3. Less Risk of Injury

The teen years are the most common time frame for orthodontic treatment because most of the permanent teeth have grown in by this point, and it’s easier to detect and correct bite issues. This includes problems such as crooked teeth and overcrowding, which can create spaces or overlapping areas where food particles and plaque can accumulate, leading to oral hygiene problems.

Braces also help to correct the bite, ensuring that the upper and lower teeth are properly aligned when your teen opens and closes their mouth. This is important because misaligned teeth can lead to jaw pain, chewing difficulties, and even speech problems like lisping.

InBrace’s second-generation brackets are designed with comfort in mind, and they’re smaller than traditional metal braces, making them less likely to irritate the lips when your teen brushes and flosses. Additionally, if your teen plays sports or engages in other activities that could result in an injury to their mouth, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect against injuries to the lip and cheek area as well as to the wires and archwires of the braces.

4. Increased Self-Confidence

It’s no secret that straighter teeth make for a more attractive smile. But the benefits of orthodontic treatment extend far beyond aesthetics. Straight teeth and a properly aligned jaw improve chewing, speech, breathing, and sleeping, and can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

In addition, crooked teeth and other bite issues can cause discomfort when eating or speaking, which can have a negative impact on self-esteem and social interactions. By addressing these issues early, braces can give teens the confidence they need to make more friends, go after a dream job, or even speak up for themselves in difficult situations.

Although traditional metal braces are the most common, today’s modern orthodontics offer more discreet options. Ceramic brackets are tooth-colored to blend in better, and colorful elastic bands are available for teens to customize their look. Additionally, clear aligners like Invisalign can be used by teens who are mature enough to adhere to their treatment plan and care for their teeth.