La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – We all know the teen years can be interesting times. Trying to fit in with the crowd while balancing a busy schedule full of homework, extracurricular activities, and sports can be difficult. Adding orthodontic treatment with braces on top of it can make it even more difficult. Luckily for teens today there are better, more esthetic orthodontic options available.
“At Gire Orthodontics we know that teens may be nervous about getting braces because they worry about what will happen to their appearance,” says Dr. Robert Gire. “That’s why we have several braces options available, including clear and removable clear aligner therapy.”
Teens may balk at the idea of metal braces. Those wires and brackets on their teeth may have them worrying people will only see their “metal-mouth.” There is a reason metal braces have been around so long – they are effective! Today’s metal braces are vastly different to those of the past. The ones used at Gire Orthodontics have a lower profile and they’re smaller than the previous generations. Some metal braces are more efficient, meaning your teeth can be guided to their new locations in a shorter amount of time.
But, we know metal braces aren’t for everyone. For patients (and parents!) who want the reliability of metal braces but without the visibility, Dr. Gire offers Damon Clear and ICE brackets. Other options may claim to be clear, but Damon Clear and ICE brackets are virtually invisible in the mouth. The brackets are smooth, making them comfortable, and they are just as strong as the metal brackets on the market today.
Clear aligner therapy (CAT) offers another esthetically pleasing option. Options of CAT include Clear Correct, Invisalign, and MTM. With custom clear aligners your teeth can move comfortably and discretely. The aligners are made of a clear, comfortable plastic that fits over your teeth. Each aligner will be changed out for a new one every 7-14 days until your ideal tooth movement is achieved. The aligners are removable, so they can be taken out to eat, brush, and floss. However, to keep treatment on track they must be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day.
While traditional metal and clear braces have come a long way, there are metal and clear braces that offer increased comfort and speedy treatment times. Self-ligating braces work efficiently by utilizing a slide mechanism or door rather than ligature ties or O-rings to hold the wires in the brackets. This means less friction placed on the teeth and fewer adjustments with your orthodontist because there are no ligatures to change at each appointment. Teeth can move more freely and comfortably.
“Today, there are more options than ever before for your teen to choose from,” says Dr. Gire. “And these options can move teeth more effectively, efficiently, and discretely, meaning a much more pleasant experience for your teen.”
If your teen is in need of orthodontic treatment but is nervous about braces, Gire Orthodontics has the options your teen will love. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).