From an aesthetic standpoint, it’s easy to see why a teenager may be reluctant to have traditional metal braces put on. While metal braces are one of the most effective ways to move teeth in a relatively short period, many older teens are often reluctant of having to sport braces to homecoming dances, prom, and the everyday adventures of High School.

Fortunately for today’s teens, there are excellent alternatives to achieving a straighter smile without their orthodontic treatment getting in the way of their social life. Here are the top metal braces alternatives that teens love.

Many teens struggle with standing out in a crowd of their peers, so it stands to reason why they would be hesitant over metal braces. Luckily for your teen, traditional braces aren’t what they used to be. There are many effective and inconspicuous ways to achieve a straighter smile in today’s orthodontic market, allowing your teen to feel comfortable and confident as they work to straighten their teeth. 

Invisalign resembles the plastic retainers that most teenagers get when they are done with their metal braces treatment when the teeth still need to be set in place. The clear retainers, which are referred to as aligners, move teeth in a similar way to traditional braces by putting pressure on the teeth. This allows for the aligners to gradually shift the teeth into a more appealing alignment. Every two weeks, your teen will replace an aligner set with a new one, slowly shifting the teeth one aligner set at a time.

Invisalign is truly the most invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth. This orthodontic method allows patients to straighten their smile without it taking over their self-confidence. The top reasons teens love Invisalign are:

Discreet 

The main complaint teenagers have about mental braces is that they are so visible and prominent in their everyday lives. Although any kind of orthodontic treatment is temporary, most teenagers love the benefit of achieving a straighter smile without everyone around them knowing.

Fewer Food Restrictions

If you’re raising a teenager, you already know that teens love their snacks, and metal braces can put significant restrictions on what your child can and can’t eat because of their braces. Invisalign allows teenagers to eat the same foods as their peers without braces because aligners are completely removable.

Easy To Care For 

The cleaning process for Invisalign is the same as someone without orthodontic treatment, making patients far less likely to experience cavities or other damage to the teeth after treatment is finished.

Less Social Sacrifices

Traditional braces can lead to patients being unable to play certain sports or instruments while undergoing treatment because there is an increased possibility of damage to the braces and teeth. Invisalign allows patients to remove an aligner during activity or keep them in because there is no pain from the lips pressing against the brackets.

If you’re unsure of whether your teen is responsible enough for Invisalign , there are other excellent alternatives to traditional metal braces, including:

Lumineers 

While veneers don’t work like conventional braces to correct crooked teeth, they are an option when it comes to altering the appearance of your teeth. Lumineers are often described as caps that are attached to your child’s teeth and designed to look like straight and healthy teeth. Teeth that have become discolored, fractured, or misshapen can often be corrected with Lumineers. 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces, except the brackets and wires are typically transparent or opaque. Ceramic braces easily blend in with the color of your child’s teeth; however, they can become stained if not cleaned properly.

Lingual Braces 

Lingual braces are incredibly similar to traditional braces, except they are placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front. They are invisible from the outside but can be more challenging to keep clean and are often more uncomfortable than traditional braces.

With proper education and commitment, Cherrywood Dental Associates can help your teen to feel confident during their orthodontic treatment. If you’re unsure whether Invisalign or another metal braces alternative, is the right choice for your child, schedule a consultation with Cherrywood Dental Associates today.