Being a teen is harder than ever. But it’s harder parenting a teen. You need to make sure your teen is performing well at school, extra-curricular activities, and deal with their mood swings.
So if your teen needs orthodontic treatment, you should read up on the pros and cons of Invisalign® braces before your teen starts treatment for them.
Here are a few frequently asked questions that parents have when their teens get Invisalign® braces.
1. Why Choose Invisalign® Braces for Your Teen?
Invisalign® braces for teens have many benefits:
- They are virtually invisible, so they are not very noticeable in social situations.
- The Invisalign® braces can be taken out to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and floss.
- The follow-up visits are fewer as compared to conventional braces.
- They are more comfortable because of the removable plastic aligners.
2. At What Age Can My Child Get Invisalign®?
Invisalign® braces are suitable for teens whose permanent teeth have come in. This usually occurs at the age of 12, plus or minus a few years.
3. How Does Invisalign® Teen work?
Invisalign® Teen braces work just like regular Invisalign® braces. These braces have a series of custom-made aligners which has a blue dot that fades out when the aligners are ready to be changed. The average time to wear each set of aligners is two weeks.
4. What Happens If My Teen Loses an Aligner?
If your teen loses an aligner before the two week replacement period, you can ask your orthodontist if there is a reduced rate for replacement aligners. Or if there’s a chance that your orthodontist might let you skip to the next set of aligners a little ahead of schedule.
5. How Many Hours Does My Teen Need to Wear Aligners?
The success rate of ofInvisalign® braces is based on how long you wear them. Invisalign® guides teeth slowly into the position created by the aligner. The movement produced by the shape of aligners is what corrects the misalignment of teeth.
Though the initial few days might cause discomfort, you must remind your teen to wear it for at least 22 hours a day.
Your teen can take off the aligners during meals and for the morning and night oral hygiene ritual.
6. Will the Treatment Be Painful for My Teen?
Invisalign® braces are generally milder and gentler than braces. If your teen is experiencing more pain and discomfort than usual than you can keep some over-the-counter painkillers ready.
7. What Is the Treatment Period for Invisalign® for My Teen?
The treatment time for Invisalign® is similar to the treatment time for traditional braces.
But since every case is unique, the orthodontist will determine the actual period for which your teen needs to wear Invisalign® braces. The time period averages from 6 to 15 months.
8. Can My Teen Play Sports While Wearing Invisalign®?
Teenagers can continue to play sports of their choice when they are wearingInvisalign® braces. It can be dangerous to play contact sports if you have traditional metal braces on.
But since Invisalign® braces are removable, you can either replace them with your regular mouthguard when playing sports or wear your mouthguard over it.
You can keep your Invisalign® on for sports like football, tennis, basketball, cycling, and gymnastics. But remember to replace yourInvisalign® braces with a mouthguard for full-contact sports like boxing, wrestling, martial arts, and rugby.
9. Can My Teen Eat or Drink Anything While Wearing Invisalign®?
As a general rule, your teen needs to take off the Invisalign® braces while eating. However, ensure that the braces are on for at least 22 hours a day.
So, if your teen is someone who likes snacking 24*7, then you can let your teen eat yogurt, soup or icecream with aligners on. But be careful to choose food that doesn’t require chewing.
Also, ensure that your teen has a strict oral hygiene routine even after eating yogurt, soup, or ice cream.
10. Can My Teen Continue Playing His Musical Instrument While Wearing Invisalign®?
Yes, your teen can continue to be a part of the school band and play a woodwind or brass instrument. Just remove the braces while playing the musical instrument.
Encourage your teen to follow the list of do’s and don’ts that the orthodontist recommends while the orthodontic treatment is on. Generally, Invisalign® braces are a comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces if your teen is conscious about metal wires in the mouth.
Think your teen is ready for Invisalign® braces? Book an appointment today at Rome Orthodontics.
