A Healthy Smile Is Important for a Great Overall Appearance

If your teen needs braces, he or she may be uncomfortable with the way that braces can draw attention to the mouth. Thus, you may be trying to find an orthodontic alignment option that your child will be more likely to accept without protest. Here are a few questions and answers about alignment devices to help you make the best selection from the options that an orthodontist may offer your teenager:

Are there orthodontic alignment options that are barely noticed when worn?

If your teen prefers a discrete alignment appliance, there are several options from which to choose. For instance, clear braces can be selected. Clear braces are conventional braces that have brackets that are made of dental ceramic instead of metal. They are difficult to notice on the teeth, because the ceramic is the same color as your child's natural enamel.

Lingual braces are also a popular option for people who do not want their braces to be noticeable. Lingual braces are made of metal, but they are placed on the side of the teeth that is not visible. Since the brackets of the lingual braces are adjacent to the tongue, the braces are not seen when your child smiles or speaks.

Clear plastic aligners are also discrete alignment options. The associated treatment plan includes multiple sets of aligners that are worn for a few weeks before being replaced by the next set in the treatment plan to progressively align the teeth.

Can a teen continue to play a wind instrument in the band with braces?

Most braces make it difficult for a teen to form his or her lips in the proper manner needed to play a wind instrument. However, because lingual braces are not on the front of the teeth, they do not hinder the lips' movements. As a result, a teen can continue to play in the band in the normal manner if he or she wears lingual braces.

If a teen loves his or her individual style, is there a way to make braces more fashion-forward?

By choosing clear braces with elastic bands of different colors, your teen can express him or herself in different ways. The elastic bands will show up clearly against the white backdrop of the clear braces. Teens can choose bright neon colors or even favorite team colors to decorate their teeth throughout their alignment process.

To learn more about orthodontic options that are suitable for your teen, schedule an appointment with a local orthodontist, like Braces Inc.