Traditional Braces vs. Clear Braces for Teens

Clear braces for teens and traditional braces are two popular options for teenagers who need teeth straightening treatments. Braces are the first effective procedure for straightening teeth and have been used since the 1800s.

Virtually everyone on the planet grew up with someone who wore braces, and that is a testament to how effective these devices are at straightening teeth and addressing bite issues. However, there have been some significant improvements in dental technology in the past few decades, including clear braces and clear aligners.

Clear braces for teens and metal braces work using the same components, but the materials used to make them are different. Both types of braces can be used to fix a wide range of teeth alignment issues like:

• Overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Underbites
• Overbites
• Open bites
• Crossbites
• Crowded teeth
• Malocclusion

Choosing between clear braces for teens and traditional metal braces

Let us take a closer look at how metal and clear braces work to paint a clearer picture of their differences:

1. Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are orthodontic devices that push teeth into a better alignment by exerting force on them. They come with metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands that hold them together. A bracket is glued to each of the patient’s teeth, while wires are used to connect the brackets. The tighter these wires are, the more force they exert on the patient’s teeth.

Traditional metal braces are very conspicuous, which often leads to teens looking at other alternatives since children that age are highly conscious about their appearance. However, modern metal braces are smaller than their predecessors, and they can be customized with colors, logos, and symbols to suit a teenager’s style.

Metal braces are typically cheaper than clear braces and also more durable. Their main drawback is how visible they are.

2. Clear braces

Clear braces work similarly to how metal braces work but replace the metal components with more aesthetic ones. Instead of metal brackets, tooth-colored or clear brackets are used, while the wires are frosted to match the color of the patient’s teeth. Clear braces are less visible than metal braces thanks to this, making them the more popular option with teenagers looking for something less noticeable.

However, clear braces are more fragile than metal braces, so they are more likely to need repairs or replacements. They are typically more expensive than metal braces, and treatment times take longer since they do not exert as much force as metal braces apply on teeth.

Teenagers who opt for clear braces also have to make more alterations to their diet since they are more likely to be damaged during meals. People who wear any type of braces should avoid hard, crunchy foods and foods they have to bite into like corn on the cob. Ceramic braces are also more prone to staining than metal braces, so people who wear them should also avoid dark-colored foods and beverages.

Either choice effectively straightens teeth

Our pediatric dentist can help you to choose what type of braces work best for your teenager after examining their teeth for alignment issues and going over their preferences. Call or visit our San Antonio clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ucsmilesortho.com or call UC Smiles Orthodontics at (210) 672-1054 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.

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