Clear braces for teens and traditional braces are two popular options for teenagers who need teeth straightening treatments. Braces are the first effective procedure for straightening teeth and have been used since the 1800s.
Virtually everyone on the planet grew up with someone who wore braces, and that is a testament to how effective these devices are at straightening teeth and addressing bite issues. However, there have been some significant improvements in dental technology in the past few decades, including clear braces and clear aligners.
Clear braces for teens and metal braces work using the same components, but the materials used to make them are different. Both types of braces can be used to fix a wide range of teeth alignment issues like:
Let us take a closer look at how metal and clear braces work to paint a clearer picture of their differences:
Traditional metal braces are orthodontic devices that push teeth into a better alignment by exerting force on them. They come with metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands that hold them together. A bracket is glued to each of the patient’s teeth, while wires are used to connect the brackets. The tighter these wires are, the more force they exert on the patient’s teeth.
Traditional metal braces are very conspicuous, which often leads to teens looking at other alternatives since children that age are highly conscious about their appearance. However, modern metal braces are smaller than their predecessors, and they can be customized with colors, logos, and symbols to suit a teenager’s style.
Metal braces are typically cheaper than clear braces and also more durable. Their main drawback is how visible they are.
Clear braces work similarly to how metal braces work but replace the metal components with more aesthetic ones. Instead of metal brackets, tooth-colored or clear brackets are used, while the wires are frosted to match the color of the patient’s teeth. Clear braces are less visible than metal braces thanks to this, making them the more popular option with teenagers looking for something less noticeable.
However, clear braces are more fragile than metal braces, so they are more likely to need repairs or replacements. They are typically more expensive than metal braces, and treatment times take longer since they do not exert as much force as metal braces apply on teeth.
Teenagers who opt for clear braces also have to make more alterations to their diet since they are more likely to be damaged during meals. People who wear any type of braces should avoid hard, crunchy foods and foods they have to bite into like corn on the cob. Ceramic braces are also more prone to staining than metal braces, so people who wear them should also avoid dark-colored foods and beverages.
Our pediatric dentist can help you to choose what type of braces work best for your teenager after examining their teeth for alignment issues and going over their preferences. Call or visit our Los Angeles clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: http://nelaortho.com or call NELA Orthodontics at (323) 203-0721 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Braces in Los Angeles, CA.
Orthodontics aims to improve the alignment of your teeth. Doing so improves the way that your smile looks and makes it easier to keep your teeth clean, protecting you against tooth decay and gum disease.Clear aligners provide a discreet way to straighten teeth. They allow patients to avoid having to deal with metal wires and…
If you already have a relationship established with a dentist, you may be understandably hesitant to seek out a specialist. However, a braces specialist offers several benefits to patients who need braces that you may want to consider.An orthodontist is a braces specialist because of additional training and education. Orthodontists specialize in using dental devices…
There are several myths and misconceptions about orthodontics. This is the process of correcting teeth alignment issues using appliances like clear alignments and metal braces. Treatment with orthodontics sometimes also leads to improvements in a person’s facial structure and appearance.Misaligned teeth can ruin how a smile looks and can also increase the risk of issues…
Oral hygiene is vital when you are straightening your teeth with orthodontics. Oral appliances used to straighten teeth like braces and clear aligners can get in the way of oral hygiene. These appliances, braces in particular, can also increase your risk of oral issues like tooth decay.The oral appliances used to straighten teeth can increase…