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Treatment For Teens

Personalized Orthodontics For Your Teen

At Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our orthodontists recognize that teenage patients have unique orthodontic needs. When it is time for your teen to get braces, we will make sure to find the exact treatment that will give them the best-looking, most functional, most efficient smile possible. Sometimes, teenagers need braces and rubber bands. Others prefer Invisalign® or clear braces. We will treat your teen individually because there is no one-size-fits all when it comes to orthodontics.

Teens

Braces! What Now?

There’s no need to be worried about getting braces. Braces today come in various styles, materials and colors, offering improved comfort, ease and even a touch of style compared to past braces. Three main factors will determine how long your teenager needs to wear their braces:

Braces Your Way!

At Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to help you find your best-fit treatment. That means that you can have braces your way! We provide various braces options, including:

Monitoring jaw growth allows for timely intervention if necessary, though not everyone requires early orthodontic treatment.

Treatment duration varies based on the severity of the issue and individual response to treatment. While one patient might complete treatment in 12 months, another might need 24 months.

Adhering to your orthodontist’s instructions and caring for your braces diligently can help speed along the treatment process. Remember to take care of your braces as much as possible, every day!

Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are a more discreet orthodontic treatment than traditional metal braces. They are a comfortable option, and the tooth-colored ceramic material means that they are less visible and less noticeable in pictures, making them a perfect choice for teens.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, Invisalign® for teens is the least visible option—it’s nearly invisible! It uses a series of clear aligners, also called trays, which you will switch out every couple of weeks. Invisalign® for teens is a perfect option if you play sports or a wind or brass instrument, as you can remove the trays for short periods of time.

Traditional metal braces are a tried and true orthodontic treatment. They are more durable than other options, and with today’s modern technology, they are more comfortable than ever before. They are also customizable, so whether you want clear rubber bands or you want to make a statement with different colors, you can change out your rubber bands during your treatment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT INVISALIGN FOR TEENS

What foods should you eat and which foods should you avoid when wearing braces?

At Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is for you to finish your orthodontic treatment as quickly yet effectively as possible. If you choose to go through treatment with traditional metal braces, it is important to be aware of what foods you eat. Certain foods should be avoided to prevent damage to your wires or brackets, which can be uncomfortable and will need to be fixed, which can slow down your treatment. However, there are still plenty of delicious food option to enjoy while you undergo treatment:

Foods To Eat

Soft cheeses, pudding, milk-based drinks

Soft tortillas, pancakes, nut-free muffins

Pasta, soft cooked rice

Soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats

Tuna, salmon, crab cakes

Mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans

Applesauce, bananas, fruit juice

Nut-free ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake

Foods To Avoid

Bagels, licorice

Popcorn, chips, ice

Caramel candies, chewing gum

Nuts, hard candies

Corn on the cob, apples, carrots

A woman holding a clear invisalign® plastic retainer
Wake patients smiling in dental chairs
Wake pediatric patient hugging stuffed monkey
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READY TO GET STARTED?

Smiles Crafted With Precision, Care And Expertise

When it comes to your family’s oral health, seeking the expertise of Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is a choice that ensures quality, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking pediatric dental care or orthodontic treatment for your family, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll experience professionalism, warmth and a commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.