Everyone who has braces will have a retainer. No exceptions. No returns. No negotiations. Retainers are a must-have after any type of orthodontic treatment. They keep newly aligned teeth in place so those months and years of hard work aren’t for nothing. Adjusting to a retainer, though, isn’t easy for every orthodontic patient. Get the scoop on how to cope when you reach this milestone.
Every teen with braces keeps their eye on the prize – braces-free teeth forever once this journey is over. However, you have had brackets and wires for so long you’ll forget what it feels like to not wear braces. Just like the adjustment period you had when all that metal first went on your teeth, it could take a few weeks to adjust to life without all that extra stuff in your mouth. There are some things that happen when the braces come off that might be unexpected. Not bad, just… aftereffects that never crossed your mind. We’re sure you can handle it.
Parents and kids approach orthodontics in different ways, with the former considering the big picture and the latter experiencing the overall daily angst of wearing braces. Orthodontics make a huge impact on teenage self-esteem, and investing in the nearly invisible Invisalign Teen can help tweens and teens embrace their braces journey and feel good about themselves from start to finish.
Your orthodontist always provides a window of time indicating how long they expect your orthodontic treatment to last – and they’re usually right about it. Some patients are pleasantly surprised to discover, though, that their estimated treatment is suddenly shortened by several months. How does this happen? And how can it be a reality for you or your child? Here are some of the factors that affect how long braces stay on teeth – and what might get braces off sooner than expected.
Cavities are a headache no matter when or where they occur. If you are wearing braces and develop tooth decay, tending to this problem becomes a little more complex but not unfixable. Here are some facts about cavities and braces to keep in mind whether you are preparing for orthodontic treatment or right in the middle of it.
Teens have their own ideas about how to do everything, including taking care of their braces. In fact, tending to their teeth may not be a priority at all, but it is a parent’s job to encourage teens to prioritize their oral health. When the teen braces go on, set clear expectations about daily responsibilities right from the start and reinforce them throughout treatment, along with the following motivators.
Most teens wear their braces for 18 months. The orthodontist carefully plans out how treatment will progress during this year and a half and will adjust as necessary along the way. There are different stages of alignment though, and knowing what’s coming up and what has already been achieved can make the entire process of braces for teens go faster and feel like quite an accomplishment.
When it comes to the elements of orthodontics, there are elastics and there are rubber bands. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably. Elastics often refer to the small, colorful bands that decorate each bracket. Elastics that connect top and bottom jaws are typically referred to as rubber bands. Whatever the wording, everyone needs some type of rubber bands or elastics when they have braces.
Braces are common but the maintenance of them and the reality of living with them every day can pose challenges from time to time. The following tools make wearing braces and Invisalign much easier so the patient can maintain a clean mouth and be as comfortable as possible during their entire treatment. Dare we say, they might actually enjoy the process?
Summer is right around the corner, and your teen is ready to enjoy all the freedom and fun the season is willing to deliver. Even though there is a great break from school and responsibilities, there is one thing that can’t be slacked on – taking care of braces. Here is a summer survival guide for kids who have braces, appliances, or Invisalign Teen.
