When it comes to our kids, we put their health and happiness above all else. It’s no different when it comes to finding a suitable dental treatment for them. As a family-centred dental practice, we’re used to treating a range of patients of all ages and dispositions, from the youngest to the most nervous. We’re confident we have the care and expertise, as well as the best dental treatments, your teen needs to love and own their smile.

In this post, we focus on braces for teens, asking all the questions you might have about this teeth-straightening procedure and helping settle any worries you or your child may have.

Why have braces?

Teens may need braces for a variety of reasons. From creating a more uniform smile that they can be confident with, to correcting bite problems or eliminating gaps, braces can help with so much – not just in appearance, but in functionality, too.

How much do braces cost?

How much your teenager’s braces cost is an important factor in deciding treatment – which is why we’re clear about our costs and why we may be able to offer you 0% finance to budget for treatment. We recommend Invisalign braces for teenagers, which though state-of-the-art, don’t typically cost any more than the traditional metal variety.

How quickly will we see results?

Results vary from individual to individual – they are dependent on the level of treatment involved. A patient with slight crookedness may need fewer Invisalign aligners to correct the problem than those with a bite issue. In addition, Invisalign works incrementally, so changes are made subtly over time.

Does treatment hurt?

No, treatment doesn’t hurt. Invisalign aligners are made of plastic and can be removed for activities such as teeth cleaning and eating. There are no metal parts to aggravate the mouth and, aside from a slight pressure when changing aligners, their custom moulding fits teeth comfortably.

Will my teen still need check-ups?

Yes, it’s important to still see the dentist – in fact, your teen’s dentist will ask to see them more often than before, to ensure treatment stays on track. Teeth cleaning and check-ups will ensure good oral health for now and in the future.

What’s a good age to have braces?

There is no minimum age to undergo orthodontic treatment, it varies from person to person. Any teeth straightening treatment is recommended following an assessment, with individual circumstances taken into account. Teenagers may also still be growing or may have teeth yet to come through, so these can be important factors in making a decision. Your dentist will be able to guide you on this.

Does my teen need to change their diet?

No, as Invisalign aligners are removable for eating, teeth cleaning and the odd special event. Ensure your teen takes them out for meals and snacks, as eating with the aligners in could damage or stain the plastic.

How do I get started?

If you’re interested in pursuing braces for your teen, get in touch with our team today. Simply visit our contact page and follow the details and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.