Braces do more than giving you a perfect smile. They improve your oral hygiene and save you from a host of dental problems can lead to more severe diseases.
If you are wondering whether to consult an orthodontist regarding braces, here are a few sure shot signs that you need braces:
Jaw or Tooth Pain Because of Misaligned Teeth
If your jaw is causing you constant pain, it might be because your teeth are misaligned. You might also have problems when you eat food, i.e. during biting or chewing.
Common misaligned teeth issues that can be corrected with braces include:
- Overbite: This is when your upper front teeth overlap your front lower teeth.
- Underbite: This happens when your front lower teeth overlap your front upper teeth.
- Overjet: This happens when upper front teeth point outward over lower front teeth.
- Crossbite: If your teeth do not align when you smile, you have a crossbite. This can be fixed with the help of orthodontic braces too.
Misaligned teeth can cause difficulty in chewing, which can lead to soreness in jaws and discomfort. This can further aggravate your jaw muscles and cause frequent headaches. Problems with misaligned teeth like these can be fixed with the help of different types of braces.
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Overcrowded or crooked teeth, i.e., teeth that are slightly tilted, teeth that overlap each other or protrude more than the surrounding teeth are called malocclusions.
Malocclusions can cause the buildup of dental plaque and bacteria. This can cause tooth decay and tooth disease. Orthodontic braces can correct the problem of crooked teeth or crowded teeth.
Gaps Between Your Teeth
Gaps between teeth can be places that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. Hence this can cause a built up of dental plaque and lead to cavities and bacterial infections like gingivitis. Missing teeth, small teeth or gaps between teeth are sure shot signs that you should get braces.
Mouth Pain
This can be caused by a few specific teeth, not the whole area. A few specific teeth can cause excruciating mouth pain because of misalignment or bacterial infection that has developed because of misaligned teeth and infested a particular place in your mouth. You can prevent this by getting braces at the right time.
Speech Impediment
Speech impediments can sometimes develop in adulthood because of oral problems.
Lisps develop in children who are still developing a full set of teeth, but this problem can persist to adults as well. A lisp can be fixed with the help of orthodontic braces.
Gaps in Teeth
When you develop gaps in your teeth, it might start to affect your speech. While this is technically a problem with your bite, commonly known as an open bite, gaps in teeth eventually affect your speech.
Pain When Chewing
If you experience discomfort when eating, it might be because of misaligned teeth, which can also be corrected by orthodontic braces.
Headaches, Earaches and Pain in Jawline
Pain along the jawline is common for people who need teeth straightening. Misalignment of the teeth can cause stress on your jaw which can lead to headaches, earaches and pain in the jawline.
Getting orthodontic braces doesn’t have to be something that should scare you. It is a simple treatment that can change your life for the better. Braces not only give you the confidence to flash the perfect smile, but it can prevent many oral health problems that can cause you trouble in future.
When you are looking for orthodontic braces in Rome, NY, drop into Rome Orthodontics. Rome Orthodontics can customize your treatment plan based on a smile assessment, so you get the best possible results from teeth straightening.
Today, braces aren’t just for kids. Many grown-ups and even adults are getting braces to straighten their teeth or fix orthodontic problems. Here are a bunch of questions that you should know before you visit your orthodontist that can help you prepare for braces.
- What are the Options Available For Teeth Straightening?
For orthodontic treatment, you have the option between getting traditional metal braces, ceramic braces or invisible aligners. Your orthodontist will help you select the best option keeping in mind your unique needs. - What Changes Should I Prepare For During Treatment?
You need to make a few lifestyle changes when you are getting braces. Though it depends on what sort of braces you choose, getting dental braces will only cause a few minor shifts in your daily routine.You’ll have to be slightly more regular with your oral hygiene routine, and a few sticky and hard foods will not be a part of your diet in the beginning.But make sure you consult your orthodontist about bringing necessary changes in your diet and lifestyle before you get orthodontic braces.
- How Long Will My Dental Braces Treatment Take?
