braces for kids & teens
Braces for Kids & Teens at Virginia Braces and Aligners
Braces for Kids & Teens
At Virginia Braces and Invisalign Center, we know that getting braces can be a big deal for a kid or teen. It is a positive leap towards getting the smile they will develop. There are different types of braces and choosing the perfect one will depend on your personal and lifestyle choices. We understand that every patient visiting our office has a different goal for their smiles and there are so many ways to get your teeth straighter.
While traditional braces are proven and have a classic appeal to them, many teens prefer their braces to be discreet. Explore the different types of braces that we offer for teens and their benefits.
When Should Your Child First See an Orthodontist?
It is best to take your child for an orthodontic examination. Usually, you will be asking your family dentist if there is a need for a referral. Still, it is recommended to have an orthodontist see your child by the age of 7. It is best not to delay because by this age, your child will still have some baby teeth. By age 14, most of the dental growth has occurred.
At Virginia Braces and Invisalign Center, we offer different types of braces for kids and teens, including traditional braces, ceramic braces, incognito braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign. Find out the key features and benefits of these braces:
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to the metal braces used nowadays in terms of shape and size. However, they are not as visible and are quite subtle. We offer these appliances in the following options for your child or teen:
Tooth-colored wires
Tooth-colored brackets
Clear ceramic brackets
While they are almost completely unnoticeable, they can be as effective as traditional braces.
Incognito Braces
Incognito braces provide an innovative form of orthodontic treatment, addressing the aesthetic concerns that our patients may have when considering traditional braces. These braces go on the inner surfaces of your teeth, which makes them almost invisible. They feature customized:
Brackets
Bonding trays
Archwires
When your child has incognito braces, there will be no need to remove these appliances when eating or drinking. This makes them perfect for those who want braces that don’t interfere with their lifestyle.
Self-Ligating Braces
We also offer self-ligating braces for kids and teens. These orthodontic appliances help address the following major reasons why so many parents are reluctant in getting braces for their children:
Traditional braces make use of elastics or ties. This creates constant pressure or friction on the teeth.
Kids and teens don’t like the sensation of discomfort that comes with such pressure.
The ties in traditional braces also contribute to the build-up of plaque if there is any lack of proper oral hygiene.
Children usually tend to have a difficult time keeping their teeth clean when having regular braces.
Self-ligating braces help overcome all these challenges. Besides eliminating the pressure or friction due to the orthodontic accessories, these braces also make it easier to clean their teeth.
Invisalign
Fixed braces may not be compatible with every preference, lifestyle, or orthodontic problem. Invisalign Teen can help straighten your child’s teeth without the need for brackets and wires. These aligners are not fixed appliances and so your child can enjoy their favorite foods. It is also easier to clean the teeth. They can easily remove the aligners for situations such as sports. However, it is important to realize that Invisalign will have to be worn for up to 22 hoursper day for effective orthodontic treatment.
At Virginia Braces and Invisalign Center, we help you and your child choose the perfect braces. We suggest seeking early treatment before your child turns 7 so that our orthodontists can conduct a thorough examination and identify any potential problems. We have offices in Arlington, Mechanicsville, Charlottesville, Ruckersville and Woodbridge ensuring convenient access to our patients.