Preparing Your Teen for Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we understand and respect the feelings teens have about braces. Our team members can relate to the concerns about how braces can affect our appearance, interfere with eating our favorite foods, or restrict the playing of sports or other activities.

One of the best ways to help your teen get used to the idea of braces is to clearly explain the benefits of orthodontic treatment. When teeth are straight, they are easier to clean, which means less risk of developing cavities. Straight teeth also mean the jaw is properly aligned, which minimizes the likelihood of grinding or clenching teeth.

Most teenagers don’t realize that they do have options when it comes to braces. Options include:

Traditional Metal Braces - One of the most common types of braces for teens are metal braces. They hold the teeth together using metal brackets and wires. Our modern metal braces are smaller and less obvious as compared to older braces, but they work the same way.

Clear Ceramic Braces - Clear braces are a popular choice for teens who want to make a less noticeable statement with their commitment to a healthier smile. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor. Their comfortable, sculptured design and attractive translucent appearance help provide the self-confidence that comes from wearing braces that look as good as they perform.

Invisalign Teen - Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You simply switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks to shift your teeth into the desired positions. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no wires, metal, or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson use the most advanced technologies available to get your teen smiling faster than ever before! The average treatment time at our office is about 18 months but it varies for each patient.

• Braces Are Far Easier to Wear Today Than They Once Were
• Today’s braces are much less noticeable than treatment used decades ago.
• Today’s braces are specially designed to straighten teeth faster.
• Today’s braces move teeth more gently, but just as effectively.
• Today’s braces can be personalized using different color brackets and bands.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a straight smile. Give your teen a smile to last a lifetime...a smile they can be proud of! Visit our website to schedule your teen’s orthodontic appointment today.

Invisalign Teen

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

You might have already been anticipating that your child may need braces. One option you may not have considered is Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign Teen is an innovative orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen’s smile. Much like traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, clear plastic aligners apply pressure to teeth and help them shift into alignment.

The aligners are comfortable and durable, and they fit in with any extracurricular activity. Whether throwing the winning touchdown or playing the clarinet, your teen does not have to worry about braces getting in the way. And…unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means your teen can eat all the things they love without worrying about breaking a bracket bending a wire. Invisalign Teen also makes it easy to keep up with dental care. Since the aligner trays are removable, brushing and flossing is a breeze.

Often, parents have questions about the effectiveness of Invisalign vs. braces. Years ago, Invisalign Teen was reserved for simple orthodontic issues. However, these days, we can achieve outstanding results for mild, moderate, and complex cases with Invisalign Teen. Additionally, the new and improved SmartTrack material the aligners are made from, allows for improved control and predictability and we are also able to use tooth-colored attachments to facilitate complicated movements. Invisalign Teen aligners are designed specifically for teenagers’ mouths and have features like eruption tabs to accommodate erupting molars.

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle because the aligners are:

• Clear
•  Removable
•  Comfortable
•  Customized

Invisalign Teen is a patient-centered treatment, which means that the success of treatment is dependent on the active participation of the patient. Ideally, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day with no exceptions. Failure to wear the trays the required number of hours daily could result in an extended treatment period.

The average length of Invisalign Teen treatment is between 12 and 18 months. However, this period depends on tooth misalignment severity, with severe alignment problems taking longer.

The technology stands out as a clear alternative to traditional braces. If your teen is conscious of their appearance and stressed at the thought of wearing metal braces, Invisalign Teen may be the perfect solution.

Give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call to schedule an Invisalign consultation for your teen today!