Braces for Teens

Why braces for teens?

Common Problems Addressed: Teenagers typically need braces for crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites or underbites, crossbites affecting chewing function, and overall bite alignment that impacts both function and aesthetics.

Functional Benefits: Proper alignment improves chewing efficiency, makes teeth easier to clean (reducing cavities and gum disease), can alleviate jaw pain or TMJ issues, and may improve speech clarity.

Social and Psychological Impact: The teenage years are crucial for self-esteem and social development. A confident smile can significantly boost self-confidence during these formative years, improve social interactions, and set the foundation for lifelong oral health habits.

Long-term Health Benefits: Straight teeth are easier to maintain with brushing and flossing, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease throughout life. Proper bite alignment also distributes chewing forces evenly, preventing excessive wear on certain teeth.

Timing Advantage: Teenagers are generally more cooperative with treatment than younger children but still have enough growth remaining to assist with certain corrections, making this the most efficient time for comprehensive orthodontic care.

Optimal Timing for Comprehensive Treatment: The teenage years (ages 11-16) represent the ideal window for full orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth have erupted, allowing for complete bite correction and alignment, while some beneficial growth remains that can assist treatment.

Types of Braces – The doctors will determine which is the best type of braces for your particular needs.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces consist of two primary elements: brackets and an archwire. Brackets are tiny metal fixtures bonded to individual teeth. The archwire is a slender wire that links all the brackets together. With traditional braces, there are elastic ties (sometimes colorful!) that hold the wire onto each braces. At each appointment, we will adjust your braces and wires to get the most beautiful alignment and bite positioning.

Fast Friction Free Braces such as Pitts’ or Damon Braces

Friction free braces, also called Passive Self-Ligating Braces such as Pitts’ braces, move teeth faster because there are no elastic ties to hold the wire onto the braces. Wires are held in place instead by a tiny closing metal gate that is attached to the brace. An speed analogy would be to think rubber wheels of a car riding on asphalt versus a train with metal wheels gliding on a metal train track. The latter has much less friction so can move faster with less force. This is the case with Pitt’s braces! These braces are good for all types of treatments but severely crowded cases and cases where teeth need to move long distances, these braces can do the seemingly impossible. They are game-changers! See our smile gallery!

Clear Braces

Clear braces represent an orthodontic solution that utilizes tooth-colored brackets and components rather than conventional metal parts to correct poorly aligned teeth. This treatment option has gained significant popularity, particularly among adult patients who appreciate the more understated look of clear braces.

For individuals seeking orthodontic treatment while maintaining discretion, clear braces in Burbank, CA, have become the preferred choice for numerous adult patients at our practice.