Orthodontic treatment offers a lot of benefits, ranging from a beautiful smile and the confidence that comes with that to a reduced risk of dental issues later in life. In general, orthodontic treatment can sometimes be most effective, potentially giving greater results in a shorter amount of time, when it’s provided earlier in life.

However, when considering the idea of traditional braces, many often think of the downsides in the short term, the most notable being their visual impact. Whilst some people won’t mind the look of braces, it’s not uncommon for those wearing them to feel self-conscious, and this feeling can be particularly pronounced in teenagers who are already in the process of adjusting to the social pressures that come with growing up.

Fortunately, advances in orthodontic technologies mean that teens have more options than ever when it comes to orthodontic treatment, and some of these new options can be highly discreet. This reduction in visual impact avoids the self-confidence hit that comes with traditional braces, making the treatment process feel easier and removing one potential roadblock to addressing orthodontic issues at the ideal time.

The Basics of Braces

Traditional braces are made with stainless steel and are attached to the front of the teeth. They apply a constant pressure to the teeth which causes them to gradually shift into their desired position over the course of the treatment. Their stainless steel construction causes them to stand out against the teeth, but modern alternatives like clear ceramic braces or clear aligners (think Invisalign) can provide the same benefits without this drawback. To learn more about braces costs in Winnipeg, check out our other blog post.

Clear Ceramic Braces

These braces combine the strength of traditional wire braces with clear ceramic blocks. This clear ceramic is much more discreet than the steel used in other braces, making these braces much less noticeable and substantially reducing the effect they have on the patient’s smile.

Although they’ll still be noticeable if someone is paying enough attention, they are much less obvious than stainless steel braces and can often handle the same complex orthodontic issues.

Invisalign Clear Plastic Aligners

Invisalign clear plastic aligners for teens differ significantly from braces whilst still being able to address many of the same issues in largely the same way. Instead of braces being fixed to the teeth by an orthodontist, Invisalign uses custom clear plastic aligners that the patient can insert and remove themselves to apply pressure to the teeth.

These clear aligners are also very discreet, being virtually invisible when worn, and are removed for eating and brushing teeth, meaning that they can also feel more convenient than traditional braces. They aren’t an option in all cases, however,  often not being suited for more complex issues or pronounced malocclusions. With that being said, it’s always best to chat with your orthodontist to see what your treatment options are.

Lingual Braces

Sometimes referred to as hidden, inside, or incognito braces, lingual braces are made from stainless steel but are attached to the rear surface of the teeth. This means that they stay out of sight while they do their work.

Like the Invisalign plastic aligners, they may not be suitable for all cases, and they can lead to issues such as a temporary lisp. However, they’re definitely worth considering for the most image-conscious teens.

Taking The Next Steps

Whether you’re a parent wanting to understand your teenager’s options or you’re a teen concerned about your own smile, the next step is to make an appointment with an experienced orthodontist in Winnipeg.

Here at Rykiss Orthodontics, we have plenty of experience providing teens and adults alike with discreet and effective orthodontic treatments like those outlined above. You can contact us to find out more about how we can help you or make an appointment so that our experienced team can help you find your ideal treatment option.