Braces have come a long way in the past 20 years. In the early aughts, teens had to deal with clunky, one-size-fits-all braces with few options for personalization. Today, kids and teens can choose from a wide range of orthodontic treatments to find one that fits their unique needs and lifestyle.
Let’s explore some of the biggest changes in braces over the past two decades, from size to style to age of patient.
Size of Braces
THEN
In the past, metal braces used to take up a lot more real estate in your mouth. A patient’s mouth might feel stretched, which could lead to chapped lips and sore gums.
At the same time, many patients’ teeth could not be treated with braces alone. As a supplemental measure, they’d need to wear headgear to apply extra force on the jaws to correct bite pattern or jaw placement. Headgear from the early 2000s was bulky and uncomfortable. It was attached to bands on the patient’s teeth and wrapped either around the lower neck or the neck and head. While some patients wore headgear day and night, many patients only needed to wear it when they were at home. However, this setup could make sleep quite difficult for the patient.
NOW
Today, braces are much smaller and sleeker than in the past. This streamlined design makes the experience of having braces much more comfortable across the board.
While headgear is still used to address severe dental issues, it’s far less common. Headgear today is also thinner and more lightweight, making it much easier to wear or sleep in if you are prescribed the device.
Styles of Braces
THEN
In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, metal braces were the most popular choice for braces.
Colored bands were just becoming popular, which finally gave patients some control over the appearance of their braces. While invisible braces had been released, they were far more expensive than metal braces, making them a less common treatment.
NOW
Patients have several types of braces they can choose from.
Metal braces: The most traditional choice allows patients to choose their band color at every adjustment.
Clear braces: Similar in design to metal braces, these braces are made of ceramic and frosted wires. This white or transparent look allows the braces to blend into your teeth, making them also imperceptible from just a few feet away.
Invisalign: One of the most popular choices in recent years, especially for adults. The clear aligners are made from a proprietary thermoplastic material that is custom-made for your teeth. You can remove the aligners to eat or brush your teeth, and you’re given a new aligner periodically to gradually change the configuration of your teeth.
Not all styles of braces are a good fit for everyone. Your orthodontist will recommend which type(s) of braces would work best to achieve your healthiest smile.
Age of Patient
THEN
In the past, most orthodontists waited until a child’s adult teeth had come in before they determined if braces were needed. This evaluation was often completed around 13 or 14 years old.
NOW
Early orthodontic treatment is recommended by age 7. Using technology unavailable a decade ago, dental teams can identify potential tooth and jaw issues much earlier—when baby teeth are still present. They can then develop a treatment plan for the next several years that will address any current issues and prevent or lessen the impact of future ones.
For some, this may look like securing space maintainers at age 9 to preserve space for incoming permanent teeth. For others, their plan may be getting braces at age 12 to resolve underbite, overbite, crossbite, or jaw misalignment.
Trust Greeley Family Orthodontics for Your Teen’s Braces
Teens today are living in the golden age of braces. Teenagers are able to select the type of braces that best fits their aesthetic and lifestyle, whether that includes sports or marching band. At Greeley Family Orthodontics, we’ve been helping kids and teens feel confident in their braces for over 20 years. Let us show you what modern teen orthodontics could look like for you or your child. Reach out to us today.