As your teen grows, you might notice the importance of their smile becoming more significant in their lives. Teens are at an age where self-confidence and appearance are critical, and a misaligned bite or crooked teeth can affect how they feel about themselves. That’s where orthodontic care comes in. At Smile City Orthodontics, Dr. Jacob and his expert team provide specialized braces for teens in Mesquite, ensuring they have a functional bite and a beautiful, confident smile.

Why Are Braces Important for Teens?

The teenage years are an ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment for a few reasons:

Growth and Development: During adolescence, the jaws and teeth are still growing and developing, making guiding teeth into their correct positions easier. Orthodontists can take advantage of this growth to correct misalignments more effectively than they could in adulthood.
Correcting Misalignments: Braces can fix various issues, such as overcrowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps. By addressing these issues early, braces can prevent more severe problems later in life, such as excessive wear on teeth, difficulty chewing, and speech impediments.
Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Crooked or crowded teeth can create nooks and crannies where plaque and bacteria can hide, increasing the chances of cavities.
Boost in Confidence: Teens who are self-conscious about crooked teeth may feel more confident after completing their orthodontic treatment. A straight smile can significantly improve their self-esteem, which is essential to their social and emotional development.

Types of Braces for Teens in Mesquite

At Smile City Orthodontics, Dr. Jacob understands that every teen is unique, so there are different options based on individual needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common braces for teens in Mesquite:

Traditional Metal Braces: These are the most common braces and are highly effective in treating various dental issues. Today’s metal braces are more comfortable and smaller than the bulky braces of the past. Teens can even choose colorful elastics to make their braces more fun and personalized.
Clear Braces: Clear braces offer a more discreet option for teens who are self-conscious about wearing braces. These braces function the same way as metal braces but are made from tooth-colored ceramic, making them less noticeable. They are a popular choice for teens who want the effectiveness of traditional braces without drawing too much attention.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign): Clear aligners are another excellent option for teens who want a nearly invisible treatment. These clear aligners are custom-made trays that gradually shift teeth into the correct positions. Invisalign is removable, so teens can take them out when eating, drinking, or brushing their teeth, offering flexibility in maintaining oral hygiene. However, wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours daily is required for optimal results.
Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside. They work similarly to traditional braces, but you can’t see them, which can be an excellent option for teens concerned about braces’ appearance.

What to Expect During Treatment

When your teen begins their orthodontic treatment journey at Smile City Orthodontics, they will receive a personalized treatment plan created by Dr. Jacob based on their needs. The process starts with a thorough examination, including X-rays and 3D imaging, to assess the alignment of their teeth and jaws.

Once we establish a treatment plan, your teen will have their braces or aligners fitted. Regular check-ups are scheduled every few weeks to ensure the teeth are moving as expected and to make any necessary adjustments.

The treatment duration depends on the case’s complexity, but most teens wear braces for about 18 to 24 months. During this time, teens must maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, especially around brackets and wires, to prevent plaque buildup and staining.

Tips for Teens With Braces

Wearing braces requires some adjustments in your teen’s daily routine, but these changes are manageable with the right approach. Here are a few tips to help your teen take care of their braces:

Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Foods like popcorn, chewing gum, and caramel can get stuck in braces or damage the wires and brackets. Encourage your teen to stick to softer foods or cut hard foods like apples into smaller pieces.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing become even more important with braces. A toothbrush with soft bristles, fluoride toothpaste, and orthodontic flossers or water flossers can help your teen keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports: If your teen plays sports, they should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and braces from impact during physical activity.
Follow the Orthodontist’s Instructions: Whether wearing rubber bands, attending check-ups, or using retainers after we remove their braces, following Dr. Jacob’s instructions will help ensure the best outcome from the treatment.

Why Choose Smile City Orthodontics for Your Teen’s Braces?

At Smile City Orthodontics in Mesquite, we prioritize creating a comfortable and positive experience for every patient. Dr. Jacob and his team understand teens’ unique challenges during orthodontic treatment and strive to provide personalized care that fits each patient’s lifestyle and needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

Experienced Team: Dr. Jacob has extensive experience treating teens with various orthodontic issues. His expertise ensures that your teen receives the highest level of care.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Our practice uses the latest orthodontic technology, including 3D imaging and digital scanning, to create precise and efficient treatment plans.
Compassionate Care: We understand that orthodontic treatment can be a new and sometimes intimidating experience for teens. Our team takes the time to answer questions, explain every step of the process, and make each patient feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey.