If your teen needs orthodontic treatment, let us help you find the right plan for you.
Teens have a busy schedule and adding braces to the mix can be tricky. But not anymore, with a variety of options, braces can fit into your lifestyle.
You’ve just heard the three words that every teen dreads: “You need braces.”
Braces?! What now?
Not to fear – today’s braces are nothing like those of the past. Today, you can choose from a host of treatment options so you can find the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
How long will I have to wear braces?
Treatment length depends on several factors, including:
- Did you receive early treatment? — Early treatment allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment, and in some cases, it may be recommended that a patient wait until they are older to receive treatment. But for patients where early treatment is indicated, future treatment can be much more effective and efficient.
- What are we correcting? — The severity of your malocclusion will partially determine how long your treatment will take. More severe malocclusions often take longer because there is more work to be done.
- How well will your body respond to treatment? – Different people respond to treatment in different ways. While your friend may have finished treatment in 12 months, it may take you 24 months. Treatment time can vary depending on how your body responds.
- Are you committed to your treatment plan! — Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist gives you, and use them as directed, plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!
Braces your way!
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types, and styles, to choose from. Some common options include:
- Clear or Ceramic braces
- Invisible braces such as Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen™
- Traditional metal braces
What can I eat while wearing braces?
If you’ve had friends who already have orthodontic treatment, you’ve no doubt heard the list of foods you’ll have to avoid once you start treatment. If you opt for traditional bracket and wire braces, there will be some foods you’ll need to stay away from during your treatment. That’s because anything too hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy can damage your wires or pull your brackets loose. If you opt for clear aligner treatment, you’ll remove your aligners before eating so no changes to your diet are needed.
Foods to avoid while wearing braces:
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods you CAN eat while wearing braces:
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Bread — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Orthodontic treatment is a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.