The average treatment time for every individual is 18 to 24 months. But the treatment time for orthodontic braces for each person is unique. So while it might take someone 2 years, you might need to wear orthodontic braces for a shorter period of time. Your orthodontist might have an idea about the estimated time after an initial consultation. - How Frequent Will My Follow-Up Visits Be?You will need to visit your orthodontist periodically after getting fitted for orthodontic braces. For traditional metal braces, the follow up is generally once a month, for invisible aligners, it’s every six weeks. But your follow up time might depend on your unique situation.
- Should My Oral Hygiene Routine Be Any Different When You Have Braces? How?
When you have orthodontic braces on your teeth, you need to put in a little extra effort into your oral care. You should always take precautions to avoid damaging braces.Although brushing twice a day is generally recommended, when you wear dental braces, you should brush every time you eat.You should rinse your mouth with water and brushing after every meal should be on your checklist after every meal. Also use waxed floss every meal, because food can still get stuck in your mouth when you get braces.
You can also use mouthwash regularly. Toothpaste or a mouthwash with active fluoride can help strengthen your teeth and protect you against cavities.
- Will Braces Affect My Lifestyle? How?
You will need to make a few minor adjustments to your lifestyle after you wear orthodontic braces. You will need to brush, floss and gargle with a mouth wash after every meal, and there will be a few foods that will be off-limits. Other than that, there will not be any hindrance to your lifestyle. If you play a sport, you might need to wear a mouthguard to make sure that your braces are not damaged. - How Much Pain or Discomfort is Involved?
There will be an initial week or two of a little bit of discomfort while wearing braces, but once you adjust to them, the pain or discomfort is nil.For the first few weeks, it is recommended that you only eat soft foods until you can learn to clean your braces periodically.There are times when braces can cause sore gums, but the orthodontist generally covers the braces and metal wires with a soft piece of wax, so they don’t cause any irritation to your child’s mouth.
- What is the Cost of Getting Braces?
Cost of orthodontic braces might vary depending on the orthodontist you choose. The quality of the braces and the experience of the orthodontist might be the deciding factor in the cost. Make sure to ask your orthodontist what is included in the treatment packages and if there is an extra fee for every follow-up session.
When you are looking for orthodontic braces in Rome, NY, drop into Rome Orthodontics. Rome Orthodontics can customize your treatment plan based on a smile assessment, so you get the best possible results from teeth straightening.
Humans tend to be naturally scared of what they don’t know. The perfect example would be getting dental braces. Most often, people dread getting braces and completely overlook the need for it. But if you know your options and are mentally prepared, it becomes a lot easier.
Being mentally prepared helps you calm the jitters when you are in the orthodontist’s chair. So, read on to know what to expect before getting braces.
There is No Age Restriction
It’s true that a child’s tissues are more flexible and malleable than an adult’s. But many adults take orthodontic treatment and report excellent results. As an adult going for orthodontic treatment, here’s what you need to know
- Since the bones in an adult stop growing, some structural changes can only be accomplished with surgery.
- The treatment may take longer than a child’s.
Types of Braces
With technological advancements, you now have various options to choose from. Talk to your orthodontist about the option that best suits you and the effect of the treatment on your teeth and positioning. Here are the 5 major options you can choose from:
1. Metal Braces – Least expensive and fastest way of fixing teeth positioning
2. Ceramic Braces – Ceramic material in these braces has the same color and texture as teeth. They offer quick treatment but stain easily.
3. Lingual Braces – Lingual braces are on the inside of the bite and can be very difficult to clean.
4. Self-ligating Braces – These braces use braces with clips or doors instead of the traditional rubber wire. These are less painful than other types of braces.
5. Invisalign – These are clear trays that can be removed to clean teeth. Invisalign treatment is usually more expensive.
