What types of orthodontic treatment are suitable for teens?
Traditional metal braces may well be the most popular option, but when it comes to choosing the right braces for teens, there are several alternatives out there.
Clear aligners can be a suitable option for minor corrections to crooked teeth or misaligned jaws and lingual braces are becoming more popular as they’re largely invisible.
For more complex cases requiring a fixed appliance, ceramic braces are also a great option for teens as they have a more subtle appearance than traditional metal braces, but achieve the same results.
Does your teen need orthodontic treatment?
These are some of the common symptoms to look out for when considering orthodontic treatment for your teen. Remember, not all symptoms are visible, so it’s worth coming in for a consultation to be sure.
They have crooked teeth
This is the easiest symptom to spot and the clearest indicator that your teen would benefit from orthodontic treatment. If your child’s teeth are overlapping, crooked or growing at peculiar angles, then it’s highly likely they’ll need orthodontic treatment once their adult teeth have come through.
They have an overbite or an underbite
Overbites and underbites are often a little trickier to spot, but are also a sign that your child might develop pain or other issues as they grow up. It’s a good idea to get their misaligned jaw treated while they are young, even if their teeth are straight.
They have a speech impediment
Crooked teeth, an underbite, or a misaligned jaw can lead to difficulty speaking, such as causing a lisp. An orthodontic consultation can help determine whether your child’s speech impediment can be corrected by orthodontic treatment.
They snore or have sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea and snoring can both be caused by a small or misaligned jaw. Orthodontic treatment is often used to successfully treat many cases of sleep apnoea.
They’ve lost teeth prematurely
Losing teeth at a young age, particularly as the result of an accident or poor hygiene, can cause the remaining teeth to shift into the vacant gap, leading to issues later on. A space maintainer, or other orthodontic treatment, may be required to help hold the gap to avoid more extensive orthodontic treatment down the track.
My teen doesn’t want metal braces – what are the alternatives?
These are the four most popular alternatives to metal braces:
