What To Expect With Braces For Teens
Bridgeport, New Haven, Danbury, Stratford, Orange, CT
When your teen gets braces for the first time, they will take some getting used to, but you’ll soon realize that life isn’t much different. Our orthodontists will walk you and your teen through the whole process and ensure that getting used to treatment is a comfortable and pleasant experience that leads to great results.
At the first appointment, our team will take digital scans and X-rays and do a thorough oral exam to get a clear picture of how your smile and bite fit together. We use the results of this assessment to make a personalized treatment plan for you. This plan includes the length of your treatment, the types of treatment we recommend, the cost, and more.
Options For Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces have been used to help people for a long time. They use a series of brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by a thin metal archwire. This wire is what moves your teeth into place slowly and gently.
Clear Braces
Designed for discretion, the material is the main difference between clear or ceramic braces and metal braces. During orthodontic treatment, tooth-colored ceramic blends in with the patient’s natural teeth for a more natural look. They offer the same level of effectiveness, though they are less durable than metal braces. But if you can take care of your braces properly, clear braces may be a good choice for you!
Adjusting To Life With Braces
What is day-to-day life going to look like now that you have braces? Here’s a look into some of the biggest changes you need to be aware of:
Eating With Braces
When you have braces, you should be extra careful when you eat. Even though you may be able to eat most of the same foods you did before, there are a few things to watch out for. Hard foods like crunchy vegetables, hard candy, and ice can damage braces, so it’s best to avoid them. Sticky foods can also be problematic because they can get stuck in wires and brackets. This includes gum, caramel, and chocolate, among other things.
It’s important to also avoid chewy foods because they can loosen or break the wires on your braces. Pretzels, bagels, and licorice are all examples of chewy foods. Lastly, sugary drinks can cause cavities, so it’s best to drink water or tea that hasn’t been sweetened. Even if you have braces, you can still eat all your favorite foods with a little care. You just have to be conscious of these foods.
Oral Hygiene Routine With Braces
Even though braces have changed a lot in how they look and how they are made, they still need extra care and maintenance to stay clean. Our team will show you how to clean around the brackets and wires and give you the tools you need.
Patients with braces should make sure to brush below the brackets and wire to keep the gum line clean and carefully brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Feel free to ask our orthodontists what kind of toothpaste to use and how to take care of your braces in other ways!
Playing Sports With Braces
Braces are a part of life for a lot of young athletes. They can help fix problems with how the teeth fit together and stop further damage to the teeth. But braces can also be a bit of a pain, especially when playing sports. There are a few things you can do, though, to make it easier to deal with.
First, talk to one of our orthodontists about what kind of mouthguard would be best for you. They will be able to suggest one that will give you the protection you need without getting in the way of your braces.
Second, give yourself some time to get used to your mouthguard. It might feel strange initially, but it will get easier over time. If you’re having trouble with your braces, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our orthodontists at CT Braces will be glad to tell you what you can do to make the process easier. With a little work, you’ll soon be able to play sports with braces like a pro!
