Braces are making a come back!
At Ovation Orthodontics, we’re noticing something exciting: braces are making a major comeback! Today’s teens aren’t just accepting braces—they’re embracing them as a way to express their personality while creating their perfect smile.
From vibrant color combinations to sleek metal designs, modern braces offer teens the opportunity to showcase their style while achieving amazing results. Our experienced team specializes in teen orthodontic care, providing treatments that align perfectly with this important developmental stage. Plus, addressing orthodontic needs during the teenage years often leads to quicker, more effective results that set the foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles.
What to Expect When Your Teen Starts Orthodontic Treatment
At your teen’s first appointment, they’ll visit our welcoming office where we’ll get to know them and thoroughly assess their smile. If braces are recommended, we will develop a custom treatment plan, and treatment may even start that day! Your teen will leave our office on their way to a beautiful, healthy smile.
There’s always an adjustment period when your teen first gets braces, but after a few weeks, most teens barely notice them. Keeping up with proper brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain foods will help maintain a clean, healthy smile throughout treatment. We also provide mouthguards to protect their braces during sports and activities.
How Long Will My Teen Wear Braces?
The average treatment time for teens wearing braces is about 18 months, though this can vary from 6 to 36 months, depending on your teen’s specific needs. The more your teen follows the treatment guidelines, the sooner they’ll be done with braces!
Protecting Braces: What Foods to Avoid
Braces require a little extra care when it comes to food choices. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods like gum, caramel, or crunchy snacks can damage the braces. Here are some foods to avoid:
• Crunchy Foods – Carrots, apples, chips
• Hard Foods – Corn on the cob, hard candies
• Chewy Foods – Gum, taffy, licorice
• Negative Chewing Habits – Chewing on fingernails or pens
Types of Braces for Teens at Ovation Orthodontics
Teens have plenty of braces options to choose from. When you come in for a consultation, we will walk you through the available styles, including:
• Metal Braces – Classic and durable, metal braces are highly effective and can be personalized with colored bands for a fun, custom look.
• Clear Braces – For teens who want a more discreet option, clear braces use tooth-colored brackets for a less noticeable look while still delivering excellent results.
• Color Braces – Your teen can personalize their braces with colorful bands to show off their personality or match their favorite teams and holidays!
At Ovation Orthodontics, we’re here to make orthodontic treatment an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your teen, helping them achieve a healthy smile they’ll be proud to show off!
Braces FAQ
How long will my teen need to wear braces?
The duration of treatment varies depending on individual needs, but most teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Factors like the complexity of the case and how well the teen follows the orthodontist’s instructions will influence the treatment time.
Can my teen still play sports while wearing braces?
Yes, teens can continue playing sports while wearing braces. However, it’s recommended that they wear a mouthguard to protect their braces, teeth, and gums from injury during contact sports or physical activities.
What foods should my teen avoid while wearing braces?
To protect their braces, teens should avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods like gum, caramel, popcorn, and hard candy. These foods can damage the brackets and wires, potentially extending treatment time.
Will braces be painful for my teen?
Teens may experience some discomfort, especially after getting braces adjusted, but this is usually temporary. Over-the-counter pain relief and eating softer foods for a few days can help ease the discomfort.