Everything you need to know
We all know that straight teeth look nicer than crooked ones – and having an aesthetically pleasing smile can do wonders for your confidence. But, that’s not the only reason for straightening your teeth.
Well-aligned teeth are less likely to get damaged, they make chewing and biting easier and are more straightforward to keep clean.
Ultimately, it’s personal choice – but sometimes it’s useful to ask your dentist for their professional opinion too.
There are two main reasons why the teenage years are an ideal time to straighten your teeth:
Your bones are still growing
By 12 or 13, most children will have most (if not all) of their adult teeth – but, their jawbone and facial structure is still developing. This means that it’s an ideal time to try and adjust the position of the tooth roots rather than waiting until they are an adult.
Investment in your future oral health
Straight teeth are much easier to clean than crooked ones – and getting to grips with good oral hygiene at this stage in life can really stand you in good stead for the future.
It is common for plaque to build up between mis-aligned teeth, which could result in tooth decay, which can lead to more dental work being needed in later years.
Having your teeth straightened during your teenage years can really be a good investment in your future oral health.
Invisible braces are made of smooth, clear plastic, and – as their name suggests – are much harder to notice than metal braces.
We know that children and young people often get teased about the way they look – and having something new or different, like braces, can spark that off.
The great thing about invisible braces, it that they aren’t just harder to notice, they’re also removable.
Being able to remove them for short periods – for instance, for important photos, to play sport or to eat – can make a big difference to teenagers.
At Arnica Dental Care, we use a system called Invisalign Teen. Invisalign is the world’s most advanced invisible braces system.
You get a clear brace – we call them aligners – which is comfortable and removable. And, they are designed to correct teeth alignment.
Your aligners are custom-made for you. You receive two – one for the upper jaw and one for the lower. They work by gently and discreetly putting pressure on your teeth to align them. They can be used to close gaps, to straighten teeth and to correct overbites and underbites.
A new set of transparent aligners is provided every two weeks – and this means that the amount of movement, and the timing of that movement, can be much more carefully controlled than with traditional fixed braces.
Invisalign Teen is one of the Invisalign options we offer. They are specially aimed at our younger patients, as they have a clever design that allows for the eruption of new adult teeth.
Typically, treatment takes between 12 to 18 months, depending on individual circumstances. And, you’ll need to come in for regular check-ups – probably every 10-12 weeks or so.
© 2021 Arnica Dental Care and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England & Wales No: 478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS16 1GW.