You May Need to Change Your Diet
Some foods can stick to your teeth and damage the braces. This will not only interrupt the treatment but can also hurt your teeth. Here are a few foods you will need to use caution with:
- Popcorn
- Bubble Gum
- Caramel
- Sticky or hard chocolates and candies
- Nuts and pretzels
- Foods that you bite onto such as carrots, apples, tough meat, etc.
- Raw vegetables
For the first few days, you will need to stick to soup, yogurt, pasta, soft bread, etc. to avoid discomfort.
Your Teeth will Need Cleaning Several Times a Day
Oral hygiene is paramount once you get braces since food can get trapped in your teeth and cause not just bad breath but tooth decay too. always Keep a dental kit with you that you can clean your mouth after every meal.
You will Have to Wear Retainers
The treatment won’t stop right after the braces come off. You will have to wear a retainer to keep the teeth from moving back into their original position. Your orthodontist may recommend a bonded permanent retainer, so speak with them about your options.
Cost and Treatment Times Differ
The cost of your orthodontic treatment depends on factors such as the location, expertise of the orthodontist and type of the braces. In most cases, the average treatment period is 2 years, but it usually depends on the treatment that’s ideal in your situation.
While these tips will help you stay better prepared, you need to accept that some discomfort is common. Your teeth might initially be sensitive but after a week or two, you will get used to the pressure on your gums. While braces help with teeth straightening, there are a number of other benefits as well. Take good care of your teeth to sail smoothly through the treatment and your smile will be beautiful than ever.
Think you’re ready to get your orthodontic braces? Book consultation today.
Getting dental braces can help you get rid of bad breath, help with digestion, and more.
Flashing that perfect smile with straight teeth does more than giving you an extra confidence boost. Getting your teeth straightened gives you many overall health benefits which surpass a pretty smile.
Here are a few health benefits of wearing orthodontic braces and teeth straightening:
Your Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy
Overcrowding or too widely spaced teeth might lead to gum irritation. Gums might become red, swollen, and lead to periodontal disease. Straight teeth are the healthiest defense that gums have against bacteria. Dental braces help with teeth straightening by moving your teeth gradually into proper position.
It’s Easier to Clean Straight Teeth
Crowded teeth or teeth with gaps are hard to clean since its harder to floss or use a toothbrush in certain areas. This can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases like periodontal problems. In the long run, gum disease can lead to heart disease, and may even lead to diabetes.
Less Wear and Tear On Teeth
A crowded bottom jaw can cause one or more teeth to jut out, and rub against the upper teeth. This can cause unnecessary wear to the tooth enamel and might make you lose a tooth in the long run, which can be prevented by wearing dental braces.
Help with Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when a person has disturbed breathing patterns whilst sleeping. This is a serious sleep disorder that can cause a large number of problems. The physical blockage of the airway is one of the most common forms of sleep apnea, and a misaligned jaw can cause this.
Teeth straightening can help with getting your jaw to align so that any tissues in your mouth do not obstruct your airway.
Helps With Improving Digestion
Orthodontic braces have a significant long-term health benefit — better digestion.
Misaligned teeth can compromise chewing, which means that the first step in the digestion process is not taken care of properly. Saliva helps break down food when you chew, aiding the digestion process.
Helps Decrease Headaches and Neck Pain
Crooked or overcrowded teeth can cause excessive stress on the gums and the bones that support the teeth. This can also sometimes lead to teeth grinding (or bruxism). Bruxism can cause headaches and neck pain along with placing excessive stress on the teeth.
Orthodontics braces hold the teeth in place, gradually helping you get the correct bite. They straighten the teeth and prevent grinding in some patients.
Can Lower the Risk of Lip and Gum Injury
Misaligned teeth can injure the soft tissue in your mouth. Your lips and cheeks can be damaged if you keep biting your inner cheek and lips. This can be taken care of by a simple set of dental braces.
If you are looking for orthodontic braces in Rome, NY, visit us at Rome Orthodontics. Based on your comprehensive smile assessment, we will customize your treatment plan, so you get the best possible results from teeth straightening.
